chilli Posted September 30, 2006 Share Posted September 30, 2006 For the in-laws - I said I'd help them out getting wireless working. Not really looked at the market recently but can anyone recommend a basic router that meets the following: Readily available Good value for money Reliable (runs without needing reboots etc) Easy to set up / keep running (I won't be around to fix it for them all the time) ADSL port Wireless 802.11b/g Good wireless range (poss with diversity aerials) WEP128/WPA DHCP probably some ethernet 10/100 ports (1-4) would be handy for their local PC All they want to do is share the wireless between a local desktop PC and a laptop that is typically upstairs so wired ethernet from the desktop and wireless for the laptop sounds best for the moment... easy peasy but I don't want to recommend a duff router to them thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tomato_Supe Posted September 30, 2006 Share Posted September 30, 2006 I thought that you would be able to sort this out with your eyes closed... ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chilli Posted September 30, 2006 Author Share Posted September 30, 2006 grrr I can but a little advice never hurt anyone did it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisSZ Posted September 30, 2006 Share Posted September 30, 2006 Do they HAVE to be connected via a wire to at least one computer or can they be used completely wireless? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tomato_Supe Posted September 30, 2006 Share Posted September 30, 2006 Fair enough. Try http://www.ebuyer.co.uk ? After that try computers for dummies, you should find it on http://www.amazon.co.uk ETA: *Awaits HUGE reply...* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chilli Posted September 30, 2006 Author Share Posted September 30, 2006 Do they HAVE to be connected via a wire to at least one computer or can they be used completely wireless? Well the existing desktop PC is right by their current ADSL USB modem AFAIK. So I'm thinking the router replaces their USB modem and they use ethernet rather than USB to get a wired connection to it. but that reminds me, they will need an ethernet card too then. At least they are as cheap as chips could of course fit a wireless card in that too though. I know they are not expensive. Just figured they would get the best performance on the desktop over ethernet and the wireless won't then be shared so that will be as fast as it can be too... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
osso Posted September 30, 2006 Share Posted September 30, 2006 A wireless router will allow you to connect to your ISP service automatically, and manage the home network by assigning an IP address to computers which sucessfully authenticates and connects to the wireless router. most routers have ethernet ports on the back of the router which allows you to connect the computer directly to the router. for wireless connectivity you can either use a wireless usb pen, or wireless adapter which plugs into your pci card, or if your motherboard has all the bells and whistles, it may even have wireless support.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gaz1 Posted September 30, 2006 Share Posted September 30, 2006 i have a netgear wireless router with built in modem, i paid a guy £152 to set it up for me then went on holiday for 1 week. but when i got back pc upstairs no problem, my laptop will not connect, just says network cable unplugged:( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
osso Posted September 30, 2006 Share Posted September 30, 2006 omg! you paid 152 quid for someone to set a router up for you? im in the wrong job! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Posted September 30, 2006 Share Posted September 30, 2006 We only really sell Netgear and Dlink. We do some cheaper MSI and Belkin ones, but out engineers prefer Netgear (If the client won't stretch to Cisco that is!) Netgear routers are a peach to install and run. DLink can be a pain. Both v.simlar prices. I have a Netgear WGR614 sat here at home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisSZ Posted September 30, 2006 Share Posted September 30, 2006 I've just been attempting to get mine set up. Just got a DLink from a member on here - plugged in the power and phone line and switched on the wireless bit on the laptop. I can connect to the router but can't work out how to get it to connect to the internet:( Given up for now - looks like I might have to pay someone to come an set it up for me :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chilli Posted September 30, 2006 Author Share Posted September 30, 2006 A wireless router will allow you to connect to your ISP service automatically, and manage the home network by assigning an IP address to computers which sucessfully authenticates and connects to the wireless router. most routers have ethernet ports on the back of the router which allows you to connect the computer directly to the router. for wireless connectivity you can either use a wireless usb pen, or wireless adapter which plugs into your pci card, or if your motherboard has all the bells and whistles, it may even have wireless support.. thanks, but I knew this already lol. that's why I asked for ethernet, DHCP etc, all fairly standard features that I need. The laptop (like many modern ones) has wireless built in (like the one I'm using right now) Their desktop doesn't, but I can add a wireless card if I have too. Wired would be better though since it is co-located with the router. