Ntl broadband + wireless

Craig_hgt · 09-04-2006, 10:02

Hi,
i'm currently on on a dial up connection

looking to upgrade to broadband.

i have a few questions about setting up a wireless network,
as the broadband cables will come into the house from the front room and there is no computer in that room, would it be possible to have the cable modem and router away from both computers, or does it have to be wired to the 'main' pc? i'm trying to avoid having any more wire than is absolutly necessary.

it looks very difficult to set these up with i.p. adresses and so on, would it be too difficult for a newbie, i know nothing about all the above

i may also connect a laptop if i survive the setup of the pc's

any ideas?

**Rob** · 09-04-2006, 12:11

to Cable Forum

Initially it can be easiest to setup the router using a wired connection between it and a PC. Once you have got your configuration setup (wireless security and such like) you can switch all your connections between router and PC to wireless if you wish.

When you have the new connection installed, within reason, you can ask for the cable modem to be installed anywhere convenient ot you in the house. Just bear in mind how the cable might get to it, from outside the house. The cable can be run around external walls if that helps (not much help on terraced houses I know).

When buying a wireless router, make sure for use with cable that it does not include an ADSL modem. I'd also suggest you get one that is .11g rather than .11b standards, as the 11.b is barely capable of supporting the faster braodband speeds becoming available.

Craig_hgt · 09-04-2006, 12:13

this is what i'd like the setup to look like,

**Rob** · 09-04-2006, 12:15

Yep that will be fine. If the piccys used are correct you are looking at the Linkysys WRT54G or WRT54GS router.

Craig_hgt · 09-04-2006, 12:23

thats the one, it seems to be the most popular.
i did phone actiontec about the recommended router, but i got put through to technical support from india and they didnt seem to familiar with the english language. which for somebody like me who isn't used to this sort of jargon is off-putting

what is the difference between the two wrt54 routers you mention?

**Rob** · 09-04-2006, 12:32

the WRT54G is the standard 802.11g speed router.

The WRT54GS model has a "speedstep" enhancement which might make your wireless connection go a tad faster. That is unlikely to make a great benefit for your internet use, but if you share files between PCs on a regular basis it might be worht the extra expense, if your wireless adaptor in the PCs is also speedstep compatible.

Craig_hgt · 09-04-2006, 12:47

thanks for your help

as i havent yet got the broadband modem yet, is it safe for me to assume they have made changes to the modem that will render the wrt54gs router useless?

thanks again
Craig

**Rob** · 09-04-2006, 12:56

No that is incorrect.

The maximum speed you can get over cable broadband is currently 10Mbps. That is the maximum speed of the WAN (Wide Area Network) connection.

Your wireless router runs faster than that on the LAN (local Area Network) side of the network i.e. the connections between PCs and Router. An 802.11g router can run at up to 54Mbps on the LAN side (actual speed can be less dependent on range, interference, etc).

The Speedbooster claims to be able to squeeze up to 35% extra out of the LAN side connection I'm not sure exactly how it does it, but probably using some on the fly data compression and stuff. Speedstep is useful for transferring stuff between the PCs on your LAN. As your WAN speed can't go faster, and you can't fit an equivalent of Speedstep all across the internet, it won't do much for your internet connection.

Craig_hgt · 09-04-2006, 13:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig_hgt

thanks for your help

as i havent yet got the broadband modem yet, is it safe for me to assume they have made changes to the modem that will render the wrt54gs router useless?

thanks again
Craig

Sorry, i meant to say is it safe for me to assume that ntl have not made any changes to their modem that will render the router useless?

i'll go for the WRT54G then.

**Rob** · 09-04-2006, 13:17

Routers should work with any cable modem without issue. After all ntl in their user policy accept you can use up to 3 PCs and a router.

It is best to establish the new modem is setup correctly first of all by connecting a PC direct to it. Once you know the broadband is working, power off the modem and computer, change around your wiring, adding the router, power back on again, and you should have your LAN in place.

Craig_hgt · 09-04-2006, 13:40

just ordered

1x Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router WRT54G
2x Linksys WMP54G 54G Wireless Desktop PCI Adapters
1x Linksys WPC54G 54G Wireless Laptop Card

from transparentcommunications
Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â£133 all in

jrhnewark · 09-04-2006, 16:52

Yowch, what a pocket burner!

Could've got it down to around Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â£80 all-in - http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/sto...g_page=Product - ah well, hope it all works for you. I'm just waiting for my WRT54GS to arrive.

Craig_hgt · 10-04-2006, 11:21

I knew someone would post that type of reply lol

the thing is, i've found that when i've been a tight wad and brought something much cheaper than most companies sell it for, i have had to return it because something isnt right.

at the end of the day, you get what you pay for

my only problem with 'transparentcomms' is that they wont post to an alternative address.

Druchii · 10-04-2006, 21:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig_hgt

I knew someone would post that type of reply lol the thing is, i've found that when i've been a tight wad and brought something much cheaper than most companies sell it for, i have had to return it because something isnt right. at the end of the day, you get what you pay for

my only problem with 'transparentcomms' is that they wont post to an alternative address.

Most companies don't do this until you have ordered and successfully paid them once. Standard practice to cover there backs