ADSL modem + switch or something

Sukh · 13 Jul 2010 at 10:28

We have been given the kick by O2 and have signed up with Plusnet and decided to buy our own hardware this time and need something that will take the phone socket in (modem part) and then create wireless and have plugs on the back for wired LAN.

Its only going to be an 8mb line, but obviously want to keep it for a while so it would be nice to support 20mb when it arrives at our exchange.

What is the best value for money and performance kit that could do this?
Also when we switch over, do I have to put settings in? How does it know we are on plus net and not o2?

Thanks, as you can tell this is my area of least knowledge!

Microwave · 13 Jul 2010 at 10:37

Sounds like what you need Is a router. If the internet is coming through the phone line you'll also need an ADSL filter, which plugs into your phone line, then has 2 plugs, one for your interent (going to the router) and one to your phone.

Aod · 13 Jul 2010 at 11:08

well, you can either get a combi modem+router for simplicity, or you could get a standalone modem and standalone router which will give you greater flexibility and more features.

if you get separates, it means you can upgrade the wireless or something like that without having to change modem, or you could upgrade for ADSL2+ without having to change the wireless.

Duke · 13 Jul 2010 at 12:22

You just need a ADSL Wireless Router. Something like the Netgear DG834G is a common one which does the job and is quite cheap. You will need to enter the config page on the router to set up the ADSL username and password (given to you by Plusnet) and to set a password on the wireless (make sure you use WPA2 which is the most secure).

There is a CD with the router to help with this, but ideally you want to just plug in and go to the config page direct in your browser which would normally be http://192.168.0.1 or sometimes http://192.168.1.1

Sukh · 13 Jul 2010 at 19:12

Yeh this ADSL wireless router idea sounds good. Anything slightly better than the above mentioned netgear? I've seen it around and heard a few bad things, around the £50 range?