Hi all,
I am new to the forum, I read few articles but could not find the one I am looking for.
I would like to get a modem-router to which I can connect printer and external HDD and access them. I found one http://www.apple.com/uk/airportextreme/ but has not got a modem built in. If I need to buy a modem is not a big deal they go for 10-20 quid. Is there anything else you can suggest? What is your opinion on the airport extreme?
Many thanks

Hi mixmag, welcome to itsallPC

Please post your questions only once.

Many networking hardware manufacturers offer SOHO devices with print and file serving, available with or without a modem device. I wouldn't typically recommend an Apple Airport; they're overpriced for what they are.

If you don't want a modem integrated into the device, you probably shouldn't start by looking for a "modem-router" as modem implied you want a DSL gateway integrated. You will find that generally, routers with integrated DSL devices are more or less the same price. It also minimises administrative effort and eliminates another bunch of potential network faults.

Can you be more specific about what you want? Print and file server okay, but what about...

• Wireless? If so, is 802.11g sufficient (common standard) or would you be looking for 802.11n draft (new, expensive but about 5 times faster)?
• Ethernet? 100Mb or 1Gb? 1, 4 or more ports?
• Ethernet routing (to attach something like single Ethernet DSL port)?
• Is your printer USB or Parallel?

[FONT='Times New Roman','serif']Thanks syphus,[/font]
[FONT='Times New Roman','serif']Thanks for your replay, if there is one with built in modem that is great. It is for home use. My internet provider is Virgin, and I have ~ 8Mbps ADSL.[/font]
[FONT='Times New Roman','serif']My laptop is wireless enabled and support 802.11 a/b/g I believe, my laptop model is hp pavilion dv6299ea[/font]
[FONT='Times New Roman','serif']* Wireless? If so, is 802.11g sufficient (common standard) or would you [/font]
[FONT='Times New Roman','serif']be looking for 802.11n draft (new, expensive but about 5 times faster)? [/font]
[FONT='Times New Roman','serif'] - I would say 802.11g but I may consider n-range(if I can afford it).[/font]
[FONT='Times New Roman','serif']* Ethernet? 100Mb or 1Gb? 1, 4 or more ports?[/font]
[FONT='Times New Roman','serif'] - no idea on this one – depends on the price , 4ports at the most [/font]
[FONT='Times New Roman','serif']* Ethernet routing (to attach something like single Ethernet DSL port)?[/font]
[FONT='Times New Roman','serif'] I don’t know what that is at all. Sorry [/font]
[FONT='Times New Roman','serif']* Is your printer USB or Parallel?[/font]
[FONT='Times New Roman','serif'] -printer is USB(canon pixma IP4300)[/font]

Thanks once again