Deciding on a router...

theCapt

err just to mention again the d-link router I posted about requires a external modem, so will be no good.

On WiFi it is possible to have up to 30 Wireless connections but really you want to be running a maximum of at least half of that.

Remember you will need to buy compatible technology to be able to use the speedboast technology.

One last thing, because of the way that WiFi works the data tranfer speed is actual half what it says it is and also the connection at any one time is either recieving or sending data and cannot preform both at the same time. Wired LAN doesn't have these pitfalls, worth bearing in mind.

albertross_2

All you need is a cable/dsl router, and wireless cards or dongles for any non wireless PC's that aren't close enough to wire.. Forget about the modem.

http://www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk/Shop/ShopSearch.asp?CategoryID=65

http://www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk/Shop/ShopSearch.asp?CategoryID=269

espresso

theCapt wrote:

err just to mention again the d-link router I posted about requires a external modem, so will be no good.

Why when Telewest provide a modem?

On WiFi it is possible to have up to 30 Wireless connections but really you want to be running at least half of that.

Surely it depends on the speed of the connection and what the users are doing while connected?

Remember you will need to buy compatible technology to be able to use the speedboost technology.

Good point as most laptops with built in WiFi won't have any advantage with a speedboost technology router.

nalibz

albertross wrote:

All you need is a cable/dsl router, and wireless cards or dongles for any non wireless PC's that aren't close enough to wire.. Forget about the modem.

http://www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk/Shop/ShopSearch.asp?CategoryID=65

http://www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk/Shop/ShopSearch.asp?CategoryID=269

which one would you recommend of those you have linked to? it seems as though its a bit of a waste of money going for the speedboost technology and maybe something different instead..

unfortunately its just not a possibility for wired LAN for us really so i think we're gonna have to go for wireless..

and once again thanks everyone so much for taking the time and effort to help me!!

ps.whats the difference between MIMO and 54bps?!

albertross_2

mimo is better for longer range and older houses with thick walls.

54Meg is fine (It's far faster than your broadband speed, and will be for the forseable future, so the 108/pre-n stuff is pointless unless you want to transfer files between PC's. The standard has still not been ratified, which is another reason not to jump on the speed bandwagon.).

I haven't used any cable ones, so can't comment based on experience, but I have installed and maintained loads of ADSL routers, and find Netgear to be the most reliable and easy to setup. They also look nice. That is my personal preference, but all brands should work out of the box.

Whatever you get needs to be setup properly, especially with so many wireless users in the house, make sure you encrypt it, and use tools like netstumbler to avoid wireless interference issues.

theCapt

understand your need for WiFi rather than wired, I am the same.

regarding espresso's comments, it may be possible to use the modem that telewest provides with the d-link router I posted about but this isn't 100% sure they'll work together, better to be on the safe side. regarding the amount of connections 30 connections can be connected regardless of what a user is doing on each connection, but as a rule of thumb the more users connected results in slower response times as well as slower data tranfer speeds.

and nalibz I am glad I can put my knowledge to use, been a while since I gave it a work out.

theCapt

albertross wrote:

mimo is better for longer range and older houses with thick walls.

54Meg is fine (It's far faster than your broadband speed, and will be for the forseable future, so the 108/pre-n stuff is pointless unless you want to transfer files between PC's. The standard has still not been ratified, which is another reason not to jump on the speed bandwagon.).

I haven't used any cable ones, so can't comment based on experience, but I have installed and maintained loads of ADSL routers, and find Netgear to be the most reliable and easy to setup.

mimo is slightly different to normal WiFi.

normal WiFi can only recieve or send on a signal at any one time, where MIMO can do both with in reason.

albertross_2

http://www.netgear.com/Products/RoutersandGateways/RangeMaxWirelessRoutersandGateways/WPN824.aspx

nalibz

albertross wrote:

http://www.netgear.com/Products/RoutersandGateways/RangeMaxWirelessRoutersandGateways/WPN824.aspx

ok, i think im going to go for this one... http://www.savastore.com/productinfo/product.aspx?catalog_name=Savastore&product_id=10281237&pid=45&tid=2

if anyone has any objections or other recommendations please raise your arm now!!

ps. just to confirm again..the above netgear router will work with telewest cable?!:)

greyster

nalibz - you won't find a router on PC World with an integrated cable modem, just integrated ADSL modems. Which aren't what you need.

Even the old routers from a few years ago are still several times faster than your internet connection, therefore you don't need to worry about getting the faster one.

Linksys WRT54G
£37.51 on PCWorld.co.uk
£59.99 instore.

This seems to be a good deal that I have found today. Try and order online and pick up instore to save delivery charge on top.

OR

MSI 54mbps Wireless Broadband Router
https://www.ebuyer.com
£34.69 inc delivery (super saver delivery).

Use quidco at both PC World or ebuyer.

You really don't need to pay that much for networking gear. The manufacturers are just updating their models every 2-3 months and keeping prices high.