(UK only) I need to know if a standard broadband modem can easily be made wireless?

Question

I got the standard broadband modem from TalkTalk but I would like to somehow convert it to allow my laptop to connect to it wirelessly. Is it possible to add something or would I be better to stump up for a wireless router?

Answer 1

You need a wireless router (or access point). The network cable from your broadband modem connects to the router and the router will allow wireless connection to your laptop (they usually have a few wired network connection sockets as well).

I bought a Belkin router from PC world for around £50 and it is pretty reliable (but you can get cheaper ones) see link below.

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0103863642.1172015201@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccfiaddkemhhfelcflgceggdhhmdgmk.0&page=Product&fm=13&sm=1&tm=3&sku=538536&category_oid=-24988

Before I got this I had a Netgear travel wireless adapter (model wgr101) that cost £28 from PC world but they seem to have discontinued this model now.

After using both I found that the Belkin has better range and is just as easy to set up.

Answer 2

You can get a wireless access point and plug it in to your broadband box ( not technically a modem but never mind ;-) ) or you can get a wireless broadband router ( has the broadband bit as well ).

I'd go for the second option ( less to faff about with ), but check out the prices and see what's around, there doesn't seem to be much difference in the price of each.

Answer 3

the modem in question i am familiar with and unfortunately you cannot convert this into a wireless
this is because manufacturers havent bothered to make a device such as a add on to a modem to convert it to wireless as they expect the average user just to upgrade the modem to a wireless modem
this is also the problem with free broadband,talk talk are allready taking a loss by supplying a router with the package,they get their money back with the phone package
your 2 options are first to purchase a wirless router,these can be bought for less than £40,much cheaper than if you had to rent it or buy it from a isp
a good choice is the buffalo airstation(http://www.misco.co.uk/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=213006&CatId=0) a good buy at less than £25
also you could also a buy a bt open zone card and then go to a hot spot but this is really unrealisitic unless you are going on holiday and in a airport
good luck

Answer 4

If prefer a connection only on your place then you definately will prefer a significant computing device a computer will paintings the appropriate. only purchase a instantaneous modem and connect on your instantaneous modem and the laptop and the foremost modem when you this insert the disk featuring the instantaneous modem and do what's says to do. in case you only prefer instantaneous information superhighway then you definately will could call or e mail a close-by information superhighway provider on your section and you're able to purchase a card from them.

Answer 5

USB wireless Bluetooth and a wireless network card should do it. Ask a sales assistant at the PC shop.

Good luck