USB Modem died - Need replacement

bloodline76 · 5 Mar 2007 at 14:26

My USB modem which I got with my provider has died and need a new modem.

I know very little about modems/routers other than what they are for.

I only use one computer but my wife has wireless laptop. I dont really want to go the wireless route as I would like a consistant and strong signal. But I beleive there is a way of activating and deactiving this so could be an option.

Can you recommend a good router/modem?

Thanks

marmalade · 5 Mar 2007 at 15:42

A pci modem is just as fast as a router and cheaper to run - much better than a USb such as you have been using. Recommend a Conexant chipset - good software which will give info on your line etc can be bought at auction for around £5. Course you have to open the puter case and have a spare pci slot

bloodline76 · 5 Mar 2007 at 16:13

Didnt understand much of that. Can you link me to some information on it?

Or do OCuk do that?

Anyone else suggest a router/modem as an alternative?

Mp4 · 5 Mar 2007 at 16:29

Netgear DG834G

bloodline76 · 5 Mar 2007 at 16:41

Whats the 54mps thing mean?

WotDa · 5 Mar 2007 at 16:54

bloodline76 said:
Whats the 54mps thing mean?

Wireless 'transfer' speed.

bloodline76 · 5 Mar 2007 at 17:04

Thanks Wotda and what is 802.11g?

WotDa · 5 Mar 2007 at 17:07

bloodline76 said:
Thanks WotDa and what is 802.11g?

That'd be the standard that the wireless operates at.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/802.11g#802.11g

bloodline76 · 5 Mar 2007 at 17:50

So is the Netgear DG834G suitable for my needs?

I am a keen gamer so signal stength is the most important to me.

WotDa · 5 Mar 2007 at 19:07

bloodline76 said:
So is the Netgear DG834G suitable for my needs?

I am a keen gamer so signal stength is the most important to me.

Yup, I was using a DG834G for gaming for about a year a few years back with no problems.

bloodline76 · 5 Mar 2007 at 21:01

Great news, I got a DG834GT given to me by my inlaws. (Is that any good?)

Only problem is that it didnt have a ethernet cable (shouldnt be a problem) or an installation disk.

Anyone know where I could get a download for this?

I found the manufacturers home page but am unsure what I need to download.

Should i go for any particular Lan cable for this?

What is firmware?

WotDa · 5 Mar 2007 at 21:25

bloodline76 said:
What is firmware?

In computing, firmware is software that is embedded in a hardware device. It is often provided on flash ROMs or as a binary image file that can be uploaded onto existing hardware by a user.

For the lan cable, a cat 5e will do splendidly.

You shouldn't need the install disk, just press the reset button on the back, type 192.168.0.1 into your browser when connected via the cable, then do the auto setup.

That should be all you need for now, although you may wish to change wireless settings etc etc.

bloodline76 · 5 Mar 2007 at 23:17

Thanks Wotda, you have been a great help!

WotDa · 5 Mar 2007 at 23:37

No problem.