Wireless Router?

Question

At present I connect to my broadband provider (talktalk) with the USB modem they provided. I want to do away with the USB modem and go wireless so I can get a econd PC in the home to connect to the internet and also file share. What kind of router do I need? Obviously it needs to be a wireless router (don't want trailing wires) but does it need to be a wireless modem router or can I get away with just a wireless router?

Answer 1

with talk talk you will need a wireless modem/router to go wireless, i would suggest going with netgear, i use their stuff and think its exellent, depending on the size of your house will depend which router you will need, i suggest a dg834gt, or a dg834pn rangemax, you can get both these in pc world with a free usb wireless adapter included, they are both the same price so i recommend the dg834pn rangemax as it has superior coverage distance and better encryption although either is more than good enough

Answer 2

Most wireless routers have 4 wired ports as well.
The major brands are Linksys and Dlink.
Most routers are good.
If you are adding wireless network adapters - either pci or usb try to match the brand of the router to the cards.
Easier setup, faster speeds and if you have problems tech support cannot tell you it is the other makers product and screw off,
Big box stores have wireless routers on sale all the time as a draw to get people with more than one computer ( kids got the newer computer ) into the store to sell them a new computer , accesories and extended warranties.
Watch the ads and sales.
Do not let them bamboozle you with speed numbers .
The numbers are all fantasy island.
All that matters is that the wireless card can be installed ( has the device drivers or install disk ) for your computer.(s).
XP /2000/ME/98 are not problem.
Microsof Vista is
For vista you most likely have to buy the newest (N) ( read expensive ) wireless network cards.
Wireless wi fi uses the same frequencies as standard cordless phones - they work together fine
Goes 300 feet indoors , 1000 feet outdoors.
Speed falls rapidly after 30 feet.
Even an older lowly "b" router goes way faster than the intenet.
You most likely will get g ( a souped up b) wireless router and cards

The most important things about wireless internet at this point in time are

1) router should be placed high and in an uncluttered area
2) change the channel from the default 6 to anything else
1 and 11 are first picks. Neighbors signals ( on the default channel 6 drift in ) You will have a wireless signal but no intenet
3) If you have problems unpug both the router and modem.
Wait a minute. Reboot your computer and plug in.

very useful home networking program

www.networkmagic.com

Answer 3

Let's first define a few things.

A modem is the terminal device usually provided by the ISP. It interfaces with the phone or cable feed and ends in an ethernet port.

A router has a wide area network (WAN) port which connects to the output of the modem. It also has at least 1 local area network (LAN) port. Many home grade units have 4 LAN ports. When you want to connect more than 1 pc to an internet connetion you will need a router.

Some routers also use unlicensed radio waves to link LAN pcs to itself. These are called wireless routers.

Now some ISPs will provide a modem that is integrated to a wired router (usually 4 wired ports) and some also offer a wireless router integration. Some ISPs do not offer any router.

Usually wired routers use Ethernet not USB to link to pcs and most people see Ethernet as more stable.

Check your modem. Does it have an Ethernet WAN port? I suspect it does but it may not be in use. If it does not have an Ethernet WAN port, get one that does. First contact your ISP as they may exchange without cost with an integrated modem - router.

If they only provide a modem with Ethernet Wan port, get a wireless router. There are several makers of household grade routers which are ok for home use but not for business use.

Carefully follow the diretions for install and be sure to use all the security setps they call for or hackers will invade.

If you need more help with specifics when installing, write with the detailed questions.

Answer 4

Hi forget most of your current answers and go with the 2 answers above.

Before talk talk you will have had a bt line no doubt. You definately need a modem router and if your current modem is usb then I doubt it has an ethernet socket on it. Most routers are ethernet only and do not have a usb socket for the modem.

Buy a netgear dg834G version 2. That's what I got, had it for over a year and it's perfect. Cheapest place I seen was is as the link below and it comes with a usb adapter for a second pc if you need it.

If you need a hand setting it up drop me an email although netgear instructions are spot on.

Answer 5

hi there
go for the netgear dg834g router .with this router you dont need a separate modem its inbuilt to it and its very economical as well .the other benefits are its great technical support ,easy to use interface design (jus sit and click next .next......) to be precise to set up wireless key its very easy than other make routers .
best of luck

Answer 6

ANY WIRELESS ROUTER SHOULD DO, GAT AN ADSL ROUTER IF YOU DONT HAVE CABLE AND AWAY WITH TALK TALKS CHEAP USB MODAM
IF IT IS FOR A PC COMPUTER NOT A LAPTOP YOU WOULD NEED A WIFI DONGLE THIS WOULD ALSO WORK WITH A LAPTOP OR PCI CARD FOR PC. A DONGLE IS THE EASIEST YOU JUST PLUG INTO A SPARE USB PORT A PCI CARD HAS TO BE INSTALLED IN TO THE PC ITS SELF UNLESS ITS WIFI WIRELESS ALREADY.....!!!

Answer 7

Just a wireless router and use it with your modem, which you will still need.