Wireless Adsl Argh!!!

SAVEMEAFORTUNE

Hi, i've tried not to write a wasteful post but having tried to research the rest of the forum i got a headache

I would like to go wireless. I don't have a laptop, a regular desktop. My phone line is in another room and i have an ugly wire running across the hall.
Talktalk provided me with a modem so am not sure that i need a "wireless unit" with a modem built in, HOWEVER to complicate things further i have an xbox 360 now downstairs which i would like to connect wirelessly. I now know i need to get an adapter for that, fine, but what should i purchase upstairs.

if i get a wireless router without a built in modem i dont understand how the xbox will "log on". If i get one with a built in modem do i chuck my other modem? Will it work with talktalk. Speeds? MAKE? COLOUR? TASTE?
Someone who could put themselves in my position and make an MSE decision for me would be amazing
Cheers

Nile

I think that the techie experts in the 'Techie Stuff' board will help you, so I'll move your thread across.

Hi, Martin’s asked me to post this in these circumstances: I’ve asked Board Guides to move threads if they’ll receive a better response elsewhere(please see this rule) so this post/thread has been moved to another board, where it should get more replies. If you have any questions about this policy please email [EMAIL="abuse@moneysavingexpert.com"]abuse@moneysavingexpert.com[/EMAIL].

Regards

Nile

mike_paterson

It depends what modem you have - if it is a USB modem (connects to your pc via usb) then you will really need a wireless Router with a modem. If it is an ethernet modem (connects to your PC with an ethernet network cable) then you will be able to reuse the modem by plugging it into a wireless router.

Either way they are getting cheaper now.

You should make sure you get one that supports at least 54Mbps (54G) and ideally it should have a firewall built-in.

Make sure that is is an ADSL modem router (and not a DSL which is for cable broadband)

I got an ex demo Linksys 54g Wireless Modem router for £27 delivered from an ebay seller recently when my other one died after a thunderstorm.

Chris_M_9

Hi there

Ok you quite rightly state you have 2 choices

1 Wireless router
2 Wireless modem with combined router

2nd item means you won`t have to use a second plug (might be worth considering)

both achive the same thing at the end of the day, only difference is obviously one has the two items built in.

Setting up shouldn`t be a problem at all if you go down the route of having a wirless modem with built in router as long as when installing the software for the modem you use you original username and password from talktalk.

As for the Xbox360 both the above setups will pickup your 360 no problem if you read the instructions ok.

On another note, don`t forget to setup private network (instructions will tell you how) otherwise any one close to your property will be able to log on to the internet using your connection. It sounds scary but once setup you`ll be secure.

It`s a personal choice really , but just remember that if you go with the router you`ll need to connect the modem to the router so you`ll end up with 2 boxes and plugs instead of 1.

Hope this helps without to much techie jargon.

Chris.

SAVEMEAFORTUNE

thanks very much for your posts. I've decided to go for a 2in1. My computer doesnt have built in wireless as far as i can tell, is this where a "dongle" comes in or does something normally come with the router.

What is the current "good deal". I use rpoints at the mo, but ebay sounds like it could be a good bet too

Last question (probably not ) why would a thunderstorm knock out something indoors.
Cheers!

everythingblogcast

There are only selected wireless routers out there that xbox live likes. Just look for the sticker of Windows Media Centre or XBOX Live. but most do, and if not upgrade to the lastest firmwire.

mike_paterson

SAVEMEAFORTUNEDOTCOM wrote:

thanks very much for your posts. I've decided to go for a 2in1. My computer doesnt have built in wireless as far as i can tell, is this where a "dongle" comes in or does something normally come with the router.

What is the current "good deal". I use rpoints at the mo, but ebay sounds like it could be a good bet too

Last question (probably not ) why would a thunderstorm knock out something indoors.
Cheers!

You will need a wireless card or dongle.

Lightning strikes can cause damage to electrical items inside the house which is why people often unplug their TVs.....

albertross_2

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


http://www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk/Shop/ShopSearch.asp?CategoryID=80

Chris_M_9

I`m with mike on the linksys

I also have a 54g (allthough mine has speedboost aswell)

Ebay have some good deals, although i got mine from (cough) pc***** complete with a dongle for £49.00 when it was on special

Although i had a belkin wired one before .

SAVEMEAFORTUNE

802.11g 11b? What's the difference.. What will work with xbox live and what won't

Ok i think i'm done now. There are loads on ebay, just waiting for a good one that comes with a pc adapter, "buy it now" for these is alot more expensive than auctions.

Cheers all for the help./

crox

I don't know which will work with x box but 802.11 comes in several flavours - a, b, g and n (n isn't fully ratified yet, but devices are out there). They all have different speeds and ranges.
b is quite slow somoe one will probably tell you the actual speed but top of my head 11 meg.
g is 54 meg - which is fast enough for most things, but not streaming high def video
n is over 100 meg
google will give you more accurate info if you need it.