Got a BBRouter, but its only a switch : No refund?

[FatRakoon]

Today, my Internet went down.

No matter what I did, the router seemed to be on the internet, but I could not talk to the router, on any PC...

Normally its a simply 192.168.1.1 job and Im in tere, but I was unable to get there at all...

I was in a bit of a rush, and so I ran to "There" and looked for the cheapest router I can find.

I found one... It says ADSL Broadband Router on the box.

Now, to me, if it says its an ADSL Broadband Router, then I expect it to be an ADSL Broadband router, and I dare say that many of you would assume the same thing.

The thing that I got was a switch.

Ok ok, router and switch are very close, quite possibly they are one in the same, andc I have routers that need a modem, sure enough, but at least they have had the decency to state clearly that they need a modem or to be connected to a modem, but this thing says its ADSL and that to me, means that it has the modem built-in... It does not.

Anyway, I asked for a refund as the item is not really described fairly but they refused.

Do I have a case for taking it further do you think?

 

[growse]

Today, my Internet went down.

No matter what I did, the router seemed to be on the internet, but I could not talk to the router, on any PC...

Normally its a simply 192.168.1.1 job and Im in tere, but I was unable to get there at all...

I was in a bit of a rush, and so I ran to "There" and looked for the cheapest router I can find.

I found one... It says ADSL Broadband Router on the box.

Now, to me, if it says its an ADSL Broadband Router, then I expect it to be an ADSL Broadband router, and I dare say that many of you would assume the same thing.

The thing that I got was a switch.

Ok ok, router and switch are very close, quite possibly they are one in the same, andc I have routers that need a modem, sure enough, but at least they have had the decency to state clearly that they need a modem or to be connected to a modem, but this thing says its ADSL and that to me, means that it has the modem built-in... It does not.

Anyway, I asked for a refund as the item is not really described fairly but they refused.

Do I have a case for taking it further do you think?

You have the right to return goods I think - did you open the box? If it's described on the box as being a router and you got a switch then you're certainly entitled to a refund. What's the make model number of what you bought / what you got?

 

[James J]

I work for a certain highstreet company which sells this sort of gear and a lot of boxes label themselves as "ADSL router" and all that means is literally its a router than can share an internet connection. Doesnt mean it can make an internet connection as thats a modems job. Hence the devices known as ADSL modem routers, which my store also sells.

Sadly if youve opened the box and bought it from the company I work for its against the returns policy as we only accept unopened items back (ie unwanted gifts or impulse buys) as they can be resold at 100% of their normal value.

 

[stoofa]

I expect what you've got is indeed an ADSL Router.
A Router does NOT necessarily contain a Modem.
In fact, if it doesn't specifically mention a Modem nor describe itself as an ADSL Modem/router then no - you shouldn't expect it to contain one.

You have purchased a Router - A Router will require a seperate Modem.

Now it all depends on how you decide to handle things.
If I were a store and you came in with the package unopened and explained what you'd done then I'd give you a refund/replacement.
If you'd opened the outer packaging but everything inside was still sealed and I knew I could still resell it I'd offer you the same.

If however it was all opened, obviously tested and not something I could sell then I'm afraid I wouldn't.
The mistake is unfortunately yours - An ADSL Router doesn't have to contain a modem.
Oh - if you have indeed just been sold a Switch then yes, you'd have good reason to return it under the descriptions act - however I'm 99% sure that isn't the case here.

 

[FatRakoon]

Yes, I see, but then, what the hell is the difference between a switch and a router then?

I mean... I have a couple of still-unopened routers... DLinks ones to be precise and they are great but of course require an ETHERNET MODEM... This thing is the same as that, but without the wireless capability.

I see that I may be at fault... I suppose I will have to accept that.

However, I do find it very confusing indeed....

Ok, I have looked on the box. there is nothing that really gives out that much about it...

The Place I got it from is the one that sound s a bit like a holiday camp and the model is an A54BR

I say very confusing and the site does point to it being a ROUTER ONLY but the box most definitely does seem to point to it NOT needing a modem... I mean, its got all the usual Modem/Router stuff like PPPoA / PPPoE / Web Based config etc etc... The sort of stuff you need to do wit ha Modem/Router, so anyone shoudl see how it can get you caught out!

Anyway, I will try my luck tomorrow, and if I fail, then so be it...

The good news I suppose, is that I only bought it because I was failing to get my Linksys to work right, but thats now sorted, so I dont actually need it.

 

[oddjob62]

Yes, I see, but then, what the hell is the difference between a switch and a router then?

A router connects 2 different networks (whether they be on a different subnet, or different networking technology.

A switch is used to connect components on a single network.

 

[growse]

Out of interest, what ports does the device have on it? If it's got just a single row of RJ45 connectors, it's probably a switch. A single row with another one on it's is probably a router, and a row of RJ45 with a single RJ11 means it's a router with an in-built modem.

 

[FatRakoon]

EH? I replied to this.. .Where has it gone?

Ok, the router thingy...

No RJ11, just 5 x RJ45s

Exactly as my old DLink Hub was... Or is if I stil have it?

--

2 Different Networks?

Im at a bit of a loss here, but I have been playing about a little... Only a little mind you.

I created 2 networks instead of my usual single big one.

