Networking via the mains?

[Osem]

Thanks - you're probably right. My reluctance to use a router is largely due to complexity and security issues as I'm useless at these things and would probably wind up cutting myself off forever.

This begs a question - if I wanted a dual connection to the web would installing a wired modem be a simple plug and go operation or would it also to need to be configured, tweaked or whatever before we could surf away ?

[danielf]

To be honest, I've had routers for so long that I don't remember the initial setup. If I remember correctly, the router should come with software that will make the necessary changes to the pcs you want to connect. Alternatively, you can make these changes manually (which is what I do). Either way, it should be a matter of minutes before you get connected to the web. Getting the computers on your network to communicate with each other (to transfer files for instance) can be a bit trickier, but I presume that will not be your first interest.

Regardless, there are plenty people here who will be more than willing to help should you run into trouble, so I'd say Go for it!

Also, if you stick to a wired router, there will be no security issues. Quite the contrary in fact. The router acts as a buffer between you and the web and protects you from attacks from the outside world. There can be security issues with wireless routers (your wireless might get hacked), but if you stick to wired, there are no such risks.

[Osem]

Originally Posted by danielf

To be honest, I've had routers for so long that I don't remember the initial setup. If I remember correctly, the router should come with software that will make the necessary changes to the pcs you want to connect. Alternatively, you can make these changes manually (which is what I do). Either way, it should be a matter of minutes before you get connected to the web. Getting the computers on your network to communicate with each other (to transfer files for instance) can be a bit trickier, but I presume that will not be your first interest.

Regardless, there are plenty people here who will be more than willing to help should you run into trouble, so I'd say Go for it!

Also, if you stick to a wired router, there will be no security issues. Quite the contrary in fact. The router acts as a buffer between you and the web and protects you from attacks from the outside world. There can be security issues with wireless routers (your wireless might get hacked), but if you stick to wired, there are no such risks.

Yes I was aware of the security issues with wireless which why I'd go for wired and why I was interested in these mains devices as they don't even need a router to provide just alternative internet connection elsewhere in the house.

File transfer wouldn't be an issue for us really so I may just try these things out simply to avoid having to run a long cable from the cable modem to my son's bedroom or study.

Does anyone know if the Maplin offer is any good and how these units compare to other similar devices???

Virtual pints on me

[Mr_love_monkey]

Originally Posted by Osem

Does anyone know if the Maplin offer is any good and how these units compare to other similar devices???

Virtual pints on me

Those are the ones I've got, and I'm very happy with them - there were also 99 quid when I got them

[danielf]

I don't think there is much difference between the brands. I also have the devolos and am pleased with them. A pair is £73 on ebuyer, so the £70 'offer' at Maplins looks good.

[Osem]

Originally Posted by Mr_love_monkey

Those are the ones I've got, and I'm very happy with them - there were also 99 quid when I got them

Any chance of you popping over to install them for us??

[Mr_love_monkey]

Originally Posted by Osem

Any chance of you popping over to install them for us??

whereabout are you?

[Halcyon]

The router I linked to is a wired router.
Really easy to setup. In most cases, just plug in, follow simple instructions and good to go.
Wired routers often come built in with a firewall of some kind too so no need to worry.

If you don't use a router the only problem I can see is that you would have to power everything down each time you want to change connections so modem recognises the computer that is connected.

[Osem]

Originally Posted by Mr_love_monkey

whereabout are you?

Hmmm.. Bromley area - I'd happily tell you our address so you can pop round but my wife might run off with you

Originally Posted by Halcyon

The router I linked to is a wired router.
Really easy to setup. In most cases, just plug in, follow simple instructions and good to go.
Wired routers often come built in with a firewall of some kind too so no need to worry.

If you don't use a router the only problem I can see is that you would have to power everything down each time you want to change connections so modem recognises the computer that is connected.

Thanks for that - what you describe is what I occasionally have to do now as I sometimes use an old (W98) PC which I connect to the web via the USB connection on the modem. Since I don't have to do this sort of thing often it's no big issue powering everything off/on and switching connections. If it becomes tiresome I guess then I'd go for the router but I might have a look around in the shops anyway and see what I can find.

Cheers everyone

[Mr_love_monkey]

Originally Posted by Osem

Hmmm.. Bromley area - I'd happily tell you our address so you can pop round but my wife might run off with you

Hmm you're not actually that far away from me....

is your wife hot?

[Osem]

Originally Posted by Mr_love_monkey

Hmm you're not actually that far away from me....

is your wife hot?

Scorching .....

[littlebert]

I run 3 of these plugs myself and found them to be the nut's!

http://www.in-home-network.co.uk/hom...5-mbps-3-p.asp

Was initially worried that they were cheaper than most, so the quality might be comprimised... was pleasently proved wrong though!

[Mr_love_monkey]

Originally Posted by Osem

Scorching .....

I'll be there in 10 minutes!