a bit of advice re: setting up wireless from TalkTalk broadband

ellives

Hi

My Mum has TalkTalk broadband and I would like to set her up with wireless.

I will need a router that is compatible - I have a linksys wireless-G WRT54GS router that I could use IF it is compatible with TT?

I havent done this for 4 years or so when I rigged my house up with my VM cable broadband and am a little rusty - so any tips on making this less painful also gratefully received.

I'm hoping it is going to be a case of running the CD wizard........

Thanks in advance.

Forris

It doesn't have to be compatible if you use the wireless router as an access point. Take the ethernet cable from the TT modem (the one that normally goes to the PC) and plug it into the WAN socket on the WRT54GS. Hey presto - wireless access!

I've just talked a ludite friend through this procedure and it worked first time.

ellives

Forris wrote: »

It doesn't have to be compatible if you use the wireless router as an access point. Take the ethernet cable from the TT modem (the one that normally goes to the PC) and plug it into the WAN socket on the WRT54GS. Hey presto - wireless access!

I've just talked a ludite friend through this procedure and it worked first time.

Hi

Why the WAN and not one of the four ports?

I was looking a this site for info http://lifehacker.com/software/wifi/geek-to-live-set-up-a-home-wireless-network-162754.php and so I'm a bit confused?

macman

It will certainly be compatible, but TT will not support any router not supplied by them. If she has been on TT for a year or so, or is near or out of contract, I suggest she gives them a call and says she has a new laptop or something, so needs to go wireless, as a loyal customer can they help her with a free wireless router? Usually they'll do this and supply it FOC, or for the postage cost.
I don't know what router they are supplying now, used to be a Netgear but last one I saw was a Huawei.
I don't think you can connect the Linksys direct to the current TT modem, as that is a USB connection (assuming we're talking about the old Speedtouch modem).

ellives

macman wrote: »

It will certainly be compatible, but TT will not support any router not supplied by them. If she has been on TT for a year or so, or is near or out of contract, I suggest she gives them a call and says she has a new laptop or something, so needs to go wireless, as a loyal customer can they help her with a free wireless router? Usually they'll do this and supply it FOC, or for the postage cost.
I don't know what router they are supplying now, used to be a Netgear but last one I saw was a Huawei.
I don't think you can connect the Linksys direct to the current TT modem, as that is a USB connection (assuming we're talking about the old Speedtouch modem).

when you say will not support, do you mean wont work or wont be supportedif there is a problem?

As my mum is elderly(?) and 150 miles away, what should she be looking for when I ask her to identify/describe the modem - btw I think she has been with them a short time only?

she also suggested that she has spoken to TT and they had given her the impression one could purchase a router for £30 from CPW?

macman

I mean, any ADSL router is compatible, but if she has problems then TT will not offer technical support unless it's one of their models.
I'm now slightly confused, because you say she has only been with TT a short time-but TT have been supplying wireless routers on all new BB accounts for at least a year now, The USB modems are obsolete. Just ask her to describe the modem/router and read any writing on it (try on the base), most TT USB modems are the newer Speedtouch 330 (small black box). If it's a USB connection, most likely it will be a Speedtouch. Or if she can use a camera phone, get her to send you a pic,
The only router CPW sell at present is the Netgear at £80, I don't see anything at £30 unless they do some sort of concession for TT account holders. Or you could buy a Netgear DG834G or similar on eBay for about £25.
Why don't you get her account/security details and ring on her behalf asking for the freebie? What's to lose?

ellives

macman wrote: »

I mean, any ADSL router is compatible, but if she has problems then TT will not offer technical support unless it's one of their models.
I'm now slightly confused, because you say she has only been with TT a short time-but TT have been supplying wireless routers on all new BB accounts for at least a year now, The USB modems are obsolete. Just ask her to describe the modem/router and read any writing on it (try on the base), most TT USB modems are the newer Speedtouch 330 (small black box). If it's a USB connection, most likely it will be a Speedtouch. Or if she can use a camera phone, get her to send you a pic,
The only router CPW sell at present is the Netgear at £80, I don't see anything at £30 unless they do some sort of concession for TT account holders. Or you could buy a Netgear DG834G or similar on eBay for about £25.
Why don't you get her account/security details and ring on her behalf asking for the freebie? What's to lose?

Hi

I spoke to her this morning - her modem is connected to her desktop pc with an ethernet cable.

She is approx. 6 months into the contract.

