Which wireless router?

itgoodson

Hi All

Can someone give me some advice re. my TalkTalk broadband service

I'm just about to sign up for it (I know - it has been riddled with problems, but I'm going for it nonetheless!) but I'm not sure whether to go for the £29.99 modem they offer.

They say it is ADSL+2. But I'm new to broadband, so I don't know if this is what I need, or if it is a good price.

But my real question is about wireless broadband. Now, i know I'll need a wireless router instead of the one TalkTalk offer. I've been looking at ebuyer.com to see what is available, but there is so much choice! I have read on that site about the new wireless-G. They have a modem on there (http://www.ebuyer.com/product/103185/product_info/rb/21739414705) with this, but it is also bacward compatible with Wireless B (802.11b). Should I get a modem with Wireless-G?

Basically, can anyone tell me of an inexpensive wireless router and wireless card for my laptop that will work well with TalkTalk broadband.

Sorry for all this - i hope it makes sense to someone, and that someone can help!

Thanks. Ian

espresso

Yes the 802.11g (54Mbs) is backward compatible with 802.11b (11Mbs) but the link in your post is a wireless access point with a 4 port switch i.e. it does not contain a modem, therefore you could only use that if the modem has an Ethernet port to connect to. What you require is an ADSL wireless router and these are made by many manufacturers link Netgear, D-Link, Linksys etc. Personally I would avoid Belkin, as you don't seem to be able to download their manuals before making a purchase. There is loads of info in the Sticky at the top. I don't see any point paying them £29.99 for a modem!

itgoodson

What about buying the Belkin Wirless-G kit that includes the USB adaptor as well as the modem/router for £55 from TalkTalk? I can't seem to see it cheaper elsewhere.

Thanks for info on needing a joint modem and router piece of hardware - it dawned on me after I put my initial post up!

espresso

It's entirely up to you but personally I don't like Belkin or USB for internet connections! Now that you know what you need, I'm sure that you will find a good deal somewhere.

albertross_2

Whatever you get, make sure you encrypt it with wpa, and turn of ssid broadcasting.

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

If your laptop has wireless built-in, you don't need the usb adapter.