How can I get a wireless connection?

[PinkPixie]

Really sorry for the completly N00B question but here it goes! :)

I currently live with my parents and we have had Virgin broadband for about 3 years. It was NTL when we first got it.

The router that we currently have is a ntl:250. I have no problem with the speeds or anything like that but I would like to get myself a laptop to use in my room rather than having to use the PC in the spare room.

How do I go about getting a wireless connection? What router or modem do I need to get to make this work? If there is a different router or modem that I should get then what one would work but be the cheapest?

Thanks in advance for your help

:tiptoe:

[chickendippers]

ntl:250 is a cable modem, not a router.

Virgin Media can provide you with a wireless router (and will be able to help you set it up, fix it when it's broken etc). Personally I don't have a favourite router, but others will be oblige I'm sure.

[PinkPixie]

Sorry told you it was a N00B question! :blush:

Do you know if I would have to pay for this?

[romfordpele]

not sure if you to pay but the link is here http://www.virginmedia.com/customers/wireless/

---------- Post added at 17:19 ---------- Previous post was at 17:13 ----------

Forgot to mention under the networking thread which is on this site there is a section on wireless routers and settings . Very informative . Take note on the wireless security as if not secured others can use your connection to connect to the internet

[oliver1948uk]

This plugs into your VM modem then allows wireless and/or wired connections to computers, X Box 360, Play Station 3, NAS storage etc. etc.

I have used one (Linksys WRT54G) for 2+ years without problem and wirelessly giving me a normal speed (admittedly with the occasional fluctuation) of 17 - 18 Mb

CLICK (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Linksys-WRT54GL-UK-Wireless-Access-Router/dp/B000ETX928/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1221671598&sr=8-5)

---------- Post added at 18:31 ---------- Previous post was at 18:30 ----------

Proof of above:

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 17:30:32 UTC

Test 1: 1024K took 443 ms = 2311.5 KB/sec, approx 19047 Kbps, 18.6 Mbps
Test 2: 1024K took 429 ms = 2386.9 KB/sec, approx 19668 Kbps, 19.21 Mbps
Test 3: 1024K took 438 ms = 2337.9 KB/sec, approx 19264 Kbps, 18.81 Mbps
Test 4: 2048K took 889 ms = 2303.7 KB/sec, approx 18982 Kbps, 18.54 Mbps

Overall Average Speed = approx 19240 Kbps, 18.79 Mbps

[AbyssUnderground]

Any of the Linksys WRT54G range is highly recommended by VM cable customers. A WRT54GL will give you more memory incase you wanted to use a 3rd party firmware like Tomato or DD-WRT (but if you don't know what that is don't worry about it!).