Wireless Router Recommendation Please (needed for xmas)

WHAT!!! · 16 Dec 2006 at 10:39

Hi all

A family member will be getting a laptop for christmas and im thinking of getting a wireless router for them as a gift but i've not really the knowledge of this wireless stuff yet and need to order one ASAP so it gets here before christmas.

The laptop which is likely to be bought has the below specified to what its capable of wirelessly.

56K V.90 Modem, 10/100/1000 MBit LAN (prepared for network and DSL),
Wireless LAN to IEEE 802.11g standard downwardly compatible to WIFI standard, Bluetooth (Class II Version 2.0) for wireless connection with peripherals such as printer, mobile phone, etc.

It also need to have atleast 2 wired ethernet connection for desktop PC's and be able to handle a 2MB NTL Line, a built in modem is not really needed and would like something in the £60-£80, i need something which has bang for the buck so to speak.

Any help would be great thanks

raf · 16 Dec 2006 at 11:02

I'm on the lookout for one too and am thinking about getting this one.

Kol · 16 Dec 2006 at 11:30

raf said:
I'm on the lookout for one too and am thinking about getting this one.

That's an ADSL router, if, like the OP said it's to be used with NTL, you would need a Cable router instead.

This would be a good start http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=NW-052-LS

If you have the knowledge to upgrade the firmware, you have a very good wireless router on your hands there.

WHAT!!! · 16 Dec 2006 at 17:57

Mikol said:
That's an ADSL router, if, like the OP said it's to be used with NTL, you would need a Cable router instead.

This would be a good start http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=NW-052-LS

If you have the knowledge to upgrade the firmware, you have a very good wireless router on your hands there.

Looks very suitable, few questions tho.

How come it needs a firmware update and are they easy to do?

Will it allow 2 x wired PC's and wireless laptop connect to the net independantly such as 1 on 2 off or 2 on 1 off etc...

Thanks

Kol · 16 Dec 2006 at 18:16

WHAT!!! said:
Looks very suitable, few questions tho.

How come it needs a firmware update and are they easy to do?

Will it allow 2 x wired PC's and wireless laptop connect to the net independantly such as 1 on 2 off or 2 on 1 off etc...

Thanks

It doesn't need a firmware update, in fact, they're usually rock solid without, the update just gives you extra features. However, the average user doesn't need them and most people wouldn't use them.

The router will allow anyone to use it whether or not other systems are on and it will allow everyone to use it at once also.

WHAT!!! · 16 Dec 2006 at 18:49

Mikol said:
It doesn't need a firmware update, in fact, they're usually rock solid without, the update just gives you extra features. However, the average user doesn't need them and most people wouldn't use them.

The router will allow anyone to use it whether or not other systems are on and it will allow everyone to use it at once also.

Great thanks a lot for quick reply.

Had a quick look and seems this is a pretty nice one thanks for advice.

Looks like thats another present sorted after i place my order

cheers mikol

Kol · 17 Dec 2006 at 00:40

WHAT!!! said:
Great thanks a lot for quick reply.

Had a quick look and seems this is a pretty nice one thanks for advice.

Looks like thats another present sorted after i place my order

cheers mikol

You're welcome mate. Any problems give me a shout. I have the GS, which is essentially the same router give or take.

WHAT!!! · 17 Dec 2006 at 02:11

Mikol said:
You're welcome mate. Any problems give me a shout. I have the GS, which is essentially the same router give or take.

Thanks very much, I've actualy gone for the GS as I found it for £45 delivered new

im a right bargin hunter CHEAP AS CHIPS !!! hehe could have had it for £38 but that may not of made it here by christmass then so paid the extra.

I've been reading some more reviews people have mentioned almost around 95% of them only had goods things to say about it.

Someone mentioned he hooked his up to an antena and could get a signal for 3 miles :eek:

now thats what i call wireless hehe not sure if its true or not but below is what he wrote.

For those wanting to use 3rd party linux firmwares then BUY THIS NOW before it is too late!
These are (on 19 April 2006) version 4's not the awful VX Worx V5 so it will run all the good firmwares with a reflash.
I have 2 of these with external antennas using DD-WRT firmware spanning a 3 mile hop and maintaining 36 Mbps like a charm.
Get one (or 2) before they sell out - I have!

Im hoping it does all go fine with the installation on christmas day as i'm going to have to set up 3 or 4 things hehe

Kol · 17 Dec 2006 at 11:25

WHAT!!! said:
Thanks very much, I've actualy gone for the GS as I found it for £45 delivered new im a right bargin hunter CHEAP AS CHIPS !!! hehe could have had it for £38 but that may not of made it here by christmass then so paid the extra.

I've been reading some more reviews people have mentioned almost around 95% of them only had goods things to say about it.

Someone mentioned he hooked his up to an antena and could get a signal for 3 miles now thats what i call wireless hehe not sure if its true or not but below is what he wrote.

Im hoping it does all go fine with the installation on christmas day as i'm going to have to set up 3 or 4 things hehe

Excellent, you got a v4 GS? Well done mate. Not a bad price either, considering how good the GS actually is and that should you wish to you can flash it with DD-WRT firmware

tolien · 17 Dec 2006 at 11:36

These are (on 19 April 2006) version 4's

It's extremely unlikely to be a v4 now, so I'd say you've got a VXWorks lemon.