Which Wireless Router ?

Sam

Sam

Sam

Soldato
Joined
12 Jan 2003
Posts
14,488
Location
Surrey
Hi

Im rubbish with this kind of stuff so here go's

I need a wireless router for my dads house, He has BT ADSL and the modem he has is a BT Voyager 220v ADSL Router. Now ive only ever bought a router for my Virgin Cable so i really dont have a clue. The only thing is because we live in the "sticks" the connection drops out quite a bit so anything that could help that would be great.

Cheers Guys

Sam
 
With out a doubt one of the best Wireless Routers I've used (am still using) is the BT (2Wire) 2700HGV. Available from the auction site. I bought the "fixed" model which means I can use it on another ISP service, but it works fine.

Lots of users on the IDNetters forum (Forum for customers at IDNet) use the Router as well and love it. Increased sync speeds and rock solid stability.

I live at the very edge of the exchange and had quite a few problems on my past 2 Routers. With this Router, a line which apparently can only do 512Kbps is now doing 2Mb! Hahaha it's great!

The wireless is also the strongest available. I've got it set to 5 (of 11) and I get full strength right at the other side of the house and outside.

With my experience with the Router and reading other user's experiences, I recommend it quite easily.

I used to have re-sync's and drops all the time. I've been up and running for ages now with no "noticeable" problems. I have also purchased a shielded ADSL cable, and connected directly to the master-socket with a new Filtered Faceplate to improve my stats. ;)

Check it out if you can. :)
 
Also a fan of the 2wire routers inc the BT versions, amongst the best for wifi signal and good at holding onto poor lines. Setting up portforwarding etc is a bit different but very straightforward when you realise how its done (portforward website has details). Some come with 1 ethernt port if you need 4 check its got them. google 2wire router in the uk
 
3 questions -

Why would i need more than one ethernet port ?

What would be the best wireless card for my new dell computer ( running vista ) to match the 2wire router ?

And how easy is it to set up the 2wire router, is it just a case of plug and play or is it quite difficult ? bearing in mind the current BT router looks like its from the 1900's ;)

Thanks guys

Sam
 
Last edited:
Sam said:
3 questions -

Why would i need more than one ethernet port ?

What would be the best wireless card for my new dell computer ( running vista ) to match the 2wire router ?

And how easy is it to set up the 2wire router, is it just a case of plug and play or is it quite difficult ? bearing in mind the current BT router looks like its from the 1900's ;)

Thanks guys

Sam
Click to expand...

I use the Abit AirPace Wireless card as it has a little antenna which can be placed up away from like under your desk, etc to give you the best possible signal. For me, it comes up under the back of the desk and sits on top of my speaker. Before I had a normal wireless card and it wouldn't pick up any signal under the desk, the AirPace is really cool, and not too expensive. (But I'd make sure there are Vista drivers available).

The 2Wire is ok to setup. It's broken down in to your usual sections. So an area for your adsl details, an area for the wireless security, wireless setup, etc and there is an area for the firewall as well.

In your web browser you type "home" to access the router. If you do home\tech it gives a lot more info and advanced stuff.

But not hard to setup. :)
 
Can i just use any old wireless card off ocuk or are there diffrent types ... ?

Want to make sure it works with this BT 2700 HGV which i received today :)

Cheers Guys

Sam
 
Sam said:
Can i just use any old wireless card off ocuk or are there diffrent types ... ?

Want to make sure it works with this BT 2700 HGV which i received today :)

Cheers Guys

Sam
Click to expand...

I use the Abit AirPace mate. The ability to place the small aerial, perhaps on a speaker, etc means I get full signal at all times. I had originaly bought just a normal PCI Belkin. But because the PC is under the desk, it couldn't get any signal at all. The Abit is much better imo! Me and my bro both use these and have no trouble with the 2700HGV. :)
 
Firegod

Thanks for all the help :)

One more question, I have installed the router and everything is fine apart from the fact i cant seem to get the wireless to work :S The light on the front next to wireless does not flash and i cant find it on my laptop !!! Is there something i have to do to get it to connect ?

Many thanks Sam
 
My Netgear DG834G has never let me down, the wireless has an excellent range (can sit down the bottom of the garden no problem and its solid as far as the connection goes too, been connected for over 800 hours.
 
Sam said:
Firegod

Thanks for all the help :)

One more question, I have installed the router and everything is fine apart from the fact i cant seem to get the wireless to work :S The light on the front next to wireless does not flash and i cant find it on my laptop !!! Is there something i have to do to get it to connect ?

Many thanks Sam
Click to expand...

Sam, try the following mate.

Turn on uPnP (Universal Plug & Play) and SSDP Discovery services on your PC. These may already be started but best to check. Also, go to Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs > Add/Remove Windows Components (on the left hand pane).

In the new Pop-up window, scroll down to "Networking Services". Highlight it and click "Details". Tick the box for "uPnP User Interface". Click OK to everything and come back out.

You should restart the PC afterwards.

Once back up and running, check that the Wireless card is set to DHCP and set to obtain automatically.

Patch into the Router via a cable to start with (this is so we can configure it). Type "Home" in to your browser and it should go to the Router. (Again, make sure your NIC is set to DHCP, etc).

On the Router homepage (Summary) click on "Home Network" at the top. This shows all the devices currently connected to the Router. On the right hand side, under "Status at a Glance" you have:-

1. Ethernet
2. Wireless
3. USB

Make sure Wireless is enabled (there is a button next to it to say Enable/Disable). For example, I have USB disabled. Ethernet is always Enabled.

