Can I use any Router ?

[Tigerplank]

Hi guys, I've got 3 computers all Ethernet into a modem.I want to get a router & don't know what one to get.My ISP is talk-talk, Can I buy any router or do i have to use a certain one that talk-talk sell ?
2 of the computers will need to go wireless, 1 of the computers is a laptop & will not take a wireless lan card, so will need to buy 2 wireless sticks.
Anyone got any idea what router that will take these wireless sticks that I should buy ?

Any help welcome....thx

[Wally]

You don't normally have to buy products sold by your ISP, although some do make it harder than others...I think Sky is one of the worst for that (if memory serves me correctly). All you have to do is buy a router that supports your type of connection (cable, dsl, adsl, etc.) and the appropriate hardware for your computers/laptop. I would do a little digging with google to find out if others have had any problems using their own equipment with talk-talk...

[InstallingIT]

Hi

With talk talk you should have no problem using any ADSL router that you wish.
As you mention that you use ethernet at the moment to connect the computers to the router it would also be possible for you to buy a Cable router and connect that to your existing modem. This would be a little cheaper, but you might as well buy an ADSL router which has everything built in.

As far as the router goes, I would personally stay clear of the 'cheaper' products because the wireless range tends to be less than satisfactory!
I would recommend Netgear routers for home use, as they are fairly straight forward to setup and provide good signal quality.

The DG834G is a good deal at the moment. You can buy the matching wireless sticks for under 20 quid each which is worth doing.

I hope this helps.
Many Thanks

Leo

[Tigerplank]

Hi Wally, The reason I ask is that most ISP will not help you if you have a problem with your connection unless it's a certain model.they say " sorry but we are not trained in those routers & can't help you " So I'm just not wanting to dive in like a madman & get stung with a router thats of no use to me when problems occurs again.

[Tigerplank]

Originally Posted by InstallingIT

Hi

With talk talk you should have no problem using any ADSL router that you wish.
As you mention that you use ethernet at the moment to connect the computers to the router it would also be possible for you to buy a Cable router and connect that to your existing modem. This would be a little cheaper, but you might as well buy an ADSL router which has everything built in.

As far as the router goes, I would personally stay clear of the 'cheaper' products because the wireless range tends to be less than satisfactory!
I would recommend Netgear routers for home use, as they are fairly straight forward to setup and provide good signal quality.

The DG834G is a good deal at the moment. You can buy the matching wireless sticks for under 20 quid each which is worth doing.

I hope this helps.
Many Thanks

Leo

Thats 100% what i was looking for.
Lots of thoses DG834G models going for about £20 on ebay & I'll buy to sticks.Can I use any sticks with this router ?

[InstallingIT]

Hi

Yes you can, that router works on both b & g standards so any sticks you can buy will be fine. However the sticks also play a part in the quality of the signal, so if you go for the unbranded ones you will likely not get an amazing signal.

Many Thanks

Leo

[Tigerplank]

I'll look for the best as I like playing online golf & don't want a high disc....thx bud

[Tigerplank]

I think I've bought 2 different sticks:
Stick 1 Netgear WG111v2 802.11g Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter
Stick 2 Netgear WG111 T 108 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter

I've also bought this router:WIRELESS-G ROUTER WITH BUILT-IN DSL MODEM DG834G.V3

When I bought the 2 sticks I thought they where the same until I read the full details.Will these 2 sticks work with this Router ?

Also With having 3 computers to link, I believe the 1st computer has to be Ethernet to the Router & my other 2 computers become wireless, Is this correct ?

[InstallingIT]

Hi

Yes, both those sticks will work with that router. They are just different versions of the same product.

As for needing one computer connected via a cable, this is not actually required although you will need to do it to initially set it up.

I hope this helps.

Many Thanks

Leo

[Tigerplank]

Leo, Would you suggest that the router be better placed in the hall ( giving better range for the 3 computers ) & have the 3 computers wireless ?

[InstallingIT]

That would be a good idea, giving you better range.

Once you have set up the router using a wired connection the only time you will need to connect via cable will be if something goes wrong, and in that case you can just move near a computer to fix.

Many Thanks

Leo

[Wally]

A central location is usually a good idea, although there are many objects in the house which can interfere with signal quality (thick walls, cordless phones etc.)

[Tigerplank]

I'm sure I read somewhere that the phone socket nearest your main BT box was the best signal & the hall was the best positioned place to place a router.So when I'm installing this network, I only have to Ethernet 1 computer & have the other 2 wireless & once they are all hooked up to the same network I can take the Ethernet out of computer 1 & make that wireless as-well ?

Sorry for sounding thick ( but it's true )

[InstallingIT]

Yep, you've got it. That should work fine!

If you have any problem, just let us know and I will try and help out.
Many Thanks

Leo

[Tigerplank]

I have 3 plug sockets in the house all have the talk-talk ( modem ) microfilters in them.Can I use these for my new router or will i need to buy other microfilters.

[InstallingIT]

Hi

Yes you can, as long as you plug the router into the modem side of the microfilter and not the telephone socket one it will work.

Many Thanks

Leo

[Tigerplank]

Thx, I'll get back to you in a couple of days once the stuff arrives & tell you how I get on .( gulp )

[Tigerplank]

The router has come today & I don't see a software disc, Do I need a software disc for this to work ?

[Tom]

Nope, just follow the instructions that came with the router. Drivers should already be on your operating system.

You'll need to plug it in then go to internet explorer (or other browser) and type in something like 192.168.x.x in the address bar (X being a number given in your user manual), and set it up from there.

[Tigerplank]

Hi Tom,The router never came with any Instructions ( bought 2nd hand of ebay ),But i do see the http://192 etc on the back of it.I'll get on to it strait away....thx