Netgear

kenns

I have been offered a netgear DG834GT so I can use a laptop away from the desktop, could someone help me to get or give me the advice I need about a router, and what they do I'm not quiet sure

intel

http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/r/router.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Router

gunneradt

kenns wrote:

I have been offered a netgear DG834GT so I can use a laptop away from the desktop, could someone help me to get or give me the advice I need about a router, and what they do I'm not quiet sure

put quite simply an adsl modem/router (which the dg834gt is) will connect you to the internet and allow any number of pcs/laptops to connect to the internet through it either wired or wirelessly. They have a built in firewall and they will also allow you to share files and printers across your network. If youve more than one pc it is the best route to go.

You will need a lan connection on your pc to connect to the router (wired). Laptops are best used wirelessly.

kenns

thanks so i dont need nothing else. i can just plug this in and sit at my laptop upstairs

gunneradt

as long as you means of connecting wirelessly via your laptop - either inbuilt wireless in the laptop or a usb or pcmcia wireless adapter.

intel

As long as your Laptop has someway of communicating with the router
like a wireless card like this http://www.misco.co.uk/productinformation/~45128~WW~/Wireless%20on%20the%20go%20with%203Com.htm

wolfman

When you say "offered" do you mean free or at a good price?

It's an ok router, although can be very problematic. A thread worth reading (if you have time!) is:
http://forum1.netgear.com/support/viewtopic.php?t=2361&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0
With nearly 16,000 views and 1,000 posts it shows a problem that hasn't yet been fixed for everyone.

I don't get the problem myself, but have found the router sometimes decides to completely cut off all wireless connectivity, only fixed by a reboot. And sometimes gets slower and slower until you browsing even slower than dialup, again fixed by a reboot.

Not everyone suffers from these problems, but if you're playing percentages it may be an idea to check other products. Any router will have some sort of problems, it's the support that gets them fixed. Sadly, Netgear seem to be releasing more firmware updates for the older DG834G than the DG834GT, despite it needing them.

The DG834G version 1, is a solid router by the way.

kenns

Is the DG834GT, much different than the one I've been offered, if so what is the difference

Chippy_Minton

kenns wrote:

Is the DG834GT, much different than the one I've been offered, if so what is the difference

The main difference is that the DG834G, if that's what you meant, is 54Mbps and the DG834GT 108Mbps; therefore the latter is twice as fast. However those theoretical maximum speeds only apply between computers on your own network, and then only if you have compatible wireless adapters. So you might choose the DG834GT if you do a lot of big file transfers between your computers.

The thing which limits your internet throughput is your broadband connection speed which, at 512Kbps, 1Mbps or 2Mbps etc., is far slower than these devices.

gunneradt

weird - ive tried many routers (dont ask how many belkins ive been through) but this one has been up and running for me with no reboots since last August.

albertross_2

You need to setup encryption, otherwise your neighbours will be able to use your connection, and talk to your PC, and sniff your emails. Some info on how to do it here:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=142390

and in the wireless sticky thread.

If you haven't already, also make sure your laptop is patched with windowsupdate.