If this is enabled, click on "Edit Settings" underneath. This will prompt you for a password if you have set one up. (You can do that later if you haven't). This page shows all the Wireless stuff, such as, Signal strength, Wireless Channel, SSID, Network name and Security.

Give your Network a unique name and try setting the channel to a different number. I like using Channel 11. Make sure SSID broadcast is "enabled" to start with so that the PC can detect the Network.

Set a Passkey for the Network. For the Wireless mode, I have it set to 802.11g and the DTIM Period is default at 1 second. I have the maximum connection rate at 54Mbps (as I do not have Super G so this is the fastest I can set).

For the Wireless Strength try 4-5. I am far away from the Router and 5 gives me full strength. So depending on your distance, 3-4 may be ok for you. :)

Save all that.

Along the top of the Wireless page you are on you should have x3 blue underlined sections. You are on "Wireless Settings". Select the section called "Advanced Settings". On this page, I haven't set anything apart from the tick box at the bottom which says "Show Inactive Devices".

Save that.

Now when you click the big "Home Network" button at the top again, you can see who is active on the network and who is not currently on the network (they are greyed out). So this helps to see who is on, who has been on and who is currently not on.

Now on the PC. Disable the NIC and just have the Wireless card active. Reboot the PC and hopefully with UPnP it'll detect the Router, your Network and you can then select it and enter the Passkey. If you are connected fine, go back to the Router and Disable SSID Broadcast. The Wireless connection may disconnect for a second, but should automatically re-connect.

Cheers!
 
Last edited:
Firegod said:
Sam, try the following mate.

Turn on uPnP (Universal Plug & Play) and SSDP Discovery services on your PC. These may already be started but best to check. Also, go to Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs > Add/Remove Windows Components (on the left hand pane).

Where abouts can i check for them in vista ? I think there all turned on but it would be good to check

In the new Pop-up window, scroll down to "Networking Services". Highlight it and click "Details". Tick the box for "uPnP User Interface". Click OK to everything and come back out.

You should restart the PC afterwards.

Once back up and running, check that the Wireless card is set to DHCP and set to obtain automatically.

Done

Patch into the Router via a cable to start with (this is so we can configure it). Type "Home" in to your browser and it should go to the Router. (Again, make sure your NIC is set to DHCP, etc).

On the Router homepage (Summary) click on "Home Network" at the top. This shows all the devices currently connected to the Router. On the right hand side, under "Status at a Glance" you have:-

1. Ethernet
2. Wireless
3. USB

Make sure Wireless is enabled (there is a button next to it to say Enable/Disable). For example, I have USB disabled. Ethernet is always Enabled.

Done

If this is enabled, click on "Edit Settings" underneath. This will prompt you for a password if you have set one up. (You can do that later if you haven't). This page shows all the Wireless stuff, such as, Signal strength, Wireless Channel, SSID, Network name and Security.

Give your Network a unique name and try setting the channel to a different number. I like using Channel 11. Make sure SSID broadcast is "enabled" to start with so that the PC can detect the Network.

Done

Set a Passkey for the Network. For the Wireless mode, I have it set to 802.11g and the DTIM Period is default at 1 second. I have the maximum connection rate at 54Mbps (as I do not have Super G so this is the fastest I can set).

Done

For the Wireless Strength try 4-5. I am far away from the Router and 5 gives me full strength. So depending on your distance, 3-4 may be ok for you. :)

Done

Save all that.

Along the top of the Wireless page you are on you should have x3 blue underlined sections. You are on "Wireless Settings". Select the section called "Advanced Settings". On this page, I haven't set anything apart from the tick box at the bottom which says "Show Inactive Devices".

Done

Save that.

Now when you click the big "Home Network" button at the top again, you can see who is active on the network and who is not currently on the network (they are greyed out). So this helps to see who is on, who has been on and who is currently not on.

Now on the PC. Disable the NIC and just have the Wireless card active. Reboot the PC and hopefully with UPnP it'll detect the Router, your Network and you can then select it and enter the Passkey. If you are connected fine, go back to the Router and Disable SSID Broadcast. The Wireless connection may disconnect for a second, but should automatically re-connect.

Cheers!
Click to expand...

The light on the front of the router for wireless still isnt flashing, Does yours flash ? Im rubbish with networking aha

:x
 
Hmmm... on mine the green lights that are currently on are (I have it stood vertically):-

Power (on solid at the top)
Wireless (in the middle - occasionally flashing) <- I think it flashes quicker depending on if I download stuff, etc. i.e. depending on network traffic.
Broadband (on solid at the bottom)
Internet (on solid at the bottom)

On the PC, does it show as connected to a network or not mate? I don't have Vista so I'm unsure what to suggest. :( I take it that it's working fine when you patch in direct to the Router? Just trying to get the Wireless working still? Can you ping the Router with just the Wireless card enabled on the PC...?

I wonder if it's Vista?????
 
Hyper said:
My Netgear DG834G has never let me down, the wireless has an excellent range (can sit down the bottom of the garden no problem and its solid as far as the connection goes too, been connected for over 800 hours.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I have had my Netgear DG834G for years now and I have never even considered a replacement. I especially like all of the advanced options in the web interface and I have even set it up to email me weekly ;). Remote access to the router has also proved very handy at times.
 
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