Wireless Router & USB Models?

[JediMaster]

Doing some research for a friend..

He has a USB Model (AOL I think but NOT 100% sure who his ISP is)... He has a USB Modem. Being a new person to Internet he ordered a Linksys Wirless Router. The Router has NO USB input.

When he called to tell me today, I showed him my NTL & Ebuyer Router....

So my questions ARE:

1) Can he use the Modem & the Router he has?
2) If NOT... What Router would you recomend to a NOVICE?
3) or would you say get a Modem & Router all in ONE? & which ONE?

Cheers Guys & Gals

[MovedGoalPosts]

Moved to Computers & IT Discussion

[nffc]

He needs an ethernet-compatible modem (and use a Cable Gateway Router) or to get a combined DSL Modem/Router.

Either way should work with his AOL line but the latter probably needs more config- if he doesn't have a modem that does Ethernet and USB then maybe it's better to have the two bits of kit first, IMO, it's easier to set up the modem, then run the network setup than to configure both at the same time, on one piece of kit.

If he's already bought the router and he can't cancel it then he's probably best off buying a router that supports Ethernet rather than anything else- unless he's bought a combined router/modem in which case I personally would RMA.

As for specifics, stick to either Belkin, Linksys or Netgear, and use the same for all the wireless kit- cards, and APs/routers. Personally I can vouch for the Belkin kit but from what other FMs have said the other two seem as good. Plus a few things generally to remember:
- Security- YOU MUST USE THIS! MAC filtering is a decent start but I'd also consider altering the SSID (don't disable the broadcast as that makes associating difficult) and some form of encryption which should be enough to stop most people.
- Speed- I'd still consider the 802.11g running at 54 Mb/s to be the best of the four.

[JediMaster]

Just seen: Quickfind code: 59951

Any good for what I need???

I cant see a Router that has USB on it??? To Connect my USB Modem? But the Linksys one looks OK

Saw this on the REVIEWS:

I have set mine up with AOL help, and it works great without any hassles even my laptop on wireless works perfect upstairs. Excellent purchase.

Encapsulation: RFC PPPoE
Virtual Circuit: 0 VPI to 38 VCI
Multiplexing: VC
Service Name: (leave blank)
User Name: muppet@aol.com (your AOL user name here! lowercase only)
Password: (use your AOL password, but has to be less than 8 digits)
Connection: Keep Alive
Host Name: (leave blank)
Domain Name: (leave blank)
MTU: Manual
Size: 1400 (has to be this or will not work!)

The rest of the setting should be left at default and when your line is activated it WILL work as mine did about 3 hours ago.

[nffc]

You will NOT get a router that will connect to a USB modem.

As I said, you have these options:
- Buy a combined modem/router (Not recommended for AOL)
- Buy a standalone, Ethernet modem which you then configure with the PC, and then set up the wireless with a CABLE router (better)

[handyman]

best bet would be to get the wireless router with adsl built in. Will be easier to set up.

[nffc]

Originally Posted by handyman

best bet would be to get the wireless router with adsl built in. Will be easier to set up.

I disagree. You can set up the internet and the network independently- which means that if it doesn't work after setting up the router, it's the router that's set up wrong, but if you set up them both together it could be either.

[JediMaster]

Originally Posted by nffc

You will NOT get a router that will connect to a USB modem.

As I said, you have these options:
- Buy a combined modem/router (Not recommended for AOL)
- Buy a standalone, Ethernet modem which you then configure with the PC, and then set up the wireless with a CABLE router (better)

Ok cool..

Thanks for ADVICE

[SMHarman]

Originally Posted by nffc

I disagree. You can set up the internet and the network independently- which means that if it doesn't work after setting up the router, it's the router that's set up wrong, but if you set up them both together it could be either.

Independant still (in my experience) means reconfiguring the ADSL modem when you want to add a router.
For my Linksys ADSL2+ modem and BEFSR8 router I had it working standalone, but to route, I needed to put the router into passthrough mode and put the ADSL dial up settings into the router, a total reconfiguration really.

[nffc]

Originally Posted by SMHarman

Independant still (in my experience) means reconfiguring the ADSL modem when you want to add a router.
For my Linksys ADSL2+ modem and BEFSR8 router I had it working standalone, but to route, I needed to put the router into passthrough mode and put the ADSL dial up settings into the router, a total reconfiguration really.

Fair point but routers like ours found the internet settings on the pc and set up the router automatically...

[SMHarman]

Originally Posted by nffc

Fair point but routers like ours found the internet settings on the pc and set up the router automatically...

Maybe the Linksys CD would have done that, but the ADSL had never been configured to the PC, it had been on NTL BB before that (and still regularly connects to it at home).

[nffc]

Originally Posted by SMHarman

Maybe the Linksys CD would have done that, but the ADSL had never been configured to the PC, it had been on NTL BB before that (and still regularly connects to it at home).

Think it's pretty personal- personally, I'd always say to set up a working ethernet BB connection, then network it, rather than do both together. Plus if either modem or router fails or needs upgrading you only need to replace one.

Obviously it's possible the other way, just saying what I prefer!