I personally use a Linux box with 2 network cards as a firewall/router/server. I didn't really need affordable wireless routers, so I settled on this simple access point that added wireless capabilities to my home network. I was a little apprehensive about installing it on XP, but everything went smoothly. You should say "yes" to unsigned drivers, but everything installed fine, no driver errors. However, you need to set up this device from a Windows computer via USB. Once you set up the hotspot, you no longer need to connect it via USB. They should have built some documentation into the software, but that's pretty much self-explanatory. Don't forget to set the encryption to at least 64 bit. Also don't forget to set 4 keys! Just type in a few numbers and write them down so you can do the same on a network-connected computer.
MikroTik RB941-2nD RouterBoard hAP Lite: Affordable 2.4GHz Home Access Point
71 Review
MikroTik Dual-Concurrent Access Point: hAP ac Lite RB952Ui-5ac2nD-US
79 Review
๐ถ High-Performance MikroTik hAP Mini RB931-2nD: Small 2GHz Wireless Access Point, 3x 10/100 Ethernet Ports, 650MHz CPU & RouterOS
24 Review
MikroTik RBcAPGi-5acD2nD-US: High-performance Dual-Band 802.11ac Access Point
35 Review
๐ CERRXIAN RS232 to Ethernet Serial Device Server - TCP/IP Converter with 1Port DB9 RS232 Serial to Ethernet Connectivity
3 Review
HB-UMLS Sabrent USB 2.0 Hub with 4 Ports and LED Power Switches for Each Port
12 Review
UGREEN USB 3.0 Ethernet Adapter Hub with RJ45: Fast Gigabit Ethernet Converter, 3 Ports USB 3.0 Hub Compatible for MacBook, iMac, Surface Pro, Chromebook, Laptop, PC
11 Review
๐ USR-TCP232-410s: RS232/RS485 Serial to Ethernet Adapter/IP Device Server with DHCP/DNS Support
4 Review