If for instance i buy a lynksys n router, or any router does it have to have the same make desktop card to function properley? As long as the card is the same type as the router e.g. router - 802.11n, card - any type as long as its n.
As Trizoy said, any wireless that is 802.11A/B/G will work with each other, because they have set standards. However Draft-N and Pre-N most likely wont, but once 802.11n becomes finalized, all "N" products will be compatible.
belkin havent got a n1 compatable card for my router at the moment and i went on their website. It told me to get a g+mimo one and at the moment its working a treat.