Routers

doshsaving

I need to buy a router for my uni flat. There will be five connected computeres, pretty constant high usage. Obviously we want as cheap as possible; we'll only be using it for 9 months.
Wireless is probalby better because the flat is on two levels, but I've heard it's less reliable. Is it possible to plug computers into a wireless router as well as having it wired? That way my housemates cld have wireless, and control freak internet-obsessed me could have a wire - cld this work?
Where is good to get a cheap router, which is best, and how difficult is it to set up a network?
Many thanks.

stevemcol

Netgear dg834g works well for me. Plug in up to four PCs and lots of wireless devices.
Easy to setup and very reliable.

A_Nice_Englishman

There's everything you could want to know about setting up a home network here

Minimum contract period is usually 12 months, though there has been talk of NTL offering students 9 month contracts.

Yes, it is possible to have wired and wireless connections to a wireless router.

Toxteth_OGrady

A_Nice_Englishman wrote:

Minimum contract period is usually 12 months, though there has been talk of NTL offering students 9 month contracts.

A large number of ISPs offer 1 month contracts.

Ideally you'll need to get an unlimited bandwidth connection otherwise you'll end up arguing who has to pay if you exceed your monthly cap - it can be difficult to monitor who's used what on the LANside of the router.

:cool:

TOG

albertross_2

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

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

A_Nice_Englishman

Toxteth_OGrady wrote:

A large number of ISPs offer 1 month contracts.

TOG

Without up-front or exit charges? I have a friend who I'm trying to get to sign up for broadband but he doesn't want to sign a 12 month contract

Toxteth_OGrady

Yep. Although if it's a new account there may be a connection charge.

:cool:

TOG

Toxteth_OGrady

There's 32 ISPs listed here offering 1 month contracts.

:cool:

TOG

doshsaving

Have alreayd signed up, thanks, with NTL, my question was really about the hardwear with the 5 computers and best router to buy. Thanks.

doshsaving

sorry will make my question clearer.
We have NTL broadband so just need a router.
We have five computers which need internet access.
One computer will be plugged into the router; the rest (4) wireless.
We need reliable access but want cheap. Which is best?! Thanks

albertross_2

You are going to get a different answer from everyone, any of these should do the job, my preference is netgear.

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

If there are a lot of walls between the rooms, a mimo router might give you a better signal.