Hi folks,

Well finally got the Virgin Broadband fitted yesterday and it's great.

However, with two points installed - one upstairs and one downstairs - I could do with another ethernet cable modem so I don't have to keep unplugging it and plugging it back in depending upon whether I'm using the desktop upstairs or the laptop downstairs (only got one modem).:confused:

So does anyone have an NTL/Blueyonder/Virgin Media ethernet cable modem lying around that they no-longer want? If so I may be interested.

Cheers

T&C state one modem per customer, i think.

Dont buy one of ebay, it will not work.

You need a router.

T&C state one modem per customer, i think.

Dont buy one of ebay, it will not work.

You need a router.

Eh? So I can't buy the exact same item off ebay and have a modem plugged in on each outlet so I can use two PC's at a time?... That just doesn't make sense - the modems aren't locked surely...

Would it not be easier to replace your Cable ethernet modem with a wireless variety?

Netgear WPN824 Wireless 108Mbps Router & USB Adapter Kit - Buy cheap Netgear DSL wireless routers at PC World

(dont have experience of this, just the first one i seen on google for an example)

Eh? So I can't buy the exact same item off ebay and have a modem plugged in on each outlet so I can use two PC's at a time?... That just doesn't make sense - the modems aren't locked surely...

Yes modems are locked.

If you think about it, one modem = 2mb connection(or whatever you pay for) if you had two, you could run both at once and get double speed. For no extra profit to virgin.

I have a Linksys WRT54g router after my modem, this allows 4 PCs and wireless devices to "share" the one connection. I believe this is what you want to do?

Probably, but don't particularly want to go wireless for security reasons. I really just want to reduce the hassle factor of moving the modem (the desktop is in the second bedroom which is also the bedroom for my 10 month so we don't want to have to creep in and out to get the modem to use downstairs).

Also I'm a cheapskate at heart so if I can make do with a cable modem for a few quid rather than a wireless one at £60 then I will.

Second hand router without wireless should be cheap enough

Yes modems are locked.

If you think about it, one modem = 2mb connection(or whatever you pay for) if you had two, you could run both at once and get double speed. For no extra profit to virgin.

I have a Linksys WRT54g router after my modem, this allows 4 PCs and wireless devices to "share" the one connection. I believe this is what you want to do?

Nah - surely it'd still be a 2mb connection down the line but split betweent he two machines.

But yes I do want to potentially share a connection, although in reality we'd only be using one PC at a time.

Second hand router without wireless should be cheap enough

But with a router I'd need to be running more network cables around the house again wouldn't I - and that was the whole point of having two cable inlets for the broadband in the rooms we need them in (unless I went wireless of course).

You get full speed down the line(20mb??), the modem decides what speed you "see" . Multiple modems can all get the same speed from the cable (upto a limit of what i'm not sure?)

Just go wireless with hi-strengh encryption.

Virgin will supply another connection for a small fee, but I ain't sure how much.

Probably, but don't particularly want to go wireless for security reasons. I really just want to reduce the hassle factor of moving the modem (the desktop is in the second bedroom which is also the bedroom for my 10 month so we don't want to have to creep in and out to get the modem to use downstairs).

Also I'm a cheapskate at heart so if I can make do with a cable modem for a few quid rather than a wireless one at £60 then I will.

Are you really that concerned about security? It was a doddle setting up our WPA-PSK system at home, and with a 15-character alphanumeric passkey, you're looking at one chance in seventy-thousand trillion trillion of getting it right... Unless your house is List X, I reckon you're unlikely to have any issues. Can't argue on cost grounds, but it sounds like you're onto a loser with the one-modem-per-line thing...

You won't be able to use a second modem.

For a start you'd have to hack it to use the same MAC address as the one they supplied and then only one could connect at the same time anyway.

Just buy a router

But with a router I'd need to be running more network cables around the house again wouldn't I - and that was the whole point of having two cable inlets for the broadband in the rooms we need them in (unless I went wireless of course).

