Not often i ask for advice on technology, but i'm venturing into something i've never contemplated before.

Wireless ADSL modem/router.

I would prefer Netgear or Linksys stuff to be honest. I guess 11G too.

So - what would people recommend to buy?

I also will need a PCI card - or is there any benefit of using an usb type wireless adaptor?

Any/all advice appreciated

Cheers in advance.

Chris.

People seem to rate the Linksys routers - I have a D-Link which apart from a power supply failure and the odd reboot requirement (might have been associated with failing power) has been very reliable and easy to set up.

USB adapter may not work when on battery power, and depends how many ports you've got - whether you have other USB devices you want connected all the time, like a mouse, for example?

Practically anything you buy these days will be G - isn't there a new standard coming out that's faster still? but tbh unless your internet connection is of huge capacity, you aren't going to need more than G.

Most people seem to favour using the same manufacturer for the client and server hardware.

Signal can be a problem especially if you live in a substantial old house, and you need to encrypt your network to keep the nosey neighbours out, but be aware this DOES reduce performance noticeably.

I'm using Netgear these days, with excellent results.

54Mb all the way through.

Phil

Chris,

how do you want to use it?

PC and various laptops? Or wireless between micro filter to your PC?

Just background info.

Netgear DG834GT....easy to set-up and quick.

If you're uneasy about setting up wireless network may you should consider Buffalo or Linksys which have a single button press for secure wireless link set-up...nothing else required. You of course have to set-up your router first.

AOSS for Buffalo and SES for Linksys.....one touch wireless link set-up features.

But make sure you

a. use encryption, to prevent the world and his wife using your internet connection

b. Change the admin password on the router.

c. Set the router so it can't be administered from a wireless connection. (Have at least one machine connected by cable to the router.)

Our offices are in the same building as some flats. If you scan for networks, there are at least 6 wireless ones available, of which 2 are wide open!

Phil

Im running the BT Broadband wireless system, got it in PC world but also available in Argos.... The Wireless/Wired Router replaced the original USB router and my computer has a wired link to it whilst mum and dad's PC has wireless link as does brothers laptop..... all work exceptionally fast.

Good set-up.

Cheers for the advice so far chaps

I require it to be used on my home PC (not laptop). So, from adsl filter, through wireless router to my pc.

I want to transfer to wireless for the possibilty of using the connection to connect to a PVR/HTPC type device i have planned for the living room. Easier to transfer films etc across to

With regard to philc's point - is it essential to have a directly connected pc to the router? Only i don't have phone socket in the pc room - hence i want to get rid of extensions etc.

I'm not overly worried about setting it up, more the ethics behind what i need to do to make sure it's safe. What's good gear to buy etc. Do they have vpn facilities?

Cheers for the advice so far chaps

I require it to be used on my home PC (not laptop). So' date=' from adsl filter, through wireless router to my pc.

I want to transfer to wireless for the possibilty of using the connection to connect to a PVR/HTPC type device i have planned for the living room. Easier to transfer films etc across to

With regard to philc's point - is it essential to have a directly connected pc to the router? Only i don't have phone socket in the pc room - hence i want to get rid of extensions etc.

I'm not overly worried about setting it up, more the ethics behind what i need to do to make sure it's safe. What's good gear to buy etc. Do they have vpn facilities?[/quote']

You can have the router at the filter and then wireless to the pc....you'll need a pci card or you could use a wireless access point.

Or here's an alternative...PLC.

You have your router at the micro filter connected to PLC adapter. PC is connected to another PLC adapter. Communicates via power lines in the house. You'll need the high speed second generation PLC devices...has 85mps...first gen only has 14mps....is secure and has no wires.

I have a combined dlink wireless modem/router and it was very easy to set up

luckily my mobo came with a wireless PCI card but the router came in bundle with a USB receiver for free

You tried the usb reciever yet? Any good?

i hate it when people encrypt their wireless networks :( it means i may have to buy adsl now grrr

People seem to rate the Linksys routers - I have a D-Link which apart from a power supply failure and the odd reboot requirement (might have been associated with failing power) has been very reliable and easy to set up.

USB adapter may not work when on battery power' date=' and depends how many ports you've got - whether you have other USB devices you want connected all the time, like a mouse, for example?

Practically anything you buy these days will be G - isn't there a new standard coming out that's faster still? but tbh unless your internet connection is of huge capacity, you aren't going to need more than G.

Most people seem to favour using the same manufacturer for the client and server hardware.

Signal can be a problem especially if you live in a substantial old house, and you need to encrypt your network to keep the nosey neighbours out, but be aware this DOES reduce performance noticeably.[/quote']

I had little success with my D-link router. First of all the power adapter packed in and then the router itself slowly died. Not impressed. I've now gone down the route of using separate equipment rather than a one stop box of tricks.

I have an SMC Router (built in Power Supply and metal box)

Belkin 11G Wireless Access Point

NTL Cable Modem

I use D-Link DI714P wireless router (with built in print server). It has been almost faultless, apart from the power supply unit taking 20 mins to allow power, so I bought a multi output jobbie today

I use D-Link DI714P wireless router (with built in print server). It has been almost faultless, apart from the power supply unit taking 20 mins to allow power, so I bought a multi output jobbie today

I've got Netgear kit which seems ok for me. The new Mimo Router (WPN824) gives good coverage and I also have the DG834 Modem/Router.

Just make sure you avoid Belkin like the plague!

Just wasted another evening trying to get mine to work. Total dead loss. There are mistakes in their user manuals and information missing, it's doing my head in! Their 24hr helpline is a recorded message that wont put you in a queue.

I think PC World are going to get this load of junk back and I'll get Linksys or similar!

I have a Belkin wireless gateway. It has better coverage than any Linksys, Netgear or D-link product I have ever tried, it was a doddle to set up and has worked flawlessly for the last 18 months. Not sure about their routers but their wireless gateways are excellent.

I too love belkin (& PC World) - if only to connect to their networks !!

I use a linksys system which is not the easiest to setup.

go with:

Belkin - for ease of setup

Linksys or Netgear - reliability

whichever you get - Change the network name & do not broadcast it !!!

Pete

I have a Belkin wireless gateway. It has better coverage than any Linksys, Netgear or D-link product I have ever tried, it was a doddle to set up and has worked flawlessly for the last 18 months. Not sure about their routers but their wireless gateways are excellent.

Well, I guess some people are lucky and some aren't!!

I've had advice from a few experienced techies and they can't get it to work!

Maybe this particular product is flawed.

Cheers for the advice guys.

I've decided on the following :

Phone line into wireless router.

From router (on cat5) to PVR PC downstairs.

USB wireless adaptor to PC upstairs.

How does this one look : http://www.misco.co.uk/productinformation/~94818~WW~/NETGEAR%20DG834GT%20108Mbps%20Wireless%20Router%20with%20WG111T%20USB%20Adapter.htm

Lastly, when i go to dial up with my pc upstairs, i presume it just does it as if it were attached on a long cat5? Over the wlan?

I don't need nothing else do i?

Sorry for the Q's

I'd stay away from doing any sort of networking via the USB bus. It's very easy to lose your connection. Printers don't mind it but may cause problems with networking. Use a deicated pci card or pcmcia card.