New NTL install & I need a wireless router....

[Euph0ria]

Hello all

I've been a follower for a while but have only got around to registering as I need advice on my situation.

I got NTL installed this morning in my new home and didn't want masses of cabling running over the house so asked the engineer to leave the modem at the phone install point so that I could setup a wireless connection. I have never went wireless before so could do with some advice from you guys that are in the know.

Which is the best wireless equipment to get? I currently only have 1 PC but hope to add a laptop within the coming months. As i've mentioned, my modem will be kept downstairs and then my PC will be upstairs.

Any advice is much welcome

Cheers

- PMC

[MovedGoalPosts]

to Cable Forum

There's a few router recommendations in this article. Any router you choose, make sure you do go for the g rather than slower b standard. the b standard will not realy be fast enough to support the maximum speeds now available on broadband i.e. 10mbps.

Personnaly I like the Linksys WRT54GS. Of course you need to ensure your PC has a compatible wireles card to take advantage.


This setup article may also be helpful

[Euph0ria]

Thanks for that.

Which wireless card would you recommend to go with the Linksys WRT54GS.

Having read it I must admit that I am slightly concerned about my wireless connection being "out there" for others to view and that the security measures are not 100%.

With the router you recommended above what would be the best way to secure my connection as best as possible.

[Gareth]

Linksys do a wireless card as well as the router. They also offer a PCMCIA card, which you'd need for the laptop you intend to buy too. I can vouch for the PCMCIA card, it works a treat.

You could get a cheaper card by another manufacturer, but if price is not your primary concern, then I'd say go for Linksys for it all.

[Graham M]

Originally Posted by Gareth

They also offer a PCMCIA card, which you'd need for the laptop you intend to buy too.

Be wary though, a lot of newer laptops include Wireless hardware as standard so be sure to keep an eye out for this. Its preferable to having a Card or Dongle sticking out the side of the laptop.

[Gareth]

Yes, good point... hadn't thought of that, Zeph

[Euph0ria]

Ok, I got ya's so far!!!

So, how about the combination below ;

Linksys WRT54GS Wireless-G SpeedBooster Broadband Router/4-Port Switch (NW-006-LS)

£45.95 (£53.99 Including VAT at 17.5%)

Linksys WMP54GS Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBooster (NW-010-LS)

£32.95 (£38.72 Including VAT at 17.5%)


Both from Overclockers, or do you recommend anywhere cheaper?

Cheers

PMC

[Graham M]

Would definitely do the trick, and you can have a look around at

http://www.scan.co.uk
http://www.ebuyer.com

But they're all much of a muchness and some charge more delivery than others, etc.

[Euph0ria]

Good Stuff!!!

Ordered the items today, no doubt i'll be back asking for help when trying to install them

Cheers

PMC

[bargepole]

Might be worth investing in a long cat5 cable so you can connect between your computer and router/modem on a temp basis. In fact you probably should have asked the ntl engineer to make one up for you. But don't worry 'cause I didn't ask either.

1. it will be easier to set up your new ntl connection if it's hard wired initially

2 if you encounter problems later on you can use the cable to eliminate the wireless network.

I have a similar setup to you and didn't have the cat5 cable initially and it was a bit of a pig to setup from scratch just using wireless.

Plenty of the cables available on ebay, put cat5 in search box, just make sure it's long enough. Remember it's only tempory so you can use the shortest route.

[Graham M]

Yeah but who wants CAT5 trailing everywhere?

---------- Post added at 17:24 ---------- Previous post was at 17:24 ----------

And also, he's said that he wants to add a second machine so needs a router anyway

[bargepole]

The cat5 is only temporary ie for initial setup and then if any problems occur later at least he will be able to eliminate the wireless network.
It's not permanatly in place it spends most of its life rolled up in a draw.

Believe me I have a wireless only setup and this cable is useful.

[Graham M]

When I signed up to NTL Broadband via STB they sent me through the post a 20m CAT5 Cable, A AEI USB-Ethernet Adapter, 1 Crossover Adapter (never used) and a Broadband installation CD (never used).

[bargepole]

Well I was just left the modem (last year) and advised by the ntl engineer to buy a wireless router, he didn't fancy the wiring run between 2nd & 3rd floors. Anyway it suited me to have wireless. Only problem I was left with a wireless router, the ntl modem and a remote pc. So it was a double setup, ie the modem/ntl account, and the wireless network. I managed it but it was'nt easy. I've since invested in a 10m cat5 cable, I can now eliminate the wireless network if I'm having any problems cause the first thing ntl will ask if they know you have a wireless network is to connect the pc directly to the modem.

[Euph0ria]

Originally Posted by bargepole

Might be worth investing in a long cat5 cable so you can connect between your computer and router/modem on a temp basis. In fact you probably should have asked the ntl engineer to make one up for you. But don't worry 'cause I didn't ask either.

1. it will be easier to set up your new ntl connection if it's hard wired initially

2 if you encounter problems later on you can use the cable to eliminate the wireless network.

I have a similar setup to you and didn't have the cat5 cable initially and it was a bit of a pig to setup from scratch just using wireless.

Plenty of the cables available on ebay, put cat5 in search box, just make sure it's long enough. Remember it's only tempory so you can use the shortest route.

Thanks for the tip mate, I ordered one to be on the safe side, 20m should be enough to see me right and it only cost £7.