You could always phone virgin and ask, but be prepared to speak to someone who hasn't got a clue what you're on about:D

OK I think I'm starting to cotton on here... I assumed the line speed to the house was limited elsewhere rather than by the modem and hadn't realised that the modem was locked via an MAC address (seen that on the side of the modem!).

Re the wireless encryption OK yes it does sound unlikely but then I'm probably a very wary person and one of my mates recently used next doors connection when he visited which has probably coloured my view on wireless.

So if a second modem won't work as I'd thought it looks like the best bet will be a wireless router and wireless PCMICA card or USB dongle for the laptop.

Any recommendations or do I just get ebaying???

You could always phone virgin and ask, but be prepared to speak to someone who hasn't got a clue what you're on about:D

Yep - had that last night with an outgoing email problem that turned out to be dead simple (I just hadn;t twigged!)

Re the wireless encryption OK yes it does sound unlikely but then I'm probably a very wary person and one of my mates recently used next doors connection when he visited which has probably coloured my view on wireless.

So if a second modem won't work as I'd thought it looks like the best bet will be a wireless router and wireless PCMICA card or USB dongle for the laptop.

Any recommendations or do I just get ebaying???

So your neighbours ain't got theirs secured then

I would go for a pcmcia card over usb as I've never had much luck with the usb one to be honest (although I'm sure someone will disagree)

The linksys WRT54G/S is a good router I have one and never have any problems, what are your walls like and how old is your house?????

Linksys SpeedBooster Wireless-G CableDSL Router - Ebuyer

Here it is

So your neighbours ain't got theirs secured then

I would go for a pcmcia card over usb as I've never had much luck with the usb one to be honest (although I'm sure someone will disagree)

The linksys WRT54G/S is a good router I have one and never have any problems, what are your walls like and how old is your house?????

old house (1926) with solid walls.

Was looking at this:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/D-Link-Wireless-Router-and-Card-Kit_W0QQitemZ280226742104QQihZ018QQcategoryZ44997QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

You may struggle with that type of house. Although if you can pick up your neighbours you may be ok.

You don't know anyone with a router you can borrow so you can test it first do you.

That kit looks ok but I have no experiance of D-link myself

Are you really that concerned about security? It was a doddle setting up our WPA-PSK system at home, and with a 15-character alphanumeric passkey, you're looking at one chance in seventy-thousand trillion trillion of getting it right... Unless your house is List X, I reckon you're unlikely to have any issues. Can't argue on cost grounds, but it sounds like you're onto a loser with the one-modem-per-line thing...

I agree. Recently changed to a Netgear Rangemax Wireless with WPA2-PSK setup (my Belkin wireless router blew up during a power failure, a blessing in disguise really as it was a bit unreliable! ) and it's pretty secure. You can get the router and a wireless USB adaptor for £100. Only problem with wireless is if there's a microwave oven on which is physically located between the router and any USB devices 'connected' to it.

Re the wireless encryption OK yes it does sound unlikely but then I'm probably a very wary person and one of my mates recently used next doors connection when he visited which has probably coloured my view on wireless.

that's kinda like saying a car (any car) is unsecure because you neighbour's was nicked when they left it unlocked with the engine running

given enough time/effort/horsepower any security's going to be broken, but so long as you use WPA rather than WEP and a strong key, don't broadcast the SSID etc (pretty much take the sensible steps to secure your wireless lan) you should be fine

OK well I've given in and got a wireless router and PCMICA card for £30 off fleabay! - hopefully it will work.

See how it goes, it's a bit of a lottery with wireless. As said walls,microwaves, cordless phones and cats farting all seem to affect it.

If you need help you know where to ask:)

farting all seem to affect it

If you need help you know where to ask:)

bugger about the farting:rofl:

Anyhow - thanks for all the advice everyone - I'll be in touch if I have problems!