She described the modem as a slim white box approx 6" x 4" - it only has TT written on it and nothing else.

Strange she didn't get the router when she started the contract?

I think I will set up the Linksys router but in the meantime see if I can order a router from TT with a discount?

Is this the one you refer to? http://www.carphonewarehouse.com/buy/NETWIRELESSADSLGPLUS#bottom

The Ebay option - if I get an identical router to the one TT supply (but cheaper than TT will supply) will they know to NOT support it as it isnt one of theirs?

Thanks for your help by the way - much appreciated.

EDIT:

Well, I've done some googling and I think what she has is found here:
http://www.kitz.co.uk/isp/talktalk_connection.htm the SmartAX MT882

The plot thickens as it is described as a modem/router...not sure it is?

Here it is in the clours described my Mumsy! http://www.huawei.com/products/terminal/products/view.do?id=121

macman

So we have established that what she has got is a TT supplied Huawei MT882 router. TT call it a modem router because it's a router that also contains a modem... This is a wired (non-wireless) router that can connect by ethernet or USB.
Yes the CPW one is what I was referring to, this is probably OTT for what she needs, she just needs a basic 'G' wireless router, that one is a 'draft-N' which is why it's much more money.
TT will support any device that is on their recognised list, which are usually the ones they supply or have supplied in the past-you don't need to actually have purchased it from them.
Sorry but I'm now confused about why your Mum needs wireless? If she is connected by ethernet at present, then I'm assuming that the modem/router is quite near to the desktop PC? From your OP I was wrongly assuming that she has a wireless laptop or similar and that's why she wanted to go wireless. If an ethernet connection is possible then it will always be faster and more reliable than wireless.
If you do want to connect the desktop PC wirelessly then you will also need a USB wireless adapter or PCI wireless card to make the connection-assuming the PC is not already wireless enabled.
PS: I'm not sure if you can connect the Linksys router and use the modem side only in the TT box. It will physically connect, as there is both a USB and an ethernet socket on the MT882, but I don't know how you would disable the router side of the MT882. Maybe someone else on here can advise.

ellives

macman wrote: »

So we have established that what she has got is a TT supplied Huawei MT882 router. TT call it a modem router because it's a router that also contains a modem... This is a wired (non-wireless) router that can connect by ethernet or USB.
Yes the CPW one is what I was referring to, this is probably OTT for what she needs, she just needs a basic 'G' wireless router, that one is a 'draft-N' which is why it's much more money.
TT will support any device that is on their recognised list, which are usually the ones they supply or have supplied in the past-you don't need to actually have purchased it from them.
Sorry but I'm now confused about why your Mum needs wireless? If she is connected by ethernet at present, then I'm assuming that the modem/router is quite near to the desktop PC? From your OP I was wrongly assuming that she has a wireless laptop or similar and that's why she wanted to go wireless. If an ethernet connection is possible then it will always be faster and more reliable than wireless.
If you do want to connect the desktop PC wirelessly then you will also need a USB wireless adapter or PCI wireless card to make the connection-assuming the PC is not already wireless enabled.
PS: I'm not sure if you can connect the Linksys router and use the modem side only in the TT box. It will physically connect, as there is both a USB and an ethernet socket on the MT882, but I don't know how you would disable the router side of the MT882. Maybe someone else on here can advise.

Thanks macman.

I am going to give her a laptop to use in addtion to the bedroom based desktop, hence wireless notions!

Will find the list of approved routers (see it somewhere recently) and ewill acquire one of these, once I hav exhausted TT as a provider (in time to set up on Friday).

macman

Ah, all is clear now. The list of TT approved routers is on this link
http://www.talktalk.co.uk/help/questions/TEC_02_18
Of these the Netgear DG834G is widely available, loads on eBay at £20 ish, a good basic wireless router. Or try somewhere like Maplin. But as mentioned in the link make sure it is version 3 onwards due to firmware probs with V1 and V2.
I doubt if TT will do it free if she's only 6m into contract-but no harm in asking.

ellives

macman wrote: »

Ah, all is clear now. The list of TT approved routers is on this link
http://www.talktalk.co.uk/help/questions/TEC_02_18
Of these the Netgear DG834G is widely available, loads on eBay at £20 ish, a good basic wireless router. Or try somewhere like Maplin. But as mentioned in the link make sure it is version 3 onwards due to firmware probs with V1 and V2.
I doubt if TT will do it free if she's only 6m into contract-but no harm in asking.

Thanks for your support - I will report back once all is well.