Recommendation - specific set-up

[Sir Arthur]

Hello all.

I'm looking for my first wireless router, but am getting a little confused. I thought if I gave my set-up it may help.

I currently have 2Meg Cable from VM, a PS3 and a non-wireless laptop. I have a new Dell Studio Laptop (wifi enabled) arriving in the next couple of weeks (midnight blue - very exciting!).

I'd like to be able to stream video content to the PS3 including HD, most likely using TVersity.

However, I'm in the process of moving house and I MAY leave VM and head over to a Sky/02 ADSL combination.

So now you know my life story, can you recommend a router that will allow me to connect my current laptop on a wired connection, my next one wirelessly, stream video and, if possible, will allow me to switch to a non-cable service?

Thanks.

[MovedGoalPosts]

Any router that you buy that is suited to cable, can also be used with ADSL, but not necessarily vice versa.

Most dedicated ADSL routers include the ADSL modem within the ADSL router package.

Cable relies on a standalone modem (supplied by Virgin Media), and thus router's compatible with cable need to have an ethernet (RJ45) socket for the WAN (internet) side, that connects to the modem. If your ADSL supplier provides an ADSL modem, with ethernet (not USB) output, then the router you purchase for cable use can also connect to the ADSL modem. You may of course need to tweak a number of settings.

Wireless router's generally come with a number of ethernet ports for the LAN (local network) side that you can wire connect devices as you wish, as well as the wireless. As a rule, wired will be more stable, but you should still be able to use wireless for streaming, if you are getting a good signal.

I would suggest you consider a "n" speed wireless router, rather than the older "g" speeds. Whilst "n" is overkill for your broadband speed, it will provide greater resilience for your streaming needs. However, on cost grounds, if your wireless laptop, and PS3 only support "g" wireless then you might not see the "n" costs as worthwhile.

As for a good choice of router, personally I've always liked Linksys, and the WRT54GS or GL are a popular choice for the "g" speeds. "n" speeds I don't know.

[Sir Arthur]

Thanks Rob - that's all my questions answered!

[dragon]

Originally Posted by Rob

Any router that you buy that is suited to cable, can also be used with ADSL, but not necessarily vice versa.

Most dedicated ADSL routers include the ADSL modem within the ADSL router package.

Cable relies on a standalone modem (supplied by Virgin Media), and thus router's compatible with cable need to have an ethernet (RJ45) socket for the WAN (internet) side, that connects to the modem. If your ADSL supplier provides an ADSL modem, with ethernet (not USB) output, then the router you purchase for cable use can also connect to the ADSL modem. You may of course need to tweak a number of settings.

Wireless router's generally come with a number of ethernet ports for the LAN (local network) side that you can wire connect devices as you wish, as well as the wireless. As a rule, wired will be more stable, but you should still be able to use wireless for streaming, if you are getting a good signal.

I would suggest you consider a "n" speed wireless router, rather than the older "g" speeds. Whilst "n" is overkill for your broadband speed, it will provide greater resilience for your streaming needs. However, on cost grounds, if your wireless laptop, and PS3 only support "g" wireless then you might not see the "n" costs as worthwhile.

As for a good choice of router, personally I've always liked Linksys, and the WRT54GS or GL are a popular choice for the "g" speeds. "n" speeds I don't know.

I've not had many Problems with my WRT160N

One did die but only becuase I did something stupid *Cough* incompatable firmware flash *Cough*