Wireless help needed: what am i looking to buy?

[beeverbeev]

hey i've recently been havin a lot of problems with connecting a wireless network to exchange the current wired one i have. i have a patch cable connected between my pc and laptop and the modem (through usb cable) is running directly through the pc. i know that ethernet is needed and this is where i encounter my first problem. my modem will not install as an ethernet modem as it says there are problems with DHCP. ??

my main question, please, is:
i know that a router that connects to your modem AND THATS IT exists (meaning not using a pc as a mother and havin a pc-router-modem set-up, but just a modem-router setup and then being able to connect to that wirelessly) i have seen such routers in action but i am stupid and cannot find one to buy as i dont know any names of anything and wanted to know if this is what they call a wireless access point or something? i considered one of these as it wouldnt mean installing the modem onto a pc and overcoming the ethernet problems (as i have had a new modem sent out as from other failed attempts i blamed the modems ethernet port, do modems need to be installed onto an initial computer? if so, how did this one i saw working actually get its network created?) but instead just connecting the router and then installing necessary cards onto my laptops. with this simple modem-router connection i can sell my pc and sit in my other room on my laptop, my only problem is i cant find this specific kind of wireless router. is it possible that the router im on about was initially installed onto a pc, then the lead just disconnected? would that work? i've asked lots of networkers in the past and they all say the same thing "sorry but i'd need to be looking at it" ??????

i just wondered if you could at least point me in the right direction as to where i can purchase such routers.




if im talking poo then let me know, its just i have seen at least one of these routers on this planet before and i want to own one too! i know my explaination is really poo so if theres something i said that you dont understand then say. i'll do my best to re-word.

plus if this has already been addressed in the past then feel free to foward me to the right page to look at and then deleate this post to cut down on copy threads. i have spent about an hour searchin through your previous threads to no avail to this problem.


I NEED TO GET THIS SORTED PLEASE!!
thanks x

[MovedGoalPosts]

to Cable Forum

First things first, we need to get the ability to connect to the modem using ethernet, not USB, resolved.

At the moment you are using "internet connection sharing", relying on your main PC's USB connection with the modem. This is probably where a lot of the problems lie, as your computer's ethernet port is expecting to communicate with another computer, not a modem (or router). You are going to need to disable, or even delete the internet connection share. Look in "network connections". For the ethernet card on the PC, make sure that it is set to auto detect, under it's properties > TCP/IP settings.

With all that done, power off the modem, and computers. Unplug all existing ethernet patch leads between computers, and the USB connection from both modem and PC. plug your patch lead (must be a straight through not crossover type) between the modem ethernet and computer ethernet. Power modem, let settle, power computer. Hopefully you should have your internet to Virgin Media running. If it doesn't we need to solve that before getting any routers.

---------- Post added at 21:22 ---------- Previous post was at 21:17 ----------

Choice of routers, when you are ready, is probably more simple. I assume your laptop will have wireless, but you can continue to use the desktop wired. Modern wireless routers allow both types of connection simultaneously.

When getting a router, with wireless access point integrated, make sure that the router is cable compatible. In other words it is suitable for connection to a modem. It must not have an onboard ADSL modem.

There are many types of suitable wireless router. The Linksys WRT54G series have been popular with many members on Cable Forum. Netgear WRG614 is also popular. Others are available too. These are "g" speed (54mbps) wireless, which is the standard of most onboard laptop wireless controllers, and vastly exceeds current boradband speeds (if the wireless reception is good). "n" standard is available - faster - but you'd need a wireless card for the laptop to take advantage, so that will bump up the costs. A "n" speed router will work with lesser "g" speed wireless.

The procedure for setup, relies on the modem ethernet working properly. Power off modem and PC. Connect WAN port of router to modem ethernet. Connect one of the LAN ports of router to PC ethernet. Power modem, let settle, power router, let settle, power PC. Check PC is getting ethernet OK, browse to the router's configuration pages, and setup the wireless, then start the laptop wireless connection wizards.

