how to communicate 2 laptop via router

i have 2 laptop and 1 ASUS router 500G.

I need to communicate between 2 laptops via router.

i am confused here, how can i assign 2 laptop, 2 ip addresses in to the router and how i communicate over the router.

may be i am not asking the questions clearly, but , i just want to know,

1. how to communicate with 2 laptops (Linux OS) via router in Ad-Hoc mode
(both laptop has WLAN card)

2. If i have to assign a ip address, how i gonna do it

3. or, if i have to add route into route table, where and how i am gonna do it

one of my frind says, use ssh to connect the router and add the route on route table. is that right suggestions? how it can be done.

open suggestions are welcome.