What do I need to convert from wired modem to wireless?

Avoriaz

Hi, I have a Dell Inspiron 8600 laptop.

I currently use TalkTalk broadband using a wired USB modem. The modem is a SpeedTouch 330 USB powered model supplied by TalkTalk. I have another mains powered wired modem supplied by Talktalk that I have never used.

I am considering changing to a wireless connection to simplify the wiring hanging out of my laptop and to free up a USB port.

My laptop has an internal wireless adapter.

Do I just need a wireless modem or should I get a router? There will be one single user only. I don’t want or need to connect multiple computers.

What is the simplest and cheapest device I can buy? I’ll probably buy second hand on Ebay.

Do I need anything else?

I presume that I will need mains power for the modem or router unless they can use the power on the phone line. I do have a convenient mains socket.

I don’t need to worry about range as I will install the modem or router a few feet away from the sofa where I always use the laptop. I never use it anywhere else.

I normally get about 5 mps. I think I might get a faster speed if I upgraded my modem. TalkTalk tell me that my USB powered modem is not ideal for higher speeds and they have set my profile accordingly. Faster would be nice but is not essential. 5 mps seems fine for most of my usage. Slower than 5 mbs would be unacceptable.

Thanks

Browntoa

you just need a wireless modem , it will have its own mains supply

at the distance you are talking about for wireless you will not see any discernable speed changes ( in fact the laptop may run faster as its not having to power the old USB modem )

Donnie

Found this on ebay for just over £20.

Sent you a private message.

clickclash

Avoriaz wrote: »

Hi, I have a Dell Inspiron 8600 laptop.

I currently use TalkTalk mobile broadband using a wired USB modem. The modem is a SpeedTouch 330 USB powered model supplied by TalkTalk. I have another mains powered wired modem supplied by Talktalk that I have never used.

I am considering changing to a wireless connection to simplify the wiring hanging out of my laptop and to free up a USB port.

My laptop has an internal wireless adapter.

Do I just need a wireless modem or should I get a router? There will be one single user only. I don’t want or need to connect multiple computers.

What is the simplest and cheapest device I can buy? I’ll probably buy second hand on Ebay.

Do I need anything else?

I presume that I will need mains power for the modem or router unless they can use the power on the phone line. I do have a convenient mains socket.

I don’t need to worry about range as I will install the modem or router a few feet away from the sofa where I always use the laptop. I never use it anywhere else.

I normally get about 5 mps. I think I might get a faster speed if I upgraded my modem. TalkTalk tell me that my USB powered modem is not ideal for higher speeds and they have set my profile accordingly. Faster would be nice but is not essential. 5 mps seems fine for most of my usage. Slower than 5 mbs would be unacceptable.

Thanks

If you call up talktalk they might provide a wireless router and software for you for free as part of their service, worth a try.