Deciding on a router...

nalibz

greyster wrote:

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
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.

thanks greyster(as always!)

as im using 6 computers and they'll all be using the same wireless router does you(or anyone else) think its worth paying a bit extra for the netgear or going with the "just as good" linksys? and i take it that the linksys you quote above does not need any extra external devices to make it work with cable..

greyster

I would get the linksys ... its capable of handling a lot more than 6 users.

The only benefit the netgear will offer is faster file transfer times in your house only i.e. transferring a song from laptop a to b in 5 seconds as opposed to 10 seconds and even that's based on getting a good signal.

Your broadband connection is slow compared to the speed the linksys can transfer a file (in house), I wouldn't worry - it's more than capable.

You don't need anything more for the linksys with exception to the modem, supplied by the cable provider.

BTW - its the cheapest item in the CABLE ROUTER section of PC World.

albertross_2

I posted the link to the Netgear wireless to explain mimo,, the mimo ones cost a bit more because of the better range.

normal ones are cheaper..

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

ask 5 people which one to get, and you'll get 5 answers.. they should all work, but you'll only find out when you try it unfortunately..

espresso

greyster wrote:

I would get the linksys ... its capable of handling a lot more than 6 users.

The only benefit the netgear will offer is faster file transfer times in your house only i.e. transferring a song from laptop a to b in 5 seconds as opposed to 10 seconds and even that's based on getting a good signal.

Your broadband connection is slow compared to the speed the linksys can transfer a file (in house), I wouldn't worry - it's more than capable.

I agree and if you go to the Linksys site you can download the User Manual to see exactly what you would be getting before you buy.

greyster

albertross wrote:

ask 5 people which one to get, and you'll get 5 answers.. they should all work, but you'll only find out when you try it unfortunately..

I agree I just picked the cheapest model I could find from the top brands today.

PS nalibz - you probably know this now but just incase. You will definitely have two pieces of kit ... the cable modem and the wireless router. Forget the concept of just one, thats for the lucky ADSL users who can get a modem and router in one box.

Fortunately you're only paying for the router, as the modem should be supplied by the provider.

nalibz

so greyster...

if i get that linksys one then i'll need to get a seperate modem from the cable supplier..

would it not be easier just to spend a little bit more and get an integrated modem box?

sorry about all the questions..

greyster

Hi Nalibz, you may have missed the post #26.

I'm sure the providers will give you a modem. I have yet to see a UK shop sell a cable modem. There is no demand to sell them if all cable providers hand them out for free.

Because of this, there are no cable integrated modem/router boxes either. You are pretty much stuck with the two box strategy.

As I said in post #26, the BT Telephone Line/ADSL broadband users can buy ADSL modems from anywhere, as well as integrated modem router devices ... but you can't :P Consider it the downside of cable broadband although there is no additional cost involved

I would not worry, they are tiny things, and the cable will be supplied to connect the two devices.

espresso

nalibz wrote:

so greyster...

if i get that linksys one then i'll need to get a seperate modem from the cable supplier..

Yes they will supply the modem.

would it not be easier just to spend a little bit more and get an integrated modem box?

You will have a job finding a combined cable modem/router. The different cable operators supply either a set-top box or a separate modem. These have a USB and an Ethernet port. You simply need to link the modem to the wireless router with the Ethernet cable.

sorry about all the questions..

No probs.

nalibz

greyster wrote:

Hi Nalibz, you may have missed the post #26.

I'm sure the providers will give you a modem. I have yet to see a UK shop sell a cable modem. There is no demand to sell them if all cable providers hand them out for free.

Because of this, there are no cable integrated modem/router boxes either. You are pretty much stuck with the two box strategy.

As I said in post #26, the BT Telephone Line/ADSL broadband users can buy ADSL modems from anywhere, as well as integrated modem router devices ... but you can't :P Consider it the downside of cable broadband although there is no additional cost involved

I would not worry, they are tiny things, and the cable will be supplied to connect the two devices.

sorry greyster, i missed your edit on post #26.

thanks for that explanation, it all makes perfect sense to me now!. I was looking to buy one box for both but since thats impossible i might as well just go for the linksys as its unnecessary to pay for an integrated modem when i wont even be using it..

if ive got the wrong end of the stick above please let me know.. i'll contact telewest to see if they provide the modem and i've now reserved the linksys router(£37.51) you recommended.

Thanks everyone for all your help

greyster

You got it right.

I can confirm telewest do provide a modem. Ref:
http://www.telewest.co.uk/websales/service.do?id=2
"Includes: Modem"