Router/Modem question.

[Speculator]

Hello, I am new to broadband and a little confused.

My PC is currently connected to the net via 56K Dial-up.

However, I took the plunged this week and bought a Brand new Toshiba Laptop and signed up for NTL 300K Broadband. The NTL engineer is due on the 23rd of Sept.

I intend to buy a Belkin 802.11g Wireless NoteBook Adapter for my laptop.

The question is, do I need to buy a Belkin ADSL Modem with Built-in 802.11g Wireless Router or a Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router

Am I correct in assuming the Linksys would be the one to go for since NTL will be supplying a Modem free of charge?

Any help would be much appreciated.

[SMHarman]

to the forum.

You do not want to get the Belkin with built in ADSL, this will cause problems.

The Linksys is highly recommended (including by me) on here. Mine works great with NTL.

If getting that I would recommend getting the Linksys Wireless Notebook - Adapter 54mbps 802.11g this should cause less compatibility problems (not that there should be any for the other two products).

This thread

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/sh...ad.php?t=16296

would be a good read, covers most points, any more questions ask away.

[Speculator]

Hello SMHarmon. Thanks for your help.

I think I will go for the Linksys option then.

Small world isn`t it. I was born in Hertford and lived there until recently. Now living in neighbouring Ware.

Thanks again.

Speculator.

[Dave Stones]

or... do a me...

i have the d-link DI624 router and d-link DWL-G650 notebook adapter, both running at super g 108mbps speeds

Speculator - for your future reference - the clue about what you don't want is in the item description. (Belkin ADSL Modem with Built-in 802.11g Wireless Router).

There are two common types of home broadband connection - Cable and ADSL. NTL is a cable bb provider and hence uses a Cable Modem, ADSL is normally supplied via a BT phoneline and uses an ADSL Modem.

[Speculator]

Thanks for all the replies. I am glad I asked the question before I made my purchase!

Just to confirm, I need to buy the following :-

Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router Model No. WRT54G-UK

Linksys Wireless Notebook - Adapter 54mbps 802.11g Model No. WPC54G-UK

Cheers,
Speculator.

[danielf]

Just to make sure: do you want a (wireless) router?

You only need to buy a wireless router if you want to be able to have an internet connection anywhere in the house/garden (or if you plan to use more than one machine with your connection). If you're happy having a cable between the lappie and modem you will only need the cable, and can save yourself a few £s

[Speculator]

Yes, I am after a wireless router.

I have a Desktop PC which my wife will be using and a laptop which I will be using and we will both be online at the same time.

Also, how does the NTL modem actually connect to the desktop pc? Would be it be via the same socket that I use to connect my 56K dial-up or via a USB port on my PC?

[Shaun]

Originally Posted by Speculator

Yes, I am after a wireless router.

I have a Desktop PC which my wife will be using and a laptop which I will be using and we will both be online at the same time.

Also, how does the NTL modem actually connect to the desktop pc? Would be it be via the same socket that I use to connect my 56K dial-up or via a USB port on my PC?

The modem will connect with a CAT5 (like a fat phone cable) to the router and then the router will connect with another CAT5 to the desktop.

[SMHarman]

Hopefully your desktop PC is modern enough that it has an ethernet connection, if it does not you will need to buy an NIC card, these cost upwards of £2.50 and slot into a spare PCI slot.

[danielf]

Originally Posted by dellwear

The modem will connect with a CAT5 (like a fat phone cable) to the router and then the router will connect with another CAT5 to the desktop.

Seeing you are going wireless, I would suggest connecting the desktop wirelessly (is that a word?) as well. I haven't done this (but will in a few weeks), but I think it would mean fitting a new PCI card to the desktop. This way, you won't be bothered by cables, and can have the connection put in where it is convenient, and not bother with it afterwards.

[Speculator]

Just checked the back of my Desktop and can`t find a ethernet connection. My desktop is about 4yrs old...Pentium 3, 400MHz.

Guess I will have to buy a NIC Card. Where will I find the spare PCI slot? Will I have to open up the computer?

[Speculator]

Is this what I need? Belkin 10/100 Network Interface PCI Card

A bargain at £2.89!

[danielf]

Originally Posted by Speculator

Just checked the back of my Desktop and can`t find a ethernet connection. My desktop is about 4yrs old...Pentium 3, 400MHz.

Guess I will have to buy a NIC Card. Where will I find the spare PCI slot? Will I have to open up the computer?

I'm afraid it does mean opening up the computer, but it is not a big deal really. And there's plenty of people on here that will be more than happy to help.

As you have dial-up internet access on the desktop, I would suggest you keep that alive while you set up the laptop. Deal with the laptop (and the router) first, and work on the desktop when you've sorted the laptop. This way, you will always be able to get on the net should you run into problems.

Internet access is valued most when you can't access it

[Speculator]

Originally Posted by danielf

Seeing you are going wireless, I would suggest connecting the desktop wirelessly (is that a word?) as well. I haven't done this (but will in a few weeks), but I think it would mean fitting a new PCI card to the desktop. This way, you won't be bothered by cables, and can have the connection put in where it is convenient, and not bother with it afterwards.

I thought about connecting the desktop wirelessly but I don`t think I will bother since the Desktop is probably staying in one place.

I am more interested in connecting the notebook wirelessly so that I can surf the net in the garden or even the toilet!