Routers !

Briony

Briony

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Nicki.
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O.K can someone in laymans terms explain to me what router I need to connect this laptop to my desktop for wireless connection:shrug:

I thought I had a router and have now been told that it is not and need to get one and I have not got a clue what to get.

Help would be appreciated please.
 
Are you cabled or using a BT line (BT as in phone line not necessarily your phone co.?
 
Using my BT phone line and I ahve been told it needs to be ADSL compatible is that right
 
You've probably got an ADSL modem for the desktop. If so, you'll need a router with wireless capability and a built in Ethernet switch if your desktop has a network port. The desktop connects via an Ethernet cable, the laptop via WiFi.
 
If you have a BT line etc and you contact them they should give you the latest router free. They did me when i moved in and i didnt even agree to start a new contract. I have no doubt they will ask you to sign up for another 18 months though.
BTW did you get any pictures of the acting that was going on in your village during the week? Some wonderful props and horse drawn carriages I saw.
 
The one from Amazon should be ok but more expensive options give better range and transmission through walls( useful in older properties and big houses.).
 
Yep, that's an ADSL modem. It doesn't have a router built in and connects via USB.
 
K9simon said:
If you have a BT line etc and you contact them they should give you the latest router free. They did me when i moved in and i didnt even agree to start a new contract. I have no doubt they will ask you to sign up for another 18 months though.
BTW did you get any pictures of the acting that was going on in your village during the week? Some wonderful props and horse drawn carriages I saw.
Click to expand...

Yes got a few piccys :thumbs:

So if I ring BT and ask for a router what am I asking for :shrug:
 
PsiFox said:
The one from Amazon should be ok but more expensive options give better range and transmission through walls( useful in older properties and big houses.).
Click to expand...

That's a good point although the wireless card in the laptop is really the limiting factor for range.
 
BROADBAND

UK INTERNAL DELL 5530 3G/HSDPA CARD, expensive upgrade and not often seen

WI-FI

Intel WiFi Link next generation card 5100 a/b/g/n (The best wireless card available)

:shrug:
 
Those are WiFi cards rather than routers. Your laptop should have one built in.
 
Here you are have a look, :shrug:

Hard Drive and Optical Drive

160GB Hard Drive 7200 rpm with Free Fall Sensor (UPGRADED TO FASTER 7200 WHICH MAKES A MASSIVE PERFORMANCE DIFFERENCE)

8X DVD-ROM & 24X CD/RW(plays and burns CD's & DVD's)

Ram

4GB DDR2 Ram (Just upgraded to 4GB with brand new branded memory and the machine truly flies along)

Power Supply

Brand new 9 cell extended battery and a spare 6 cell battery, 90W POWER ADAPTER (EXTRA UPGRADE FROM THE STANDARD 56WH) and UK AC Mains adapter/charger/documentation

KEYBOARD:

UK/IR QWERTY BACKLIT KEYBOARD

Graphics

Onboard but using the better Intel Accelerator (sp)

Sound

2 Speakers

BROADBAND

UK INTERNAL DELL 5530 3G/HSDPA CARD, expensive upgrade and not often seen

WI-FI

Intel WiFi Link next generation card 5100 a/b/g/n (The best wireless card available)

Card Reader

5 in 1 card reader

Ports, Inputs and Outputs

4 USB2

eSATA port

VGA out connector

Display port for future proofing.

E Docking port on underside

54mm Express card slot & PCMCIA slot

1x RJ45 Ethernet 10/100/1000

Mic in / Audio out

4 pin firewire 1394a

Touchpad
 
:bang: :bang: :bang: :bang:

Aghhhhhhhhhhhh An Indian how the heck can I understand him :lol: :lol::lol: :bang: :bang:
 
Briony said:
O.K can someone in laymans terms explain to me what router I need to connect this laptop to my desktop for wireless connection:shrug:
Click to expand...

If you just need to connect the two computers to each other, then you don't need a router - a wireless card in each would enable you to set up an ad hoc WiFi network.

If the desktop is already connected to the internet using an ADSL modem, then you can share that internet connection with the laptop, but you'd need to have the desktop switched on and connected to the internet every time you wanted to use the laptop on the internet to.

[technically, in so doing, the desktop itself becomes a wireless router or wireless bridge]
 
Whats the point of phoning BT if his internet service provider isn't BT? Your internet provider will provide you with a new router and it should be wireless as I don't think any now supply non wireless routers. The new router may involve signing up for a new 12/18/24 month contract so ask the question before you sign up unless your happy to stay with your ISP that is.

You need a wireless router with modem built in, everyone sells these as routers for BT lines. The other type is for users of cable and virgin media connections, Virgin supply a modem with an eithernet (network) connection so the router doesn't need the modem part.

