No, not for the REMOTE. All remotes, regardless of vintage, are the same (I know, I have and use all vintages.). Rev L TIUs have a USB port; earlier TIU versions do not. If you do not have a Rev L TIU, you have to purchase an USB-serial adapter to connect the WIU to the TIU. Ask on the forum for some makes & models that work; I don't have one handy to give you that info.
I strongly recommend putting the wifi aside and getting the layout up & running with the remote; fewer possibly sources of issues.
Personally, I prefer the remote because I can watch trains and find it easier to use when I have 4-5 trains running on intersecting routes.