Need help buying a wireless ADSL modem router

BigKisses

I have two computers and I would like both to be able to go online at the same time.I know that I need to buy a router but I'm a bit confused as to what to buy.

I would like to buy a wireless modem router and have been looking at the Netgear ones but what else do I need to buy to use with it?At the moment Amazon are giving away a free wireless USB 2.O adapter with the netgear routers. Do I need to buy a wireless usb 2.0 adapter for each computer or could I use leads for the PC that is close to the telephone line and just buy a wireless adapter for the other PC? Also should I buy the 54 Mbps version or the 108Mbps? Would I notice much difference speedwise? My ADSL speed is 2Mbps

Thanks in advance for any advise.

p.s Amazon prices are £66.89 for th e 54Mbps modem router with free adapter and £87.99 for the 108MBps with free adapter

Hunnymonster

Yes, a UTP lead for the PC nearest the router - shouldn't cost more than a quid for it.

Given that the bottleneck in web surfing is the 2M ADSL link, it's not going to make too much difference what speed your wireless LAN part is be it 11, 54 or 108M

rogerramjet

Most modem routers come with wireless access and also cabled access points.

I assume this is the one you want Netgear DG834G 54Mbps Wireless ADSL Modem Firewall Router with 4-port 10/100 switch

If it is, it comes 4 ports which means you can connect the router to your computer by cable (if you have a network card fitted) this one come with a cable so you can connect it straight away if you have a network card in a computer.

I'd set it up to cable one computer and use the USB wireless dongle in the other.

BigKisses

Cheers;)

How do I tell if I have a network card in my pc though.Is it something you buy as an extra or could it already have one?

StrikeEagle

Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> System -> 'Hardware' Tab -> Device Manager -> Under 'Network Adapters' do you see anything? if so what are the names you see?

You can buy them if you dont have one. About £10.

Also I wouldnt buy from amazon. I imagine you can get better deals from dabs.com or overclockers.co.uk

BigKisses

The only thing I have listed under "network adapters" is my Alcatel ADSL modem.

blinky

Could be disabled in the BIOS. Can you give us any details about the computer?

Network cards are dead easy to fit and dirt cheap too. Even Maplin sell them for £5.

1) Turn computer off. Turn off at mains but leave plugged in (so it's earthed)

2) Open computer up. You should see a number of white slots on the left hand side. The network card simply slots into one of these. (You'll probably need to remove one of the blanking plates).

3) Screw the card into place. Close up computer. Switch the mains and the computer back on.

4) Windows will detect the new network card and ask for the driver disk.

rogerramjet

If your system is under 3 years old it may have a built in network adapter

check this link and it's The second picture down http://www.ixbt-labs.com/articles2/mainboard/ecs-pf88-extreme-hybrid-sis656.html

The network adapter (RJ-45) is the bit that looks like a phone socket (but bigger) next to the coloured sound inputs.

If your board has one that looks like that then you will have a network adapter

ohreally

Why get a wireless router and then cable it up? You can pick up pci cards like this for around £14 http://www.pcnextday.co.uk/product_detail.asp?stype=5&productcode=3810-4215&group=EDIWIR&pgroup=NET (i know that ones slightly more,it's just an example). Laptop cardbus...http://www.pcnextday.co.uk/product_detail.asp?stype=5&productcode=3830-4020&group=EDIWIR&pgroup=NET

BigKisses

ohreally wrote:

Why get a wireless router and then cable it up?

There's only one PC that isn't near the phone line so if each PC needs an adapter that costs £30- £45 I'd save that amount of money by using a cable on the one thats near the phone line.But this is whatI was trying to clarify ie what exactly I need to buy.So far it looks like a wireless ADSL modem router with free USB adapter plus a network card for the pC I'm not using an adapter on.Can anyone confirm if I have this right?


rogerramjet,I can't get to the back of the PC easily at the moment but I'll try to have a look later.

Blinky,the computer is about 3 1/2-4 years old.I've never checked the specifications on the computer itself before and I'm pretty sure it was SUPPOSED to be a Pentium 4 2.0 with 512Mb RAM and 80 Gb hard drive but according to the computer info it's a Tiny Pentium 4 CPU 1700MHz with 256Mb RAM!!:think: How strange! Model number is AWRDACPI if thats' any help.

BigKisses

ohreally wrote:

Why get a wireless router and then cable it up?

There's only one PC that isn't near the phone line so if each PC needs an adapter that costs £30- £45 I'd save that amount of money by using a cable on the one thats near the phone line.But this is whatI was trying to clarify ie what exactly I need to buy.So far it looks like a wireless ADSL modem router with free USB adapter plus a network card for the pC I'm not using an adapter on.Can anyone confirm if I have this right?


rogerramjet,I can't get to the back of the PC easily at the moment but I'll try to have a look later.

Blinky,the computer is about 3 1/2-4 years old.I've never checked the specifications on the computer itself before and I'm pretty sure it was SUPPOSED to be a Pentium 4 2.0 with 512Mb RAM and 80 Gb hard drive but according to the computer info ON the computer itself it's a Tiny Pentium 4 CPU 1700MHz with 256Mb RAM!!:think: How strange! Does that mean Tiny conned me ? or could the computer repair shop have changed that when I had to have a new hard drive last year? Anyway,Model number is MYSISYS AWRDACPI if thats' any help.