To begin with, the PS2 Network Adapter is a must-have! As many of the other reviews have stated, chimps could walk through the ISP set-up. As long as you've had no serious head trauma that day, you'll be fine.
Let's move on to an easy way to set up a wireless network. When I decided to go online, I knew that I didn't want 100' of CAT5e cable running through my house. Unfortunately, no one had any decent online ideas on how to set it up. So, here's the true story of my wonderful little wireless home network.
First, you're going to need a wireless router. I purchased the Linksys BEFW11S4 and I've had no problems at all. It was very easy to connect the 2 desktop computers and the PS2. The BEFW11S4 uses the 802.11b wireless standard. (If you don't know what this means, that's ok....just make sure you purchase a wireless ethernet bridge with the same standard, but I'll get to that).
Secondly, you'll need the above mentioned wireless ethernet bridge. I used the Linksys WET11 and the bandwith is superb. (It also uses the 802.11b wireless standard, so it'll work just fine with the BEFW11S4.) Some people knock it in their online reviews, but for online gaming it is more than adequate. There's NO WAY you'll need anymore bandwith playing online than what the WET11 offers. Basically, this little devil plugs into the wall by your PS2. You then run some network cabling (CAT5e) from the WET11 to your PS2 and BAM, you're almost there.
Almost there...you'll have to add the WET11 to your home network, but it's also quite simple installation. The BEFW11S4 will auto-detect the WET11 if it's powered up. Then all you have to do is run through the rather brainless ISP (Internet Service Provider) setup.
TAA-DAA....you're done! Now go pickup Madden 2003, or SOCOM and get playing!
(All products mentioned in this review are available here on Amazon and I suggest you get them here. I did MASSIVE comparison shopping when I set this up in October 2002, and Amazon. had the best pricing...)