help requested about getting wifi router to use with VM broadband (M), etc

catalina66

Hiya :-)

I got an ipod touch given, but have to go out if I want to use wifi ... mobility problems, and ending up that can only use ipod fully when need to go out, and have to find a McDonalds! I've been with VM since ntlworld days, for at least 11 years ... have already got reduced bill (I only use broadband, the upgraded to 10meg package ... no phone or anything else) ... wondering about whether can call them about free wifi router ... if not, which router I could buy that would get me wifi ... looking at £12 Belkin one on amazon, but no idea if I could just set that up myself, if VM don't need to be involved in any way ... http://www.amazon.co.uk/Belkin-Wireless-Router-Transfer-F5D7234uk4-H/dp/B003BIEOP0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1300978595&sr=8-2 ... but then costs me up to £10, ironically,to even call retentions, as I use payg mobile and don't have landline! So if I can just buy a £12 one that's easy to set up myself, seems a better idea. But can I just do that, no expensive calls to VM etc or them needing to be involved?

Would much appreciate advice.
Best regards, Cat

PS I'm too honest to use my yukky neighbour's wifi, although I'm asked if I want to join ... want my privacy as well as a clean conscience, but, if I do buy a wifi router now, I don't want them being asked if they want to join my wifi ... so I need to ask about how I can password protect my own wifi as and when too.

PPS I can't get to see my bill details etc on VM's new site, says am not main account holder, no matter what I try (saw on google to try old email address, but tried that AFTER telling VM to use new one, so was a bit of a no hoper anyways, but gave it a go just incase!)

gaming_guy

....................

d123

The router in the Amazon link will work with Virgin, any router designated as a cable modem will be fine.

catalina66

gaming_guy wrote: »

Avoid the rubbish vmdg280 netgear router that they supply with 10mb connections. I've had nothing but problems with it and a few bits of the networking stuff that it should handle (Wireless and DHCP) have now been placed on other devices as the router couldn't last a few days without crashing and requiring a reboot when they were turned on.

Also, forget internet radio when using a VMDG280's wireless connection and an ipod touch as it stops every 30seconds or so. The 'solution': turn off the firewall. I ended up rigging up my old netgear dg834g as an access point as it provided better range and the internet radio played fine without me having to disable the firewall

Hi gaming_guy and many thanks for advice. Great to know the router VM supply isn't that great anyways ... glad your old router works fine and no faffing on with firewall ... purely based on price, I'll need to go for the Belkin, but if I have any problems with that, great to know a definite router that you've said is fine. Really appreciate.
Many thanks, Cat

catalina66

d123 wrote: »

The router in the Amazon link will work with Virgin, any router designated as a cable modem will be fine.

Hi d123 and many thanks for advice ... got the link up across the top, so will get it ordered later on ... with reading around they seem to have a good name generally, so will look forward to ordering and to wifi!
Much appreciate.
Best regards, Cat