wireless router for cable modem

Coveredinbees!!!!

My Dad is on Virgin and wants to expand his network so he can plug his telly in to the internet so he can watch Iplayer on the TV. Everything is already built in to the TV so all he really needs is a router but after looking on Ebuyer there is such an array of different routers I don't know which he needs. The TV will be wired the wireless will just be used for connecting smart phone and laptop to the internet. I temped to just get a £25 one but will that do the job?

mcfisco

Has he already got a Virgin wireless router?
if not call them and they send you one FOC

=booboo=

or if there is difficulties etc, i used to use this when i was with virgin.. £14 delivered and will quite suitably do the job.

** cant post links as a newb, search for the below on play.com
Belkin F5D7230UK4 802.11g Wireless Cable/DSL Internet Gateway Router

daveys_2

You will need to consider how powerful the router is. ie is the signal strong enough to reach all areas of your house where you will use your phone/laptop.

There are 3 levels, G, G+, and N.

G will cover an average house, G+ a larger house, but it you have a large house, one (like mine) with thick walls, or you're likely to want to surf the web from the bottom of the garden, then you'll need one with an N rating.

Not knowing the size/age of your house, it's impossible to advise. However I'd be tempted to go for the most powerful on the basis it's better to have too much than too little, and the price difference isn't that great.

However made sure your router is password protected so that your neighbours aren't tempted to piggyback your Wifi...you don't know what or how much they could be downloading.

peteb23

I'm on virgin and use a NetGear WGR614v9 - if you can't get a free router from Virgin then you can pick these up on ebay for about a fiver. Works fine in a 3 bed semi (brick walls). I hardwire the TV, Bluray and PC and use the wi-fi for phones and laptops.

Coveredinbees!!!!

cheers I'll get him to ring up and ask or failing that probably any old router will do

Inner_Zone

Coveredinbees!!!! wrote: »

cheers I'll get him to ring up and ask or failing that probably any old router will do

Note it will restart his contract with VM.

Any old router will not do, needs to be Cable or DSL and not ASDL.

And avoid Belkin, they make great product but their routers are known to be dire.

I have the Netgear mentioned above, works fine.

Jnelhams

The Billion 7800N offers the best of all worlds, it's WIFI N and supports both Cable and standard Broadband, it's a good quality unit.

http://www.billion.uk.com/product/wireless/7800n.htm

peteb23

Just re-read your original post. Does your dad know he can watch iplayer via Virgin already without needing to connect his TV to the internet? Press the red button on any BBC channel or go to catch up tv from the Home menu. His telly probably also has some other internet gubbins like youtube (you'll need Virgin's Tivo box to get this via them) but Iplayer works fine.

roddydogs

Well, im a Virgin customer for more than 10 years, they wouldnt send me one (NEW customers only)!! but they would sell me a £17 router for £60, and warned me "If you do it youself we wont give any help if it goes wrong"
PS the Netgear £17 from Amazon works fine.

Coveredinbees!!!!

peteb23 wrote: »

Just re-read your original post. Does your dad know he can watch iplayer via Virgin already without needing to connect his TV to the internet? Press the red button on any BBC channel or go to catch up tv from the Home menu. His telly probably also has some other internet gubbins like youtube (you'll need Virgin's Tivo box to get this via them) but Iplayer works fine.

I don't think it can be available in our area at the moment unless it's connected to the broadband. He wants it connecting up anyway just to see what it does I think. :rotfl: