Router HAS to have two computers?

Hello,
does a router HAVE to have two computers hooked up to work? what Im trying to do is broadcast the cable connection thru a router so that my laptop can pick up in a different part of the house. I disconnect the laptop from the internet and try to find my network in the wifi locations available. when I see it listed, i click connect. it says it cannot connect, and then the wifi connection no longer apears in the list. all i want to do is use my laptop in another location of the house WITHOUT having to hook it up to another computer, i only have the one.