Recommend me an ISP and router.

[ScottC]

I currently have free home broadband bundled with my mobile phone package. The lag at peak times is driving me nuts:angry: so i've decided to cancel the broadband and go with another ISP.

 

I don't have cable in my area and I'm not interested in any package deals (internet/cheap phone calls etc). Just looking for a good reliable service that I can use for gaming, works at peak times and if possible with no contract.

 

So as the title suggests can you recommend me a provider?

 

Quite like the sound of this, with the no contract option. Does this sound like good value?

 

And while I'm on the subject what router would you people recommend?

 

Cheers

[Scott]

The one you have linked seems reasonable if it does what it says on the tin. The free downloads from 12-8am is particularly good.

 

Why not give them a call and see if they can trial your phoneline speed?

 

Is your phoneline with BT at the moment?

[ScottC]

The one you have linked seems reasonable if it does what it says on the tin. The free downloads from 12-8am is particularly good.

 

Why not give them a call and see if they can trial your phoneline speed?

 

Is your phoneline with BT at the moment?

I did call them and they said the line is capable of speeds of up to 8Meg, bet we all know what that means. I'm not in a cheapy hot zone so would be paying £22.

 

Yes I'm with BT but it's only there for broadband, I never use the phone.

[Scott]

I have heard that O2 are pretty good. I don't really know much about ADSL to be honest. That deal would be good if it was £16, at £22 I'm not so sure. Is there not a compare the ADSL out there?

[ScottC]

I have heard that O2 are pretty good. I don't really know much about ADSL to be honest. That deal would be good if it was £16, at £22 I'm not so sure. Is there not a compare the ADSL out there?

I'm sure there is mate and I'll have a look. I guess what they won't tell you is what kind of service they provide in terms of reliability, which is were you guys come in:)

[stevie_b]

I'm with newnet: not sure how they are with lag (I've never bothered to measure it) but they offer a no-contract deal IIRC.

 

I've got a Netgear router, DG834G. Long in the tooth now but a good piece of kit. Can't go too far wrong with Netgear stuff IMO.

[Win_XP]

I can suggest you Buffalo WHR-G125 router, the best choice for it's price, 240 MHz cpu, no hangups, good signal, stable

 

http://idg.bg/test/pcw/2008/4/11/6337-04_-_Buffalo.jpg

[Porky1978]

http://www.broadbandspeedchecker.com (or uk, cant remember which) will tell you what your speed is and tell you what is available in your area.

[edinlexusV8]

Go for BE broadband (http://www.bethere.co.uk)! I have been with BE for the last 4.5 years on a 24Mbps line with 2.7Mbps upload (depends on your distance from your nearest BT exchange). Anytime you call their customer centre somebody will answer your call immediately and also fix the issue immediately (unless it has to do something with BT line). You will get one static IP with every account and you can also order upto 16 static IPs from them. O2 bought BE an year ago and now O2 is offering the same as well for a lesser price but you wont get any static IPs (I think). BE's router is pretty basic and is also quite fast. Comes with a good firewall. BE guys will also set up a REVERSE DNS for you on your static IP so that you can host your own stuff (like website & email and still be able to access any machines at your home from anywhere on the internet).

 

Goodluck! (Btw I dont work for BE, I am one very satisfied and happy customer for the last 4.5 years)

[ScottC]

Go for BE broadband (http://www.bethere.co.uk)! I have been with BE for the last 4.5 years on a 24Mbps line with 2.7Mbps upload (depends on your distance from your nearest BT exchange). Anytime you call their customer centre somebody will answer your call immediately and also fix the issue immediately (unless it has to do something with BT line). You will get one static IP with every account and you can also order upto 16 static IPs from them. O2 bought BE an year ago and now O2 is offering the same as well for a lesser price but you wont get any static IPs (I think). BE's router is pretty basic and is also quite fast. Comes with a good firewall. BE guys will also set up a REVERSE DNS for you on your static IP so that you can host your own stuff (like website & email and still be able to access any machines at your home from anywhere on the internet).

 

Goodluck! (Btw I dont work for BE, I am one very satisfied and happy customer for the last 4.5 years)

 

Never heard of them myself but from what your saying I'll give them a call.

 

Does anyone else have any other recommendations?

[Whitesupraboy2]

BE and o2 are same company as my speed check comes up as Be although im with o2.

 

the router they provide is poor and you only actually rent it and give it back at the end but sounds your like me want the speed for the gaming.

 

I went with their ADSL 2 package because of speeds up to 20mb. I'd check on o2 website see what speed you can get.

 

Then i'd buy myself a 2nd hand netgear router (i got dg834GT)and load it with custom firmware for the netgear router from the dg team (google dg team and top link). It does all the stuff netgear designed to do and more.

 

the best feature is lowering the SNR ratio, most providers set a minimum of 6db to keep the connection highly reliable, as they cant be doing with 10,000 calling up because thel ine cant handle a lower SNR. with the custom firmware mine reports at 6db to the exchange but is actually at 2.8db.

 

this has increased by internet connection from 4.7mb to 7.5mb on average.

 

If you do get any broadband use a cashback website. o2 give first 3 months free and £50 cashback. So at £10 a month for 20mb (if you have o2 phone) then it will cost you £40 for broadband for the year.

 

I use http://www.topcashback.co.uk or http://www.quidco.co.uk for the cashback