Which wireless router?

FTB83

Hi

I haven't been on this board before but I'm finally taking the plunge and getting broadband. I'm going for Tiscali 2mbps which comes with free connection and modem, but we'd like to get a wireless router aswell and wondered which is the best value? I have heard that you can get good ones for around the £40 mark but after a look on dabs.com, I honestly have no idea what I'm looking at (different speeds, connections etc). I have had a look through this forum and am still a bit confused as to which might be a good buy.

Our broadband will be via adsl.

Can anyone help at all?

FTB83

Chippy_Minton

What is the make and model no. of the free modem? If it's one of these USB modems - http://www.tiscali.dslshop.co.uk/modems.asp - then make sure the wireless router has a USB port - most don't.

Rather than buying a separate wireless router, you'd be better off with a combined 'wireless ADSL modem router'. These have speeds of 54 Mbps, 108 Mbps or 125 Mbps - a lot faster than your ISP of 2 Mbps. The speed is only significant if you copy large files between computers on your own network: the faster the speed the quicker the file will copy.

Don't forget your PC or laptop must have a wireless adapter (either built in or a separate adapter) to be able to communicate with the wireless router.

I can recommend the Netgear DG834G, currently available from Amazon with a free USB adapter for £56.56 and free delivery - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Netgear-Wireless-Firewall-Router-4-port/dp/B0000TZ8Z8/sr=1-1/qid=1157706189/ref=sr_1_1/202-8760152-5415819?ie=UTF8&s=electronics

There are cheaper modem routers around but the Netgear one is excellent and very popular (check the reviews on Amazon, ebuyer, dabs etc.) and therefore there is masses of support for it on the web.

FTB83

Hi Chippy_Minton

Many thanks for your reply. I am not sure which modem it is - I have just ordered broadband over the internet (using Quidco for £10 cashback) and there were no details. I think we should receive the equipment within 14 days, so as soon as I get the modem I'll check it.

The Netgear one sounds great especially as it is combined modem and router and also comes with the adaptor. The write ups are really positive aswell.

Massive thanks for your help :T really appreciated.

FTB83

Chippy_Minton

Being free, it's likely to be the cheaper USB modem. Sell it on ebay for a fiver or keep it as a backup.

FTB83

Good idea - that's an extra £5 towards the NetGear! (I'd probably just lose it if I tried to hold on to it for backup anyway)

Thanks

:beer:

albertross_2

Whatever you get, make sure it is an adsl model (not the cheaper cable/dsl). The dg834Gv2 or 3 is a good choice, and if you get it, here is how to make it secure:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=2471408&postcount=37

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=2471410&postcount=38

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=121274

superscaper

I've used the dg834g for a couple of years now and it's very reliable and I'd certainly recommend it as well.

slowen

I purchased the linksys wireless through PC World for £39.99 and the normal price is £79.99 and also came with a wireless card for a laptop

No problems so far

espresso

slowen wrote:

I purchased the linksys wireless through PC World for £39.99 and the normal price is £79.99 and also came with a wireless card for a laptop

No problems so far

Isn't that a cable router? i.e. no use to the OP.

:eek:

slowen

espresso wrote:

Isn't that a cable router? i.e. no use to the OP.

:eek:

No it was the ADSL wireless router, forgot to mention it in my post