There are loads of wireless routers available, BT provide their home hubs, sky usually use netgear, Bethere use speedtouch/thompson (beBox) or you can buy your own for about £30-40 ISP provided routers come configured for the connection and will have wireless enabled and configured and the network key (password) will be on a sticker on the bottom. If you buy your own then you configure them yourself setting your connection and wireless settings yourself usually with the use of a wizard so it is quite easy.

Musicman is correct but its a pain in the butt using internet connection shareing and adhoc wireless networking isn't that great or secure, it works but there is a better option and that is a wireless router.
 
Last edited:
I want to be able to use the lap top downstairs with my original internet connection.

I cannot get a Home Hub as I do not have a BT broadband account I am with Tesco :shrug:

Hope that makes sense :thinking:
 
Briony said:
I cannot get a Home Hub as I do not have a BT broadband account I am with Tesco :shrug:
Click to expand...

Tesco's current broadband offering includes a wireless router in both their Evenings and Weekend and Anytime packages.

http://www.tescobroadband.com/tesco-broadband/evening-and-weekend-package.aspx

http://www.tescobroadband.com/tesco-broadband/anytime-package.aspx

Tesco said:
Inclusive Wireless Router
Tesco Broadband comes with a wireless router included. This router is already set up for you to connect and start using our network and will come with instructions of how to set it up (if you get stuck there is no need to worry our customer care team will be on hand to help guide you through).*


*wireless router remains the property of Tesco Stores Ltd
Click to expand...

I suggest you have a chat with Tesco Customer Services.
 
DON'T phone BT. They will lock you into an 18 month contact just for calling them.

You have to be clear about what you have and what you want.

1) An ADSL Modem connects you to the Intarwebby.

2) A Router allows communication betweens various devices - including computer and Modem.

3) A WiFi Router allows communication betweens various devices - including laptops.

4) A Router/Modem - which combines 1 & 2.

5) A WiFi Router/Modem - which combines 1 & 3.

You say you have an ethernet speed touch modem. There are many different versions. Either way, I'd be tempted to replace it with No. 5 although you could probably get away with a No. 3 connecting to your existing unit - if it is one with a built in router capability and a spare port.
 
Just buy a wireless router with ethernet capability. Plug the original desktop into the router, use the WiFi for the laptop.

If you're not sure how to set it up yourself, then either find someone locally to help out or ask a friend with a bit of IT savvy. :)
 
Little John said:
Whats the point of phoning BT if his internet service provider isn't BT? Your internet provider will provide you with a new router and it should be wireless as I don't think any now supply non wireless routers. The new router may involve signing up for a new 12/18/24 month contract so ask the question before you sign up unless your happy to stay with your ISP that is.
Click to expand...

Briony said:
I want to be able to use the lap top downstairs with my original internet connection.

I cannot get a Home Hub as I do not have a BT broadband account I am with Tesco :shrug:

Hope that makes sense :thinking:
Click to expand...

Phone tesco.net and see if they will give you a new router.

If not buy one of these cheap enough at less than £30
 
Having been thrown off the scent by people suggesting you should phone BT......

By all means call your current ISP but be prepared to either; be locked into another contract, pay a one-off sum, pay more per month. Or perm any two from three.

Better still, buy your own WiFi Router/ADSL Modem.
 
2blue4u said:
Better still, buy your own WiFi Router/ADSL Modem.
Click to expand...

Agreed, but with a contract you'll get a preconfigured box that just plugs in and is supported by your ISP.

Using your own router is fine if you're confident about configuring it, overcoming any potential compatibility obstacles with your ISP (Drayteks don't play well with BE, for example) and doing without any support from your ISP's helpdesk. Your own router will be off-script if you phone up with any problem, even if it's nothing to do with the actual cause of an issue.

I'm happy to do that - networks are my day job and have been for nearly 20 years. I suspect the OP may not be.
 
Islander said:
Just buy a wireless router with ethernet capability. Plug the original desktop into the router, use the WiFi for the laptop.

If you're not sure how to set it up yourself, then either find someone locally to help out or ask a friend with a bit of IT savvy. :)
Click to expand...

Trying to find someone :shrug:



Little John said:
Phone tesco.net and see if they will give you a new router.

No I have already asked



If not buy one of these cheap enough at less than £30
Click to expand...

Musicman said:
Agreed, but with a contract you'll get a preconfigured box that just plugs in and is supported by your ISP.

Using your own router is fine if you're confident about configuring it, overcoming any potential compatibility obstacles with your ISP (Drayteks don't play well with BE, for example) and doing without any support from your ISP's helpdesk. Your own router will be off-script if you phone up with any problem, even if it's nothing to do with the actual cause of an issue.

I'm happy to do that - networks are my day job and have been for nearly 20 years. I suspect the OP may not be.[/QUOTE]

You are so right there :thumbs:
Click to expand...
 
