Virgin BB router question

SixTwoSix · 14 Oct 2009 at 17:18

Will the router that virgin supply with a 50MB line connect to existing network cards, or MUST you have their dongles? I understand you can't get full wireless speed without the dongles they provide, but is it possible to get a connection without them?

I ask because although I want the full speed for my main PC, my girlfriend has a laptop for chatting, browsing, emails and she doesn't need the full speed, don't want to waste £30 extra for another dongle if it'll connect with her existing wireless card in the laptop.

morkfromork · 14 Oct 2009 at 17:21

Your existing card will do the trick without a problem mate. No need for any extra dongles at all.

PistolPete · 14 Oct 2009 at 18:09

Any machines connected with Ethernet will be fine.

If you have a 802.11n wifi card, you are sorted - it should run at full speed.
If you've only got an 802.11g card, then you'll not get the full speed - but as you say it's needed for the other half.

Be aware tho, you may find that if you connect one 'g' device to the router that connected 'n' devices may slow down.

SixTwoSix · 14 Oct 2009 at 18:37

PistolPete said:
Be aware tho, you may find that if you connect one 'g' device to the router that connected 'n' devices may slow down.

Why is this?

PistolPete · 15 Oct 2009 at 12:39

Because unless your router has a multi radio system then the speeds on the network slow to that of the slowest device.

This is why you shouldn't connect a Nintendo DS to a 802.11n router as it'll slow everything down to 11Mb speeds!