Routers and Modems and cards and adaptors

dixie_dean_2

I know this whole topic must be the bane of this forum to people who have a clue what they are doing and therefore I apoligise in advance for yet another question. I have looked through all the sticky but the problem is if you know nothing at all, it's quite hard to understand what is what. To cut to the chase, I have a laptop and want to go wireless and I don't know what I need. Is a router the same as a modem? Do I need a combined wireless router and moedm? My laptop is definitely ok for wireless as I can connect to other networks - basically, what do I need? A wireless modem, router or both?

Thanks thanks, sorry thanks, sorry.

albertross_2

An adsl wireless router if you have a BT line, e.g. Netgear dg834G

A DSL/cable router if you have cable.

the router replaces the modem, and is usually connected with an ethernet cable, or wireless, rather than usb.

dixie_dean_2

Thanks, I feel like I'm getting somewhere. I have a bt line and my ISP is mad as a fish. So basically an adsl wireless router and thats it. Some eejit in PC world told me i needed a modem. I'm sure I'm the eejit, but maybe he is too? Thanks again.

albertross_2

Does your laptop have an ethernet connection, as well as wireless? (you have to use a wired connection to configure the wireless initially)

redmoorphil

Hi Dixie Dean,
Basically what you need will depend on your telephone provider.
I assume you already connect to the internet?
If you have cable telephone and internet access then you will need a wireless router and also a card in your laptop to communicate with the router - normally a small plug in card for a laptop.

If you have a BT line then you will need a wireless router with a built in ADSL modem. You will still need the card in your laptop.

PC world have quite a good offer at the moment for both types of packages so it may be worth checking out their site.

I bought a bargain package there last week - unfortunately I use an Apple Mac and I had to take it back because of incompatibility.

It took me days to wade through the info first to find out just what I needed to buy and what the differences were - good luck!

nickmack

OK, your laptop is wireless enabled, so we've passed the first test.

What exactly you need, depends on your Broadband setup.

If you have an ADSL connection (via your phone socket) then you need to consider an ADSL wireless router.

If you have a Cable Broadband (NTL/TeleWest) then you need a Cable wireless router.

A router is a piece of kit that enables you to share your broadband connection between wired and wirless computers. You use one Broadband connection and it 'routes' the traffic to and from the Internet to the connected PC(s).

With ADSL broadband, you are likely to have a USB modem, in this case I recommend you go for a ADSL Router Modem. This is a wireless router with a broadband modem built in. This replaces your old USB modem.

If you are not connected via USB , and your modem has an Ethernet (Network) connection, then you only need buy a wireless router (no built in modem required). However, you may decide you don't want an extra box and go for the integrated router modem instead for a few more pounds.

If you are on Cable, as far as I know, all recent cable modems have an Ethernet connection. You therefore only need a wireless Cable router. If by some chance you have an older Cable modem which connects via USB only, then you need a Cable Router with built in Modem. These are few and far between and usually cost more than the ADSL equivalent.

No doubt people will have recommendations of models when we know your set up.

albertross_2

http://www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk/Shop/ShopSearch.asp?CategoryID=80

dixie_dean_2

Thanks to all. I might actually get this sorted today after about 2 months of procrastination and putting it off! I'm pretty sure its adsl as its broadband through the phone with BT (though madasafish is the isp, like i say). I think the modem and the wifi "card" were included in the laptop and the ISP gave me a router I think that works wired up. So, if I'm reading it right I need an ADSL Router Modem? So maybe the bloke in PC world was right!

dixie_dean_2

Was just looking at Kelkoo for the netgear one and a lot of ones on ebay come up. Should I avoid this or is second hand ok? Thanks again.

albertross_2

do you have one of these?

http://www.madasafish.com/services/broadband/hardware/modems/voyager210.asp

dixie_dean_2

Sitting beside me now, yes I do.