It didnt seem to make any difference whether I used a router or a switch... The network still worked just the same?

I tried different networks totally, but of course I am limited by what I have.

They are all over Ethernet and simple PCI Ethernet Cards, so probably all *** same anyway? - just different WG's??

 

[Werewolf]

EH? I replied to this.. .Where has it gone?

Ok, the router thingy...

No RJ11, just 5 x RJ45s

Exactly as my old DLink Hub was... Or is if I stil have it?
/QUOTE]


Sounds like a router capable of connecting to an external modem - it sounds like you've picked up something like the Linksys WRT54x series of routers, they will connect to any modem with a standard ethernet out, and are normally referred to cable/dsl (or cable/adsl) routers.

When buying a router you should remember that there are several different types, you've got the "pure" router (which will connect to any modem/internet source), and the hybrid modem/routers which are all in one and don't require the external modem and can only use their built in modem.


I would suggest packaging the router up and taking it back, politely asking if you can exchange it for one with a modem (chances are they get this confusion fairly frequently)

 

[oddjob62]

2 Different Networks?

Im at a bit of a loss here, but I have been playing about a little... Only a little mind you.

I created 2 networks instead of my usual single big one.

It didnt seem to make any difference whether I used a router or a switch... The network still worked just the same?

I tried different networks totally, but of course I am limited by what I have.

They are all over Ethernet and simple PCI Ethernet Cards, so probably all *** same anyway? - just different WG's??

No... WGs mean nothing. Different networks would be for example

Network 1 - IP:192.168.20.0 Subnet mask:255.255.255.0
Network 2 - IP:192.168.30.0 Subnet mask:255.255.255.0

 

[benjo plz.]

I expect what you've got is indeed an ADSL Router.
A Router does NOT necessarily contain a Modem.
In fact, if it doesn't specifically mention a Modem nor describe itself as an ADSL Modem/router then no - you shouldn't expect it to contain one.

If it was a router without a modem, it would say broadband router. ADSL router means it's going to have an ADSL modem.

 

[Biffa]

A quick look on their web site shows:

Cable/DSL 4 Port Router

• Connects to 10/100M Broadband (Cable or DSL) modem or Ethernet backbone for Internet Surfing

Also has a FAQ which makes for interesting reading:

Cable/DSL 4 Port Router

Q) Is it compatible with Tiscali ADSL Broadband? - Ernz
A) No Tiscali is on a BT line and therefore requires a router with a built in modem eg A56BR

Q) is there any software to gain acsess for setting up ports as i did not get any with my purchase. how do i set it up? my computer has an icon if i double click, it takes me to an html and requires NAME AND PASSWORD WHAT SHOULD I INPUT. - shaun dickinson
A) They are not necessary the software is installed on the routers flash memory and accessed through internet explorer or web-browser.

Q) Can Pro Nets RTS 145 router be used as a simple hub with a seperate computer in the network connecting to the internet via a USB modem? - Ed
A) Yes

Q) Do you have the website address for the manufacturer? - Terry Finck
A) The manufacturer does not support this product with a website, yet

Q) I wish to connect my PC and XBox Live, is this fairly straightforward with this router? - KRT
A) This router is only suitable if the ISP is either NTL or Telewest or if the BT modem has an Ethernet port (not suitable for USB modems)

Q) I have aol gold connected through ntl cable. Could i use this router please - Peter
A) Please confirm router support through AOL

Q) What make and model is the router? - Ian
A) it is a Pro Nets RTS145

Q) I have BT Broadband. Is this compatable with my Bt Alcatel Speed Touch USB modem? AMny thanks. Mike - Mike Pinfiekl
A) No it requires an RJ45 modem

Q) does this router also act as a switch ? ie can i use it to set up file sharing between different computers in a LAN Network At the moment i can not ping different computers through the router. - peter
A) yes it does

Q) is it compatable with aol dsl - steve
A) AOL is generally on an ADSL line through a BT Phone system therefore NO

 

[FatRakoon]

Sorry guys... Lots of confusion..

I know that there are MODEMS, I know that there are many times of modem, and the 2 most used for Broadband are USB and Ethernet. I know that if I was to use an Ethernet Modem, then I can also use a Router to go with it... I have used this kind before.

I currently mainly use an all-in-one job and thats a linksys WAG354G.

The one I got from the shop had BROADBAND ROUTER and its the word BROADBAND that caught me out... They exchanged it for a MODEM ROUTER.

My confusion with differet NETWORKS was plainly a simple mistake...

As oddjobs example. I know about that, for some strange reason, I was assuming that different networks meant a totally different networking protocol, and thats what I got confused with... As in maybe even physically different...?

Either way, that cant be a global answer as I have run different networks through my switch ( 192.168.1.x / 192.168.2.x ) and the switch has allowed all the PCs from both networks to access the internet just fine.

 

[RobinH]

I would tend to agree that a product labelled as a Broadband Router on the box would give the impression that if you've got broadband then it's all you need. The manufacturer could argue the toss that all it means is that it can be used to share a broadband connection, but that's rather like Ford labelling the Mondeo as a 'Formula 1 Mondeo' simply because you can physically drive it on an F1 track and not because it's got an F1 engine fitted (although the way some of these Mondeo TDCi drivers hoon about you would be forgiven for thinking they do!)