Wireless router and STB

[Mark]

Hi all,

Firstly please forgive me if this is a redundant post - I've done abit of searching around the topic (Robin Walker's pages et al.) ,and think I've got the information I need - I just want to be 100% sure before I shell out the cash.

I have a Win2k PC connected via cross-over cable to a STB. There is also another NIC in the PC, which connects to a hub and the rest of my internal network (A few Sun workstations etc.) The PC is running internet connection sharing, so all the other boxes use the PC as their default gateway.

Now, I've finally got myself a laptop and want to get a wireless setup going. From what I gather, I need to get something like the Linksys combo-router/access point/switch, and then hook that up to the STB, and then plug the PC, Sun boxes etc. into the built-in switch, and my laptop will connect via wireless.

The reason for this post is that I have had trouble before with my STB and "switching" network cards. It just doesn't seem to like it - even though I go through the whole disconnect PC, reboot STB, connect new system/card routine, I never seem to get much joy. So I'm somewhat apprehensive about shelling out for a router and plugging the STB into this, only to find it doesn't like the changed MAC...

I just wanted to hear from some people that have moved from a system like mine (with or without the internal network) connected through a STB to a wireless router without any trouble. Any particular pointers/hints etc. ?

Thanks in advance for any tips you may have...

-Mark

[zovat]

From what I understand - you have to register the MAC with NTL before it will work on the STB - however, the linksys router allows you to clone the mac address of you existing netwok card (the one on the Xover cable in your PC) and will present that to NTL as its MAC, so there should be no issues at all.....

Set the Linksys to be a DHCP server, and all your local machines to be dhcp clients, including the wireless laptop.

Once done - all should be great...

I run a linksys router with a netgear WAP and WiFi connected Win98, XP and Linux laptops (only 3 connections at a time of course, as per the UAP ) and have had no problems at all - although I have a SACM not an STB..

I would recommend checking out http://forum.nthellworld.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6129 for a discussion on setting up a router on an STB...

[BBKing]

Originally Posted by zovat

From what I understand - you have to register the MAC with NTL before it will work on the STB - however, the linksys router allows you to clone the mac address of you existing netwok card (the one on the Xover cable in your PC) and will present that to NTL as its MAC, so there should be no issues at all.....

Worth pointing out that the registration of the MAC should be an automatic online process rather than ringing up or anything. Have your original PID and password you used to register. Spoofing should work just fine though.

Make sure you've rebooted the STB properly between network devices, if you're using a crossover cable make sure you're still using a crossover cable and try setting the port on the router to 10Mb/half duplex.