Edubuntu and Wireless Internet Connection

[Ola Engström]

I'm experimenting w. Edubuntu 7.10 using vintage Compaq Deskpros (1999).
Installing up the server works fine. Booting the server into Gnome and
also booting the thin and only client goes just fine. 
When I attach and after starting the Server configure the wireless card
that connects to a wireless router that via an ADSL modem connects to
the internet trouble starts. The DHCP server on the wireless router has
been disabled.
After reboot of the server - it's not possible to bring up the Gnome
desktop. I get the "login beep" and then a light yellow-brown screen
similar to the famous blue one. I've found workarounds of sorts but they
are clumsy - to say the least:
A1. When the yellow-brown screen appears. Log in to a console and bring
down the wireless interface. When Gnome appears start a terminal window
and A2. use ifdown to bring the interface down once again A3. use ifup
to bring the interface up. And presto internet conncetions work. 
B1 Do A1 in rc.local instead and then do A2 and A3. 

Using ifconfig doesn't bring up the necessary routing table.

Suggestions for a better solution will be appreciated - naturally.
/ola