We are looking to buy a wireless router and i have a few questions about it.

Will the wireless router conflict with a cordless phone?

How safe are the wireless routers? I've heard that people can steal internet and hack the wireless easier. Is this true?

And last question, If someone else has a wireless router in my neighborhood will my wireless router conflict? Its a pretty tight neiborhood.

Thanks

I don't own a wireless router (I use ethernet), but I know a little about what you are asking about.

Speed:
802.11b (Wi-fi) - 11mbps
802.11a - 54mbps
802.11g - 54mbps

802.11b & g transmit at about 2.4Ghz. Most cordless phones can change "channels" and shouldn't conflict. 802.11a broadcasts at 5Ghz, very few phones use this frequency.

You should look for a router that supports WAP encryption. This will help keep unwanted computers off of your network. You can also allow only specific MAC addresses onto the network, so it is even more difficult to get in. The method for applying these measures varies by manufacturer.
However, security is not a major concren, unless you are storing sensitive information on your computers. Most people who sneak onto Wi-Fi networks just want to get some free, anonymous 'net access.

Wifi routers are smart and can change frequencies to avoid interference. The signal can reach up to 100m , depending on it's environment.

I hope this is somewhat helpful.

If your computers are reasonably close (close enough so you don't have to wire through the ceiling & floors) you may want to consider an ethernet (wired) network. It's cheap, fast, reliable, and secure.

If your computers are farther apart, you may want to consider phone-line (using telephone jacks) or power-line networks (using power outlets) to share your 'net connection without additional wiring.

See this PCWORLD article about the pros and cons of various networking strategies.

Thank you very much. That was very helpfull. We are hard wired right now buy we want to add a few lap tops so we want the wireless and we still want the 4 ports. Thanks again