Losing net access when desktop is shut down

Not sure if this a feature, an error, or a config problem.

I have a Netgear WPN824 router hardwired to a desktop. I also have cable connected to 2 other ports in the router. I used the desktop to set up the router. Whenever I power down the desktop, I cannot connect to the web wirelessly. Physically, the wifi led is not flashing, so I assume that teh wifi is shut down. However, I can still connect to the net via hardwire thru the router.

Did I miss something in the setup or is this supposed to happen?

thanks

c