Wireless router

PACH

Can somebody recommend a good and reasonably priced wireless router. Two laptops need to have access to a 1 GB NTL Broadband modem. Is is fairly easy to set these up? What about stopping other users in the area using this router?

rogerramjet

Pretty easy to set up all come with idiot proof instructions use either WPA or WEP for security, again this is easy to set up...don't worry to much if you hear WEP is not as secure as WPA, there is the ability to hack both and although WEP is easier to hack, even the software available isn't easy to setup

With regard to routers, it depends a lot on recomendation. I've a Belkin router/modem which works well, however, the model I have doesn't like WPA with Dell laptops and Belkin have admitted there is a problem. Tescos have a pretty good deal on wireless routers...check the grabbit board for details

davels

Netgear! Go with them.... check this board over the last couple of days, I've discussed wireless routers a fair bit...

grumpyoldgit_2

ALDI is worth a look they had wireless routers in the Barnsley branch yesterday for less than £60

GoG

Chippy_Minton

PACH wrote:

Can somebody recommend a good and reasonably priced wireless router. Two laptops need to have access to a 1 GB NTL Broadband modem. Is is fairly easy to set these up? What about stopping other users in the area using this router?

Netgear DG834G. Easy to set up and well supported etc. For wireless security, enable MAC access control list, and WEP or WPA encryption. See http://kbserver.netgear.com/kb_web_files/N101379.asp. Again, easy to configure this.

fatnbald

PACH wrote:

Can somebody recommend a good and reasonably priced wireless router. Two laptops need to have access to a 1 GB NTL Broadband modem. Is is fairly easy to set these up? What about stopping other users in the area using this router?

Important you need to know if your existing modem has ethernet - check the manual.

If there is no ethernet on it then you need a wireless / broadband modem / router.

If you have a modem with an ethernet connection (RJ45) then you only need a wireless router and not one with a built in modem. (much cheaper)

Do a search on Ebay for a Netgear MR814 it is a 11Meg wireless access point and also has 4 x 100 meg wired ethernet network points. (no modem)

There is a guy in manchester who has a job lot of brand new ones with USB adaptors thrown in that are going for 16 - 25 quid in the auctions. I got one off him and have had no problems.

It is an 11meg Wireless access point which for distributing ADSL is more than quick enough. If you want to set up a full wireless network between the PC's then one of the later faster ones is probably better but more expensive. It's easy to set up and does exactly what it says on the box.

For a combined wireless modem router the Netgear DG824M / or DG834M are options.

I am netgear biased cos I have been using them for 3/4 years now with no problems at all and find the set up interface easy to use. There are plenty of other makes and models around.

Don't get suckered into getting the latest faster wireless kit just for distributing ADSL - it's overkill, standard 802.11b wireless spec (11 Meg) is more than adequate and usually a lot cheaper.

AJ

wolfman

True although in terms of manufacturing 802.11b is meant to cost roughly as much as 802.11g so there isn't usually a huge difference in price for the components. And with broadband getting faster, you may as well just cover the small difference and go for 802.11g.

It might be worth checking if the Amazon deal is still working for the Netgear DG834GT. £53 for a 108mbps wireless router/modem and a wireless card. You can't beat that. Check on Uk Hot Deals. Got one for my parents it was such a good deal.

The advice about checking your current modem is good. If you do have an ethernet port (not usb) on it, then I'd recommend the KCorp KLG-575 router. It's only £40-45 and is currently on the PC Pro A-List. A brilliant piece of kit, not had a single problem with mine.

PACH

Thank you all for your quick replies and help.
The NTL modem that was installed has both USB and RJ45 connection. At present I am connected directly using the USB port. All this is at my daughter's flat that she shares with another student. The two of them will share the cost of the wireless option so I am looking for the best option at a reasonable price that will be compatible with the NTL setup at 1MB speed.
I presume that you connect the wireless router via the USB or RJ45 to the modem, configure it and then both of them will be able to connect to the internet wire free. Is this correct?
If you have any web sites recommendations, I will apreciate this. I am not an Ebay user.

wolfman

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0007N6ZI6/202-9693388-6055017

The above would be my recommendation, although Amazon are quite pricey. I got mine from the Savastore for £43 although they don't seem to have it anymore.

Also, have a look on https://www.ukhotdeals.co.uk, then go under the Amazon section and have a look at the Netgear DG834GT offer for £53. It's a brilliant offer, great bargain if you can still do it.

Lally

wolfman wrote:

True although in terms of manufacturing 802.11b is meant to cost roughly as much as 802.11g so there isn't usually a huge difference in price for the components. And with broadband getting faster, you may as well just cover the small difference and go for 802.11g.

It might be worth checking if the Amazon deal is still working for the Netgear DG834GT. £53 for a 108mbps wireless router/modem and a wireless card. You can't beat that. Check on Uk Hot Deals. Got one for my parents it was such a good deal.

I got that, and Im buggered if I can get it up and running

bunking_off

One question in the context of advice for you to buy a combined modem/router. When you say you're an NTL customer, are you a customer in one of their franchise areas (ie service is on a cable modem) or on NTL over a BT line (ie service is DSL)? Depending which, if you were to go down that route a different type of modem/router combo will be required.