Start at the beginning.....

Copperfaced Jack · 23-10-2007, 18:11

Just some advice needed please from a complete adsl novice..
Got BT coming in on Thursday to install telephone line and I've no idea how to approach the network install I envisage.
I am getting Bethere Pro in place of VM 20meg.
My plan is to have the 'main' pc in a first floor spare bedroom; I want this PC to have the fastest and best connection to adsl2. This will be used primarily for gaming.
There will be a second PC downstairs in a back room (primarily for surfing and doing homework etc). I am not too fussed about the BB speed on the downstairs computer and I want the upstairs computer to in effect have primacy on the adsl connection in terms of speed, latency and ping etc.
1. When BT come what should they fit or what will I need to buy - I've seen something about adsl faceplates - do I get them or do BT supply/fit them if I ask?
2. Where should I get BT to fit the master socket. Does it need to be near the upstairs bedroom or can I just fit a longer connection wire (Cat 5E?) from the socket to the upstairs PC. Will the length of this cable affect speed/ping etc?
3. I presume I need to get a router to connect the 2nd PC (been on a single connection cable modem for years so well out of touch). I do not want to go wireless as it seems a bit hit and miss but am still considering Homeplugs, although its is probably easier and simpler just to lay cable. I will be able to route a concealed (ie under floorboards etc) cable from upstairs to the downstairs PC. Any suggestions for good router that will do that?
4. As to the last, can anyone tell me the exact spec cable I need to connect the two?
I know some of this is probably basic stuff but I haven't a clue and would appreciate some sound advice. Basically, what exactly do i need to get the above network set up??

Many Thanks
CJ

lsproc · 23-10-2007, 18:17

Well, we do have a whopper here. Ill try my best, since i've been with ntl (and before that, Diamond Cable) for a long time:
1. BT should supply you with your sockets etc. Be should give you microfilters (which split the phone from ADSL connection if you didn't know, this stops the signals from mixing and going bad).
2. See if they will fit it upstairs, if not, see if they will fit a socket upstairs. Just don't want a cable going the way, could slow down (as signal deteriorates as you get further away).
3. Dont bother with cables, use Homeplug. Any normal router should do the trick there. Be might provide/recommend ADSL ones that work with their service, use one of them if possible. If you really want to lay cables, it is possible to lay them under the floor. Just pull the floor up, saw a little path in the wood beams to let the cables sit in (But not too deep/wide), and lay the cable in. WARNING: Do at own risk, I use wireless myself, so don't blame me if your floor collapses :P
4. A CAT-5E or CAT-6 cable would be the one to use if using Ethernet (which you either are or not). They are futureproof. If your using Homeplug, same applies, but you just need a shorter cable.

Copperfaced Jack · 23-10-2007, 18:32

Many thanks for quick reply - cleared a lot of things up.
Most of the floorboards up already lol due to house revamp but may just go for the Homeplugs after what you said although a physical cable connection will be pretty easy and probably a lot cheaper..
As to the microfilters from Be do they come automatically or only if you ask...
What are these adsl faceplates I keep seeing? Do I have to explain to BT that I want to get adsl from the line or are they only for use on extension sockets?
So, BT Master socket to extension socket, router plugged into extension socket, and main PC wired into router...is that about it?
And last but not least, any recommendations for a router that will be solid dependable and reliable and most of all, simple. I'd rather pay for a bit of quality than mess around trying to scrimp and make do with a substandard one.

lsproc · 23-10-2007, 18:45

Be should provide Microfilters, as its impossible to use ADSL without them (on the other hand, BT might, who knows :P)

By the look of it, an ADSL Faceplate is essentially what you get when you merge a phone socket and microfilter together. Something like this:

A microfilter is like this:

BT might install a faceplate for you (for a cost I suspect), but since Be will probably provide microfilters, dont bother.

As for routers, I dont know. I personally have a Belkin Cable router, and its allright (I think I broke it with firmware upgrade), but I have been hearing good things about Netgear (which is what VM provides for its wireless cable trial, and Sky for its ADSL, but theirs is ultra unreliable), and Linksys.

Copperfaced Jack · 23-10-2007, 18:54

All is now clear.......

Thanks for your time.