Since there are a limited number of cable providers I am guessing that you have an Ethernet connected cable modem ?
Perhaps a Webstar or Motorola product from Mr. Branson's outfit ?
If so, you simply need to purchase a wireless router that is not meant for ADSL or in other words telephone line Internet access - no need for that part.
I.e. it does not have a modem built in.
The router products generally available are also hubs - I.e. have network ports in order for you to connect other devices.
They are extremely reliable.
Some of the Netgear wireless routers seem favoured by some ISPs - I use one on my cable connection. A simple matter of moving the Ethernet cable from the cable modem to the router instead of having it connected directly to the PC. Then use the previous PC-modem cable to connect to the router to configure. After that you go wireless.
I like the Netgear routers, I do not like their range of internal wireless cards or their Technical Support.
Most important points to be aware of ;
Your ISP will probably not support anything beyond your cable modem. Therefore, if you have connection problems you may need to reconnect your PC directly to their cable modem for diagnosis in the event of problems.
If you buy a wireless router off the shelf don't assume it will have the latest firmware installed. Sometimes a quick firmware upgrade will solve a problem - both on the wireless product and the PC. If you have a fairly modern PC/motherboard the PC shouldn't be an issue.
Secure your wireless network as soon as possible;
- change the default login to the router
- don't broadcast the SSID
- set up a list of 'known' MAC addresses in the router
- use encryption on the wireless connection, WEP or preferably WPA/WPA2,
use as long an encryption key as your equipment will support
- keep an eye on the log in the router to see if anything is getting in that
you are not aware of
As Keef has said - good speed can be achieved on a wireless setup. Positioning of the router and structure of the building are the main criteria.
High up and central are generally the idea. Routers don't like glass too much but then how many of us have glass walls !!
At the end of the day your connection to the Internet is unlikely to be more than 8M so if you acheive a 11M wireless connection between your PC and the router the limiting factor is your cable connection.
Yes, there is some latency over a wireless connection and a router but it is minimal and you will probably not notice it.
Hope that helps.
Do come back and ask more questions - there's a wealth of info on here and we are always happy to assist.