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Broadband router


JohnGalway
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in my experience all routers are prone to being ****... (ps incase the plonkas at pc world get mixed up its a 'linksys') right now im using a speedtouch and its the first out of 5 previous routers that has been hassle free for over a year now. i can only recommend the model i have which is the 585 speedtouch the other speedtouch i had was **** as was the last belkin i had, a BT router was also pants and a few others that i forget

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Linksys have got a fairly good reputation because they are owned by networking giants Cisco. As far as routers go, they are as good as any, but it all depends on the model you get. Buy a new model with recently written firmware and you could be in for some headaches.

 

I have had a Linksys wireless router for nearly 2 years and have had very few problems with it. They are rubbish at integrating the DynDNS feature, but unless you know you need that, it is not a problem. Other than that it has been great, but I am an IT Systems Analyst, and know that a lot of things that others might experience as problems are just routine to me and are resolved without really thinking about it.

 

Hold out for a Linksys if you can, I would say I have configured some 20 or 30 different broadband router, and I would always recomend a Linksys.

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Choosing a broadband modem/router can be a bit like selecting a first shotgun for the uninitiated. They all carry out the same basic functions but there is a seemingly bewildering choice of different brands and options.

 

The two main points to be concerned with are performance on a marginal line, which is mostly applicable if you are a long way from the exchange and, as AdamC has already suggested, the ease of initial setup.

 

My personal preference on both fronts is the Thompson speedtouch 585 v6, as mentioned above by FBF, which is widely used by large ISPs as their supplied 'free' modem/router. They don't tend to be readily available through the high street resellers but can be purchased online from the likes of dslsource. For a real bargain though get a 'B-grade' one through their sister outlet dsldepot.

 

Hth, Pete

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If you not super computer literate, it would be pointless to advise on the in's & out's of wireless routers.

So I'll advise you on the make...

1st choice: Linksys

2nd choice: Netgear

Don't touch the belkin !

 

I would personally buy a Modem/Router (all in one) If not check your Modem will connect to your new Router. it will need an Ethernet J45 connector. If in doubt take some photos of it, including the ports at the back, with you when you go to buy...

 

Finally Maplins do some good deals.

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I have the Thompson speedtouch 585 v6 that a couple of others have recommended and I have had no problems with it ( thats the "kiss of death", it will now self destruct over the weekend :angry: ) .

 

In my experience, buying computer equipment is a bit like backing horses.

You get all the advice you can from those that know, but in the end you are taking a gamble, because there are loads of different factors in play that nobody can influence. :good:

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John.. What type of Broadband has been installed? Cable or ADSL?

 

To be honest, any of those makes you have listed will do the job fine.. You can even buy these things in Tesco's (over here anyway) !!!

 

If you have ADSL your best bet will be to buy a Wireless router which also has an ADSL modem built into it

 

something like.. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Linksys-Wireless-G...8106&sr=8-1

 

But if it's cable you have.. you will need a router with an ethernet port as the Cable ISP would have supplied a modem to plug onto the end of the coax

 

so something like... http://www.amazon.co.uk/Linksys-WRT54GL-UK...8197&sr=1-2

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If it's ADSL get a Netgear DG834G. You'll need a network card in your PC, they only cost a couple of quid. The router comes with the required cables.

 

If it's cable either get one of the above, connecting the cable between the box you'll already have (the cable modem) and the above device. If you want you can remove the cheapo cable modem from the equation and get a Netgear wireless G cable router

.

 

Both cost about £50 from the likes of currys/dixons, or £15 less if you buy online. At the moment look for the packs which include the USB wireless dongle free, you might not need one (if the laptop has built in wireless which most recent ish ones will) - but since its free it can't harm to have one knocking about.

 

As garyb says take a picture of the back of the broadband box they installed, and the back of your PC - we'll know what's needed then :lol:

 

The netgear stuff is absolutely rock solid, really easy to setup and secure out of the box :lol:

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