A PC router question..

[Nagual]

Hey there all,

While I count myself as not totally PC inept having dabbled in such evil arts are C++, PASCAL, BASIC and even COBOL ( is that still used these days? ) There are several areas that I'm not sure about, mainly as I've never had to deal with them myself - and as such, have now entered the bewildering array of routers and modems for my new broadband connection.

Not connected yet, but am planning on going with plusnet on their contract free option, the'll set me up with a new line and broadband for a token 25 squidlies, and I can get either a wired router for 20 or a wireless for 40 from them (plus a fiver P&P) however what I'd like in the ideal world is for one that I can set up as a wired one just now and move onto a wireless later on, once I do some much needed PC upgrading. However after a quick look at Scan.co.uk I have doubts as to what exactly I might be buying. I look at the blurb and it all sounds lovely, read the tech specs and my eyebrow raises all by itself.. Some of these things say they have / are modems others not. Some say ADSL or CABLE ( now that I do understand.. lol ) an example would be this chappie :

clicky here

It seems to cover all the points I'm looking for, however in the Tech Specs bit, for Modem it has n/a - which I'm hoping means it can be used in either ADSL or Cable and not that I'd need a Modem in addition.


So there is my little problem, and I greatly need your advice on this.

Cheers,

 

[DaveBromley]

not 100% but if you're looking for a wireless set up you will have a seperate modem, now if they are offering a wireless jobby with the package it would still allow wired connection to your wireless router but it would also allow wireless connection too. I hope that makes sense (this is the set up that i have!!) i have my xbox wired to my router and my pc and laptop running wirelessly from the same unit, it then connects to a modem and that in turn connects to the cable.

hope this helps

Dave

 

[nitrambur]

If you're on a BT type line you'll be ADSL. You'll most likely know if you're on cable i.e. Virgin Media that's often listed as DSL.

The modem connects you to the internet, if you've only got and only plan to have one computer that's all you need.

A router connects one or many computers to the modem. I have a wireless router but it also has 4 wired connections, there's also a 5 port switch upstairs splitting one of the wired connections into another 4.

Any clearer? I could draw you a picture if you like.

I forgot one bit, adsl routers don't work with cable modems and vice-versa

 

[Adze]

The wireless router PlusNet send out is a Thomson model TG585 if memory serves - they're ok as a budget/home model. Wireless B+G with 4 RJ45 sockets for wired connections. For £45 all in it's not bad value as a combination modem/router.

I'd give them a ring and ask exactly which model they're offering you for the £45 - if it's the above, I doubt you'll do noticeably better for the money. The main advantage of getting the router from your ISP is your warranty is then with your ISP - you'll get a faster turnaround and have a bigger stick to beat your ISP with than you will supplying your own router and saving a few quid.

 

[Bigfoot]

You won't need a modem in addition to the router. The router you listed will create your connection wirelessly or wired, as you prefer (and you can also network other computers wirelessly but you also have 4 wired LAN ports if you want to connect that way too).

 

[Melonfish]

ADSL setups on bt type phone lines you can get combines router/modems with wireless built in, don't buy D-link they're foul.
for Cable/DSL connections you can get wireless routers that simply plug into your issued cable router and your away. again stay away from d-link

 

[Womble_Lancs]

You won't need a modem in addition to the router. The router you listed will create your connection wirelessly or wired, as you prefer (and you can also network other computers wirelessly but you also have 4 wired LAN ports if you want to connect that way too).

I would disagree, Bigfoot - the link above shows a wireless router, not a modem/router, so it wouldn't work with ADSL unless there was a separate modem.

Personally, I prefer Belkin routers, they've never let me down either at home or at work. Something like this would work.

 

[Lupis]

I would disagree, Bigfoot - the link above shows a wireless router, not a modem/router, so it wouldn't work with ADSL unless there was a separate modem.

I concur. As for the OP why not go with the wireless one from plusnet? It will almost certainly have 4 wired ports, as most wireless routers do. Ask plusnet if you aren't sure.

 

[neoaliphant]

I got my father the plusnet + wireles router deal and its quite good, plusnet have been a good company for about 10 years at least. Im an ISP as well and I could have got him my adsl at cost price but plusnets deal was better, especially with the free phone calls.
AL

 

[Bigfoot]

I would disagree, Bigfoot - the link above shows a wireless router, not a modem/router, so it wouldn't work with ADSL unless there was a separate modem.

Whoops, sorry. I thought he was going for one provided by Plusnet and an IP typically wouldn't just give you a standalone router. Thanks for pointing out graciously that I don't know what I'm talking about!

 

[Womble_Lancs]

Whoops, sorry. I thought he was going for one provided by Plusnet and an IP typically wouldn't just give you a standalone router. Thanks for pointing out graciously that I don't know what I'm talking about!

LOL - I've just been through the hassle of installing a wireless network at work, after the so-called 'specialist engineer' informed me that wireless technology was "too new" for him to know enough about it...

 

[Nagual]

Thanks guys for all your replies. I know all how all the bits n bobs work together and how they connect it was just the wording on the routers and a lack of practical ADSL broadband. So basically unless the router says it has a ADSL modem, it's just a router only - makes sense, but with all things it's nice to actually have confirmation of that.

Adze - thats a good point, I'll probably just get theirs, making everything their responsibility. Well, as much as I can anyway. The main reason for looking else where was just for saving some cash, that and I wasn't aware that wireless routers come with ethernet sockets, makes sense that they do of course once I think about it.

Cheers everyone!

 

[dwardo]

Thanks guys for all your replies. I know all how all the bits n bobs work together and how they connect it was just the wording on the routers and a lack of practical ADSL broadband. So basically unless the router says it has a ADSL modem, it's just a router only - makes sense, but with all things it's nice to actually have confirmation of that.

Adze - thats a good point, I'll probably just get theirs, making everything their responsibility. Well, as much as I can anyway. The main reason for looking else where was just for saving some cash, that and I wasn't aware that wireless routers come with ethernet sockets, makes sense that they do of course once I think about it.

Cheers everyone!

Use only their kit, even if its wubbish. If you have to pay a few quid extra it will be money well spent and it may just stop you from linching your self next time you have to deal with their tek support!

 

[Nagual]

Use only their kit, even if its wubbish. If you have to pay a few quid extra it will be money well spent and it may just stop you from linching your self next time you have to deal with their tek support!

Thats it in a nutshell. Although I've been reading their community forums, and not too many issues there. From what I see most seem to be either user error or BT communication problems.