do you need to install the aol software for broadband?

topdollar

Im planning to use the Netgear DG834GT router for aol broadband. Do i need to install the rubbish AOL software or can i just get the router to log me into AOL by getting it to remember by username and passwords.

Thanks

espresso

I'm not an AOL user but as the router will be making the connection, I don't see why you would need to install the AOL nannyware on your PC.

Hopefully someone can confirm this.

skiddy2k

espresso wrote:

I'm not an AOL user but as the router will be making the connection, I don't see why you would need to install the AOL nannyware on your PC.

Hopefully someone can confirm this.

^^^^ confirmed!

asharon

i use aol and don' use the software. you can even set up outlook for the email, which i had but then forgot how to when i reformatted my hard drive. or just use the web access. you just click start menu, go to connectiosn and set it up there. There is a web site that tells you exactly, I will have a look for it.

highet

i use my own router (safecom 43108) to connect to aol and dont use their software - i just told them i had one of their supported routers when i migrated so i got a monthly contract - only problem is their customer service - in india ( which when i have tried to use it has been absolutely appalling) - if you are not using one of their ''supported devices'' they will refuse to give you any help at all even if you know the problem is nothing to do with your modem or router - also note that there is no support for routers on silver package as you are not supposed to use it for networking
highet

FREDY_2

can you use wifi and networking on aol silver

highet

i can confirm you can use router for home networking/wifi on silver package - have used both safecom and netgear routers - but aol will not provide any support if you have a problem - but as their cs is a joke thats no great hardship

intel

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=155841

novice-saver

I am on AOL silver and have gone WiFi (unsupported by AOL) quite recently.

I got a Netgear WG834GT, for a good price from PC World as mentioned here on the "Quick - grabbit while you can" forum. But it kept disconnecting after a few hours use, and needed a re-boot or power cycle to resume.

I took it back and got a WG834G (V2), which looks identical, but:
only has 54Mbit WiFi,
didn't have the USB dongle (WT111 ?) either...

however it has worked for weeks without issue.


Be aware your password is limited to 8 characters with the router log on, and it (probably) needs to be the "master screen name" that you use.

Use a tool called "DrTCP" and change the MTU to 1400, or you'll have odd problems with some sites.

When you've got it running, at the very least, change the password in your router.

Consider NOT broadcasting the SSID, or change it from the default so anyone finding it doesn't know (easily) what brand of router they're dealing with.

Think further about unwelcome access -
restrict the "wireless station access list" by MAC address,
and encrypt using WEP, or better still one of the WPA options.

It's one thing to offer free access to anyone who can use it, with, or without your knowledge, but if it's something nasty your ISP will have it logged against you.


Take care.


============added later================


AFAIK the following are the correct UK settings for a Netgear ADSL modem/wireless router with AOL as the service provider.
It works reliably for me.

The router settings are easiest done with a wired connection to the router, then type

http://192.168.0.1

into your Web browser, and in the router prompt box which appears type in the default words from your installation leaflet.


Basic Settings

require a log in - yes
encapsulation PPPoA
yourname@aol.com
password (8 characters max, and the same as the one you've probably forgotten)
timeout 0
internet IP address - get dynamically from ISP
DNS Address - get dynamically from ISP
NAT - enable


ADSL Settings

multiplexing method VC-BASED
VPI- 0
VCI - 38


Wireless Settings

SSID - nameofyourchoice
REGION - Europe
Channel - 11
Mode - g&b

Wireless Access point - tick
Allow broadcast of name - tick (only while you're setting up)

Wireless Station access list
you can add known available ones to the trusted list,
then turn on access control.... But I've just read that MAC address filtering security is a waste of effort.. http://www.grc.com/sn/SN-011.htm


Then encryption settings -
if all your wireless kit is Netgear, encryption seems easy enough to set up with WEP, as the keys at all locations are generated from a word of your choice, but you can still copy and type in the ten hexadecimal characters of the key(s) into any other make of WiFi device.
I'm out of my depth with WPA-PSK, as one of my devices doesn't support it I've no experience of setting it up.


In the "Maintenance section" on the left is where you change the password, and also save the settings when you're all set up.

Also here at the bottom of the router status section is "show statistics" and "connection status" which give "up time", and lots of other technical data.


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