Wireless Router Needed

Matt555

Matt555

iMod
Like the title says, I'm in need of a wireless router. My dad's getting a cable modem with his Virgin Media broadband package and he'll need wireless router, well he doesn't but I do when I'm there as I have 2 laptops :P It'll need wired ports too.

His cable modem will connect via ethernet.

I've checked out a few but I'm unsure of brands etc - they all look like the have the same features, I'm just wondering if anyone has any experience with and good wireless routers.

Thanks in advance
-Matt
 
Cool - I'll order it sometime this week - the Virgin Installation guys should be at my Dad's place next Tuesday or Wednesday, I'll want it before then so I can hook it up straight away :)
 
Matt555 said:
WGT624 - NETGEAR.com
Something like that looks like it'd be what I need:

OcUK - Netgear WGT624 108Mbps Wireless Firewall Router : £54.05 + Delivery
Click to expand...


Maybe Looks the right part for me - also using Virgin(now) broadband - comes with a modem and connects to the pc using, RJ45 -----RJ45 connector, I've been told it's a non-crossover version and have bought a 15m extension lead. (Temporary fix.)
These routers - presumably they came with suffient instructions to set-up?
+But don't I need a receiver for each PC (that's not wirless-enabled)....or does one come in the box, perhaps?

Will I need encryption so no-one can evesdrop and use my line....? Is the encryption built-in - so why can't someone else just go through the list until they find mine?
[Maybe it generates a code from a v.long algorithm...?]

The Router you mention - thanks for the detail - what range can I expect indoor in a house? Will it go outside through a window? How far?
+Can I reduce the output power?

Another benefit I heard about - is that a Router is effectively a Firewall....how does this work? Since I give permission to let data "in" what control of the data does the Router have?...or is it purely when the PC is ON, the Router effectivly blocks access until a password is given - isn't this a port-locker, like (software)ZoneAlarm?.
"...If a Router has the right connectors on it, aren't they all much of a muchness...." discuss.
Thanks guys.
 
I haven't looked into it in much detail - I bought the WGT624 in the end though.

I have mine setup like this:

Cable Modem -> Router (WAN in port) -> Wired Desktop
----------------------------------'---------'-> Wireless Laptop (Macbook)
----------------------------------'---------'-> Wireless Laptop (Acer Aspire)

Setup was simple - first, I made sure my cable modem was registered and working, once that was working simply turn off all equipment, connect the cable modem to the router (Ethernet connection, RJ45) and then connect a computer to the router via Ethernet (as wireless is disabled by default and setup is easier with wired connection). Next turn things on in this order:

Modem - wait for 2 minutes and any lights to stop flashing (means the modem's on and connected)
Router - wait another couple of minutes, wait for lights to stop flashing etc etc
Computer - then in the router manual it gives an address to visit which gives you login to the router and a simple web interface for the rest of the setup. This web interface is used in future admin / config of the router.

The router offers a number of wireless security options, I'm using WPA - it'll ask you for a password for this too, so any wireless devices wanting to access your network will have to enter this password - that's standard on most routers nowadays I'd think.
 
henry222 said:
These routers - presumably they came with suffient instructions to set-up?
+But don't I need a receiver for each PC (that's not wirless-enabled)....or does one come in the box, perhaps?
Click to expand...

Yes it does come with instructions and yes you will need a wireles receiver for every PC that is not wireless capable.


henry222 said:
Will I need encryption so no-one can evesdrop and use my line....? Is the encryption built-in - so why can't someone else just go through the list until they find mine?
[Maybe it generates a code from a v.long algorithm...?]
Click to expand...

You can use WPA encryption which you can set using the routers admin panel. If you dont want your wireless network to be visible in the wireless list, you can just simply disable the broadcasting of the SSID.


henry222 said:
The Router you mention - thanks for the detail - what range can I expect indoor in a house? Will it go outside through a window? How far?
+Can I reduce the output power?
Click to expand...
The range of the said router is not that good as its intended only for home use. Usually 1-2 bedrooms only. You can have a look here for other Netgear products that will give better range. You might wanna have a look at the Range Max series.


henry222 said:
Another benefit I heard about - is that a Router is effectively a Firewall....how does this work? Since I give permission to let data "in" what control of the data does the Router have?...or is it purely when the PC is ON, the Router effectivly blocks access until a password is given - isn't this a port-locker, like (software)ZoneAlarm?.
"...If a Router has the right connectors on it, aren't they all much of a muchness...." discuss.
Thanks guys.
Click to expand...

The firewall that is included can block incoming ports, forward a port, block some DDoS attacks and a lot more. Firewall will still work even the PCs are off.
 
The buffalo WHR-HP-G54 and the WHR-G54S are really good! They both have like 20 pages of admiring user reviews on newegg. And they both support ddWRT as Impotence suggested. But I guess it's too late now heh
 
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