[beeverbeev]

could that be all it is? i asked "tech guys" in the past about the possibility that because of the settings made through my current connection (with using the ethernet port) it would only recieve what it was told to recieve and is not multi-usuable as is usb and they stare blank face! i will get on with deleating all current networks n starting from scratch in the morning but still, what type of router am i trying to describe?? its driving me nuts!!!!!

thanks for the ultraquick response muchos appreciated

[Dai]

It's called a "Wireless broadband router"

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/63763

Once you have that connected to your cable modem and set up correctly both wireless and ethernet wired connections can share your broadband connection.

[beeverbeev]

^^^^ so this will just connect to my modem and thats it? no ethernet cable from the router to the pc like most of them? because i want one that doesnt need to be connected at all to any pcs through leads, only to the modem and thats it. idealy im lookin to have the router and the modem in a room with no pcs or anythin, jus me and my laptop. will this router do that??

i mean i said im stupid but i know basics, any help would be appreciated thanks

[MovedGoalPosts]

Yep you don't have to have a computer with a wired connection if you have a wireless router.

It's easier to initially setup the router connection wired first, and then move over to wireless. Indeed to properly configure the wireless security and stuff initially accessing the router via ethernet from a LAN port is the best option. Once you know wireless is up and running, you can unplug the ethernet wired PC. Best is to follow the step by step guide that will be supplied with your wireless router.

Just remember you can only have one device directly connected to the modem, and that does have to be wired. You cannot use the USB and ethernet ports on the modem simultaneously, only one at a time. You must power off then on the modem every time you swap the device over that is directly connected to it, (router, or direct wired PC).

[danielf]

Originally Posted by beeverbeev

^^^^ so this will just connect to my modem and thats it? no ethernet cable from the router to the pc like most of them? because i want one that doesnt need to be connected at all to any pcs through leads, only to the modem and thats it. idealy im lookin to have the router and the modem in a room with no pcs or anythin, jus me and my laptop. will this router do that??

i mean i said im stupid but i know basics, any help would be appreciated thanks

Yes, a (any) wireless router will do just that. You just connect the router to the modem (wire required), and the router routes the signal wirelessly to your machine(s), Xbox, whatever. You can have loads of machines or other devices connected.

The router that was linked to is a rather popular choice around here, and a good piece of kit in my opinion. You do want make sure you set up wireless security, or your neighbours will be able to log on to your network.

Edit: must type faster

[beeverbeev]

hey meant to get back to you sooner, i've realised that im goin to have to have a router at least while im going through the process of sortin out my ethernet problem for the only reason that it'll only solve half the problem if i get the ethernet sorted the main outcome of this is to get my laptop wireless but as the port im using at the mo to link the two machines together will be taken up, it'll cause problems ie no net for melol. jus thought id let you guys know that, as i was gonna get on with it today and that occured to me. anyway im now askin which would be the best router and wireless card to buy so that i can get on with tacklin the whole problem at the same time. i was thinkin of buyin the router that was shown further up in this thread and was thinkin of play it safe and going for the same company when buyin the card for my laptop. i find this--> http://www.ebuyer.com/product/45024 but im completely lost with speeds and things. would i be better buyin a cheaper but faster card like this?--> http://www.ebuyer.com/product/75271 is it faster? i kno you can only reccomend but still

thing to consider: im lookin to buy an xbox in the near future too and have heard quite a few people havin router compatibility problems, which was why im lookin to buy the linksys router as i know that works but i dont wanna pay extra for extra peace of mind when you give me enough for freelol i dont mind payin that couple of extra pounds though for a much better card.

nice one and thanks to all thats replied so far, i am complete newb to the world of wireless so thanks for your patience

[MovedGoalPosts]

If you want a wireless card for the lappy that offers full compatibility with the Linksys WRT54GS (speedbooster) router linked to earlier then get a Speedbooster enabled Linksys card http://www.ebuyer.com/product/63761

However, you do only need a wireless card for the lappy if it doesn't already have wireless built in. Most lappys made in the last 2-3years would have wireless.

[beeverbeev]

i have an empty card slot n when i press buttons i get "no device" in green letters on the screen so i assumed i had an old laptop but i will get onto buyin the right stuff then attackin the problem asap.

