...router, and PCI card :confused:

I have two PCs and ntl cable broadband. I would like to be able to share my internet connection between the two but don't have much clue what I need

I have a (ntl) cable modem that I may as well continue to use which I think means I need something like this:

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=143929

and not this:

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=219263

i.e. a wireless router not a wireless ADSL modem? Ideally I'd like one with a firewall that is reasonably configurable because I'm not above using all types of P2P (for legal non-copyright purposes ). Also I'd like RJ45 ports because I would like to keep it cabled to one PC and only wirelessly link the other one, and of course WEP is required. Please recommend a reasonably cheap one, ideally from scan or Watford Electronics.

Am I right in thinking there are two wireless g standards - 54Mbps and 125 Mbps? Is there any real diference between the two, except for transferring very large files - i.e., 54Mbps will not be slower than my broadband speed? Will I even get anywhere near top speed in practice anyway?

Any pointers greatly appreciated

Just checked what you've linked to & yes you're right

You have no choice but to continue using the NTL cable modem anyway

Definitely go for cabled if you can as it just works more reliably, wireless is never 100% reliable in my experience, although it's a lot better now then when these things first came out.

As for wireless standards - there are loads of them, 12Mbit, 54Mbit, 108Mbit, dont know about 125Mbit but no doubt it could exist LOL

Wireless is fine at 54Mbit - sufficient for decent througput. Higher is nicer but the cost goes up for little benefit (at home).

As for the wireless PCI card - just get one that is compatible with the same standard of the wireless router you're purchasing, ideally from the same brand to get the best compatibility.

I've used LinkSys, NetGear and 3COM stuff, all is fine

I had trouble with a netgear router with NTL, but a linksys WRT54G worked fine.

I had trouble with a netgear router with NTL, but a linksys WRT54G worked fine.

I second this ^

I have been running with this router on my ntl for two years with no trouble.

My wireless 3Com router and card setup is faultless, works perfectly 100% of the time.

Previous Linksys and Balkin devices were not so good.

I got a Belkin router from PC World and it works fine connected to the ethernet port of my NTL cable modem. One PC has to be hard-wired to it anyway, for control purposes.

Strange what's said abour Netgear, I wouldn't buy anything else. Though the most trouble I have had has been with D-Link stuff.

Had NTL since 2001 with Netgear Wireless kit, the 2nd one I bought combines a print server so the printer plugs into that, so a particular PC doesn't have to be on just so the printer will work, and its proved really good to use. Never had a problem.

Strange what's said abour Netgear' date=' I wouldn't buy anything else. Though the most trouble I have had has been with D-Link stuff.

Had NTL since 2001 with Netgear Wireless kit, the 2nd one I bought combines a print server so the printer plugs into that, so a particular PC doesn't have to be on just so the printer will work, and its proved really good to use. Never had a problem.[/quote']

I have seen many a netgear router in my time and it seems to be some sort of lucky lottery if you get a good one. Most end up faulty.

D-link stuff has always been awful as far as I am concerned.

Would stick to 3com or linksys to be honest.

Had a few problems with netgear for a while until I found a new download/software/driver for it now it seems to be fine

Running a 10 meg cable con here, cable modem, D-Link DI-824VUP+ supplying my desktop and 2 laptops with built in wireless. Apart from an occasional reboot requirement it works every time (including its built in print server)

Any hardware device like a router is only as good as the firmware it's using - a lot of routers crash when you use VPN over extended periods, virtually all cheaper ones cannot handle multiple VPN tunnels, and generally P2P traffic will upset the cheapest ones too. Good firmware can sort out a lot of issues though

Thanks all for the advice

Not sure now...think I might go wired instead :sofahide: just seems a bit more reliable, and faster and secure too I suppose.

Above advice aside the D-Link D-604 seems sufficient for my use, cheap and I don't mind the odd reboot, just over

Thanks all for the advice

Not sure now...think I might go wired instead :sofahide: just seems a bit more reliable, and faster and secure too I suppose.

Above advice aside the D-Link D-604 seems sufficient for my use, cheap and I don't mind the odd reboot, just over

This is a great buy, especially the 3rd one.

http://www.misco.co.uk/content/promos/3com/wirelessrouter.htm?affiliate=2003

OK I've decided to go wireless, and will get a linksys WRT54GS router and USB WUSB54GS USB adapter for only

I have an SMC router. Built like a tank and very professional too. My wireless gateway in a Belkin. Great range but it died after about 18 months. Stripped it down, resoldered a few connections and voila back to life. Not sure i'd recommend it now though.