Hi,

I started with a basic reply, then wasn't sure what you needed or how technical you were, so my reply rambles on slightly:lol:. If you want me to try and explain any stage in detail, let me know!!

As you already have broadband, and simply want to connect all your home devices together.

I recommend you simply buy an ADSL wireless router (with built in 4/5/8port switch), most brands will be ok however some have better range than others, so be aware if distance between the BT wall outlet will be far from the other devices (the router will plug in at the BT outlet and will need its own power supply close by)

The router will allow you to file share between all devices (music, docs, images etc) and also allow a shared internet connection.

Windows and other Operating Systems allow their own version of Internet Connection Sharing, generally using a main pc as the router - however you always need this main pc powered on. Personally I find it easier to just buy a router and it helps troubleshooting further down the line.

What you will need to ensure is that your main pc has a method of being connected to the ADSL router. This could be via wireless or a wired ethernet/CAT5 cable.

1. Buy a recommended ADSL router
2. Configure it with an ethernet/CAT5 cable ( connected to laptop RJ45 port) - basically you'll need your broadband username and password. This will be on the initial correspondance from your broadband supplier. Typically point your web browser to http://192.168.0.1 to configure it - but follow your specific intructions if not that
3. Test your connection to the web from the laptop whilst on the CAT5 cable to the router, if all ok....
4. Remove CAT5 cable.
5. Configure and test the wireless connection on the laptop. It should try and search for Access Points (AP's), select the appropriate one and once connected try browse any website.
6. Connect the main pc to the router by either a CAT5 cable or configure wireless (if the pc has either of those network interfaces). If not the simplest solution would be a USB WIFI NIC (dongle) but Ive often found these can be fussy.
7. When your happy all is working, ensure you have AntiVirus/Spyware/Malware packages loaded (preferably before but as soon as). You might want to use another (not additional) firewall, the router will offer some protection if you are ok with that.
8. Once all working out to internet you might want to turn on some form of file sharing to move files/docs etc back and forth between laptops/pc's etc
9. Turn on wireless security (WEP for example, others are available)- so the neighbours can't use your bandwidth.


Good luck



Andy
(ex CCNA)
 
Last edited:
Andy. I know what you mean by 'ADSL Router' but I do think you should clearly specify 'ADSL Modem WiFi Router' as it is still possible to buy 'ADSL Routers' without the WiFi function.
 
2blue4u said:
Andy. I know what you mean by 'ADSL Router' but I do think you should clearly specify 'ADSL Modem WiFi Router' as it is still possible to buy 'ADSL Routers' without the WiFi function.
Click to expand...


Fair point! Bit of an assumption there on my part, edited accordingly.
 
Finally got an answer out of my service provider who has said "so long as I UPGRADE" I will get the router, so they want onother £25.00 a month - don't think so :eek:

Will have to go out tomorrow and look for :-

a) Some help :shrug:

b) Router (hope I get the right one:thinking:)

c) a miracle that I can get this connected:help:
 
25 a month? jeez you can get unlimited sky broadband for £8 with kit thrown in..

youre going to have to way up the cost of..

a) paying the 25
b) possibly paying to get out of your current contract and switching providers
c) the cost of buying and configuring the router
 
What To Purchase

Islander said:
Something like this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Netgear-DG8...Z8Z8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1287674695&sr=8-1
Click to expand...

I'd also recommend this, and if you buy directly from Amazon at £32.99. If you want to go to a shop, print off that amazon page and ask the shop to show you their equivalent, it must be an;

1. ADSL router (NOT CABLE)
2. Wireless (look for 54Mbps-G standard, there are also A B and N - if you want to more on the technical side of this I can find some further reading)
3. Inbuilt Switch (4,5,8 port - size not essential unless you plan to wire more network devices).


Other Information You'll Need To Know

4. Your broadband username and password
5. Identifing your PC's network interface to connect to router. This could be wired or wireless. If you have a branded pc eg Dell, we might be able to identify the motherboard and tell you if you have any built-in network capability. If not, you will also need to buy a network interface to allow this connection. This will be either wired or wireless and will depend on the location of the pc and the router. Generally if its within a few feet, I'd run a wire to it, but you could easily opt for a wireless interface.


The setup of these routers tend to run via a setup wizard. Id not worry too much about it.


Again, I'd listen to what the other posters are suggesting but personally I'd buy the router for say £30 odd quid (one off cost) and take it from there. If really isnt all that complicated.


If your not clear on any of my posts, let me know and I'll answer each point one by one.




Andy
 
If they want £25 per month ditch them and sign up with Be on their unlimited deal and they will send you a router for about £17.50 per month. and there is usually a quidco offer for £40 back or a few months free.
 
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