---------- Post added at 15:09 ---------- Previous post was at 14:37 ----------

oh just before i click "buy", i understand this router has a speed booster function but does that comply to range as well? and im lookin to use peer to peer applications probobly on both pc and laptop at same time in different corners of the house so do you recommend i go for an overall better router or will this "speedboost" be enough?

[Dai]

Wireless range is a tricky thing. It depends on a lot of factors but more than anything else on the barriers to the signal. If you are (like me) in an old house with solid brick walls between the rooms then your range will be very limited.
You can only try it out and see.

[beeverbeev]

ah right, well i'd rather go for a 125mbps router but im findin it hard to find one thats trusted by everyone and compatible with xbox, and tryin to find a card to matchlol

i found a buffalo with free usb adaptor for £59.99 and a g+ belkin router for £59.99 and (both apparantly 125mbps) where i work so discount is prolly available but the only problem is they dont show up as compatible or Incompatible Routers on the xbox sitelol

is there anyone who can either explain to me what i need to actually search for online to obtain a higher level than standard G (as typing 125 mbps doesnt work too well) but im not lookin for Nlol

(all reference to speeds were taken from my works catalogue)

---------- Post added at 18:16 ---------- Previous post was at 16:30 ----------

right i've been teetering either way and still cant decide since the last postlol. i think im going to go for these, can anyone tell me if i shouldnt??
\/\/\/\/
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

[MovedGoalPosts]

If you want to run P2P stuff, I'd suggest the linksys WRT54GL router, rather than the GS. OK it doesn't have speedbooster, but it uses a Linux based firmware. That is designed to be altered uprated or replaced, and there are many third party firmware providers out there such as DD-WRT. The advantages of third party firmware are additional tweaks, and that can include power of the wireless signal, but also limiting various connections.

As you have a laptop, I'd advise against a USB based adaptor. The advantage of a lappy, it in it's portability. A USB adaptor will have a short lead and thus be something else to dangle by wire from the lappy. However the PCMIA cards described before will simply plug in and mount in the lappy without you needing to support or separately pick the thing up when you move around.

What is the laptop computer make and model? We might be able to confirm it's compatibility.

[beeverbeev]

aaah now im confused, i was gonna buy the buffalo items in the links below but now your sayin even more routerslol so whats the deal with speedboost and why is it ok to sacrifice that for the option to use third party firmware? cant all routers do this?


right you'll prolly see me back asking how to install my lappycard and where to get thirdparty firmware n which is recommended but are you sayin i should go for the linksys one still http://www.amazon.co.uk/Linksys-Wire...2133579&sr=8-2 even after finding that buffalo set up? (not the one for £60, but the ones in links here) \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

cos that to me is cheap. ???
i found the airstation in my works like i said with free usb hub but the one in the link above, even when bought with the necessary laptop card (other link), will come up cheaper. my only thing is the range since i am going to be going from corner to corner of the house and could even be possibly using the laptop, the pc, and maybe an xbox at the same time. i assumed 125mbps was faster than 54 so any explanations? i'd just like understand what im buyin into



oh i have an acer travelmate 2413LM hehe:$

[beeverbeev]

hey i havent bought anythin yet cos im still debating between the linksys n the buffalo. the thing is im not lookin for light usage on my laptop, and with the distance thing being an issue, it feels the buffalo is winning the fight at the mo. do linksys do anythin over a 54mbps model (besides n range) or am i havin to look at other companies because of that? i kno your prolly thinkin well "go look", well i havelol and from what i found, that seems to be the case. i dont want to jump the gun and go buffalos since you mentioned firmware and everyone shouts linksys at me when i ask about routers so i dunno what to do nowlol........... but im hopin to get it done by weekend (being optimistic about the postinglol) but that means i gotta get this stuff ordered tonight basically. no rushhehe


and the new links dont come with free usb sticks, just so you dont think im ignorin what you said about it. id much prefer a card, for the exact same reasons you pointed out thats the only reason im still havin this buffalo-linksys battlelol