Need advice on a 5.1 satellite setup...

[takearushfan]

Hi all,
I have a very nice 5.1 setup. Unfortunately, it's wired. In addition, my room and desk is arranged in such a way that I have to confine the Fronts and Rears to the same area, as well as the Center and LFE. With the 5.1 work I'm trying to do, it's very necessary that I can clearly hear what I am or am not doing properly in regard to the Surrounds. However, since my speakers are "squished" together, the sound coming out of the Surround channels might as well be coming out of the Fronts. Poorly worded, but all I mean is that I can't distinguish between the Front and Surround channels. Though, while pondering what to do, a light-bulb went off: A satellite setup!
I did some research and I hate to admit that (once again) I'm lost. There are some products that get rave reviews and others that are rated terribly... some that are of a reasonable cost and others that are outrageous.
Now, I have no idea how such a setup even works. Obviously you place the speakers wherever you want. Ideally, the Fronts, Center and LFE would pretty much remain where I have them now, but I'd (of course) need to mount the Surrounds behind me.
Some questions. Is there a guide out there that can give me a detailed explanation of how a 5.1 satellite setup works? Or, can one of you fine people explain it to me? For instance, what plugs into where? And what's this "noise" issue I've been reading about? It sounds a bit discouraging. It'd be a great "pro" to have the Surrounds behind me, but I don't want to shell out cash for something that'll create noise. Albeit, I don't know what various reviewers mean by the term. And what about receivers? I'm assuming I'd need something like that.
All in all, in your opinions, is it worthwhile to make such a purchase? On the one hand, I hate having this wired connection, limiting my Surround capabilities. On the other hand, I don't want to dive into a purchase and find out that I've wasted my money.
Sorry for rambling. I greatly appreciate your input.
Thanks,
Justin

EDIT - I thought I should add that I have no intent of using such a setup as a home theater system. This is merely for my bedroom. I don't know if that'll help in provided advice.