[Merged] Going wireless - equipment advice and recommendations

deelunn · 07-11-2005, 10:39

hi guys im just new so go easy on me....

ive got a normal 1mb connection from ntl and im wanting to go wireless! although having a quick read around the net theres seems much debate wether i can actually do this or not.

Has anyone sucessfully got this working and if so which router do you recommend? im just after a safe connection for my laptop - baring in mind i need something very very easy for myself to set up (preferably with technical support if i ever need it) as im a bit of a blonde!

thanks in advance

dee

bbwannabe · 07-11-2005, 10:45

http://cableforum.co.uk/board/showthread.php?t=33018 < heres a bunch of routers you can look at.. I have the wrt54g.
My laptop came with a wireless PCIMIA (sp??) card, I think you might need to connect to the router through a ethernet cable just to set it up as a network and all the security features but after that, you'll be able to access it wirelessly through your laptop. The wrt54g does seem to have botchy access restriction settings but if its just you wanting to use the net and no-one else then it shouldn't be an issue.

Neil · 07-11-2005, 10:46

All you need is a (non ADSL) wireless router, & a wireless card for your laptop.

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/sh...ad.php?t=33018

to the site too.

deelunn · 07-11-2005, 10:52

well there in the near future could be another laptop joinging the brigade...

id rather have one that was a definatly compatible with two just incase

thanks for the link though, ill take a look now!
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i think im going to opt for the netgear one (Netgear WGR614)! it looks shiney! lol which i realise may not be the most important thing in the world but it also states that its very easy to set up!

thanks guys!

handyman · 07-11-2005, 11:42

netgear don't get too favorable a review.

I on a older 11mbs linksys and run 2 computers wired and 3 laptops wireless from it with no problems what so ever.

If you choose a linksys one you'll also be able to draw upon a huge pool of happy linksys users on here. Also look at belkin routers. Whilst seeming to have slightly poorer signal strength they are just as reliable and we have one of their tech support on the forum....

deelunn · 07-11-2005, 11:45

oooo i was going to opt for the netgear one as we have a netgear one at work and its been fine for several years! plus ive never heard anyone have any problems with a netgear!

**Chris** · 07-11-2005, 11:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by handyman

netgear don't get too favorable a review.

I on a older 11mbs linksys and run 2 computers wired and 3 laptops wireless from it with no problems what so ever.

If you choose a linksys one you'll also be able to draw upon a huge pool of happy linksys users on here. Also look at belkin routers. Whilst seeming to have slightly poorer signal strength they are just as reliable and we have one of their tech support on the forum....

I have a Belkin too, as does mother-in-law, so fair amount of experience with them here.

The signal strength is a tad disappointing but otherwise they're quite easy to set up and use.

handyman · 07-11-2005, 11:53

I wish they where stronger because I do a fair amount of file transfer on the network and there are 3 networked printers traffic and I had a spare 54G belkin router that served the whole house bar my bloody room...

**Chris** · 07-11-2005, 11:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by handyman

I wish they where stronger because I do a fair amount of file transfer on the network and there are 3 networked printers traffic and I had a spare 54G belkin router that served the whole house bar my bloody room...

I found experimenting with different channels resulted in a noticeable improvement, but the one thing I've not done yet is build a small, high shelf to sit it on. TBH it's really not in the best position at the moment but cable length and lack of time are preventing me finding a 'quick fix'. But it works in the lounge, where I sometimes browse in the evening, and in the dining room, where I sit if I'm working from home, so I'm not in a big hurry to start any DIY.

The only problem is if the lappy loses the signal, it can be a right pain getting back onto the LAN, something about the DHCP seems to go b0rked and forces a reboot and/or ipconfig /release /renew and/or rebooting the router and/or releasing all the assigned IPs on the router itself before it works again. I'm not sufficiently experienced with wireless networks to know if this is something that is a problem on any where the signal is low, or just on Belkin units. Mother-in-law's device does the same.

SMHarman · 07-11-2005, 12:29

The biggest problem I find with dropped signals is the 'this file is locked by another user' errors that arise on shared files.

zc1 · 07-11-2005, 13:41

Hi,

I am looking at getting a the Belkin Router that will allow me to access the net on 2 computers.

I would like to connect my NTL Cable modem into it, then a lead from the router to my PC, and have my laptop wireless

Will either of the belkin routers do this ?
Belkin 802.11g Wireless DSL/Cable Gateway Router
High-Speed Mode Wireless G Router

Regards,
Garry

**Graham M** · 07-11-2005, 13:47

To be honest in my experience, I would steer well clear of Belkin routers, Ive had a lot of trouble with mine and instead go for something by Netgear or Linksys, these two companies come thoroughly recommended.

**Chris** · 07-11-2005, 14:09

This is a very popular question at the moment - lots of people are going wireless (me included!). I'm going to merge this thread with another ongoing one, which has already had some discussion about Belkin products as well as others.
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Merge completed.