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chilli Posted September 30, 2006 Author Share Posted September 30, 2006 I've just been attempting to get mine set up. Just got a DLink from a member on here - plugged in the power and phone line and switched on the wireless bit on the laptop. I can connect to the router but can't work out how to get it to connect to the internet:( Given up for now - looks like I might have to pay someone to come an set it up for me :( where you live, I'll come and do it if you're paying lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chilli Posted September 30, 2006 Author Share Posted September 30, 2006 We only really sell Netgear and Dlink. We do some cheaper MSI and Belkin ones, but out engineers prefer Netgear (If the client won't stretch to Cisco that is!) Netgear routers are a peach to install and run. DLink can be a pain. Both v.simlar prices. I have a Netgear WGR614 sat here at home. cheers, thanks. Using a d-link here, an old one and I find it needs a reboot every so often as it starts messing up connections. I've heard good things about netgear, might see what is recommended in their range then Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Posted September 30, 2006 Share Posted September 30, 2006 I did one yesterday Chris, the bloody thing just didn't want to play ball. Do you have any connections setup already? I assume you've put your user/pass in ok? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisSZ Posted September 30, 2006 Share Posted September 30, 2006 I did one yesterday Chris, the bloody thing just didn't want to play ball. Do you have any connections setup already? I assume you've put your user/pass in ok? I think so - TBH I'm not too sure what I've done with it now - had a screaming baby over one shoulder and trying to do everything one-handed LOL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Posted September 30, 2006 Share Posted September 30, 2006 it needs a reboot every so often as it starts messing up connections. A lot do I'm afraid. Whenever BT make a change to your exchange you need to reset to resync. It was quite regular with the ADSL2 roll out and LLU. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chilli Posted September 30, 2006 Author Share Posted September 30, 2006 this one looks promising perhaps http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/52244/rb/22112160769 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soonto_HAS_soop Posted September 30, 2006 Share Posted September 30, 2006 I went away from Netgear stuff after I tried one and found that they had major problems with no resolutions. Gone to a Linksys wireless router, which is now part of Cisco. Been absolutely fantastic. Cannot fault it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Posted September 30, 2006 Share Posted September 30, 2006 Yeah - the DG834G-UK is what we sell most of. Linksys isn't bad, but Cisco hasn't influenced them much yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milocoon Posted October 1, 2006 Share Posted October 1, 2006 Pete whats the best make that is Mac OS X and WIN XP compatible ? Netgear site says NO Belkin says YES DLink and LinkSys conflicting info ? Just for surfing wirelessly is 54 G okay in a standard size 3 bedroom house with the router connected via ethernet to a Mac on OS X upstairs and a notebook on XP downstairs ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MARTIN R Posted October 1, 2006 Share Posted October 1, 2006 I went away from Netgear stuff after I tried one and found that they had major problems with no resolutions. Gone to a Linksys wireless router, which is now part of Cisco. Been absolutely fantastic. Cannot fault it. Linksys is a good one IMO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gamer Posted October 1, 2006 Share Posted October 1, 2006 Netgear DG834N is what I am using at the moment and it is great. Wireless works very good with great coverage.... http://www.netgear.com/Products/RoutersandGateways/RangeMaxNEXTWirelessRoutersandGateways/DG834N.aspx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terminator Posted October 1, 2006 Share Posted October 1, 2006 Netgear DG834N is what I am using at the moment and it is great. Wireless works very good with great coverage.... http://www.netgear.com/Products/RoutersandGateways/RangeMaxNEXTWirelessRoutersandGateways/DG834N.aspx Ditto Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gaz1 Posted October 1, 2006 Share Posted October 1, 2006 Netgear DG834N is what I am using at the moment and it is great. Wireless works very good with great coverage.... http://www.netgear.com/Products/RoutersandGateways/RangeMaxNEXTWirelessRoutersandGateways/DG834N.aspx thats the one i have but i cannot get my laptop to connect to it wirelessly:( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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