Could someone please advise me about buying some equipment. I
currently subscribe to TalkTalk’s broadband service, and my desktop pc
is connected via a cable from the phone socket to the TalkTalk
broadband modem. I would like my partner to be able to connect to the
Internet at the same time from her laptop (which we yet have to buy),
but via a wireless connection. What sort of kit and software do we
need to get? Would it be a wireless router? TIA
JP wrote:
> Could someone please advise me about buying some equipment. I
> currently subscribe to TalkTalk’s broadband service, and my desktop pc
> is connected via a cable from the phone socket to the TalkTalk
> broadband modem. I would like my partner to be able to connect to the
> Internet at the same time from her laptop (which we yet have to buy),
> but via a wireless connection. What sort of kit and software do we
> need to get? Would it be a wireless router? TIA
Replace the TalkTalk ADSL modem with a ADSL-capable wifi router. The
router connects to the phone line, and the desktop machine connects to
the router. The laptop connects wirelessly to the router and shares the
same ADSL connection.
You'd need to get TalkTalk to give you the appropriate configuration
details you would need for the router to know how to connect to your
ADSL service, eg. account name, password, and so on.
On Jul 21, 2:00*pm, Keith <m...@privacy.net> wrote:
> JP wrote:
> > Could someone please advise me about buying some equipment. I
> > currently subscribe to TalkTalk’s broadband service, and my desktop pc
> > is connected via a cable from the phone socket to the TalkTalk
> > broadband modem. I would like my partner to be able to connect to the
> > Internet at the same time from her laptop (which we yet have to buy),
> > but via a wireless connection. What sort of kit and software do we
> > need to get? Would it be a wireless router? TIA
>
> Replace the TalkTalk ADSL modem with a ADSL-capable wifi router. *The
> router connects to the phone line, and the desktop machine connects to
> the router. *The laptop connects wirelessly to the router and shares the
> same ADSL connection.
>
> You'd need to get TalkTalk to give you the appropriate configuration
> details you would need for the router to know how to connect to your
> ADSL service, eg. account name, password, and so on.
That sounds reasonably straighforward - many thanks.
> Replace the TalkTalk ADSL modem with a ADSL-capable wifi router.
No. Do not do that. Get a standalone DSL modem and a separate router.
Most of the combo units suck. That and WHEN the DSL modem gets fried you
won't have to reconfigure your router all over again.
Bill Kearney wrote:
>
>> Replace the TalkTalk ADSL modem with a ADSL-capable wifi router.
>
> No. Do not do that. Get a standalone DSL modem and a separate router.
> Most of the combo units suck. That and WHEN the DSL modem gets fried
> you won't have to reconfigure your router all over again.
The OP already has the DSL modem. What he needs to do is purchase a Wireless
Access Point (WAP) such as made by Linksys, D-Link, and others. These devices
contain a router, an ethernet switch with (usually) 4 ports, and the wireless
section. The price ranges from $45 up. The router section has a Wide-Area
Network (WAN) port that is connected to the modem. Your wired computer would
connect to one of the Local-Area Network (LAN) ports, and your partner's
computer could be either wireless or connect to another of the LAN ports.
Larry Finger wrote:
> Bill Kearney wrote:
>>
>>> Replace the TalkTalk ADSL modem with a ADSL-capable wifi router.
>>
>> No. Do not do that. Get a standalone DSL modem and a separate
>> router. Most of the combo units suck. That and WHEN the DSL modem
>> gets fried you won't have to reconfigure your router all over again.
>
> The OP already has the DSL modem. What he needs to do is purchase a
> Wireless Access Point (WAP) such as made by Linksys, D-Link, and others.
> These devices contain a router, an ethernet switch with (usually) 4
> ports, and the wireless section. The price ranges from $45 up. The
> router section has a Wide-Area Network (WAN) port that is connected to
> the modem. Your wired computer would connect to one of the Local-Area
> Network (LAN) ports, and your partner's computer could be either
> wireless or connect to another of the LAN ports.
>
> Larry
Almost right. A WAP is not a wireless router. Larry is correct that
home wireless routers typically include a WAP (which he called the
wireless section), a router, and an ethernet switch.
A WAP is only the "wireless section," and doesn't include the other two
functions.
Otherwise, *if* the connection between the OP's TalkTalk modem is
through an Ethernet cable (plug looks like a slightly larger telephone
plug), *then* the OP should buy a home wireless router. On the other
hand, if the TalkTalk modem is connected to the computer with a USB
cable, then the OP will either have to buy a new DSL modem (which is
compatible with TalkTalk and has an Ethernet output) plus a wireless
router, OR a "wireless DSL gateway device" (combo DSL modem/wireless
router), as long as the DSL modem part is compatible with TalkTalk.
I agree with Larry that separate DSL modem and router are better to
have, even if they may cost more to buy initially.
"Larry Finger" <Larry.Finger@lwfinger.net> wrote in message
news:tS1hk.128998$102.24078@bgtnsc05-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...
> Bill Kearney wrote:
>>
>>> Replace the TalkTalk ADSL modem with a ADSL-capable wifi router.
>>
>> No. Do not do that. Get a standalone DSL modem and a separate router.
>> Most of the combo units suck. That and WHEN the DSL modem gets fried you
>> won't have to reconfigure your router all over again.
>
> The OP already has the DSL modem. What he needs to do is purchase a
> Wireless Access Point (WAP) such as made by Linksys, D-Link, and others.
> These devices contain a router, an ethernet switch with (usually) 4 ports,
> and the wireless section.
No, that's WRONG.
He'd indeed want a router, but not just a Wireless Access Point. Most WAPs
are relatively dumb devices and do not have routing capablities. They would
not be a suitable replacement for the situation being discussed.
If the talktalk device connects to the PC via ethernet then it's possible a
wifi router would work with it. But, as has been suggested, it connects via
USB then it'd need to be replaced.
On Jul 22, 3:06*am, "Bill Kearney" <wkearne...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> "Larry Finger" <Larry.Fin...@lwfinger.net> wrote in message
>
> news:tS1hk.128998$102.24078@bgtnsc05-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...
>
> > Bill Kearney wrote:
>
> >>> Replace the TalkTalk ADSL modem with a ADSL-capable wifi router.
>
> >> No. *Do not do that. *Get a standalone DSL modem and a separate router.
> >> Most of the combo units suck. *That and WHEN the DSL modem gets fried you
> >> won't have to reconfigure your router all over again.
>
> > The OP already has the DSL modem. What he needs to do is purchase a
> > Wireless Access Point (WAP) such as made by Linksys, D-Link, and others..
> > These devices contain a router, an ethernet switch with (usually) 4 ports,
> > and the wireless section.
>
> No, that's WRONG.
>
> He'd indeed want a router, but not just a Wireless Access Point. *Most WAPs
> are relatively dumb devices and do not have routing capablities. *They would
> not be a suitable replacement for the situation being discussed.
>
> If the talktalk device connects to the PC via ethernet then it's possiblea
> wifi router would work with it. *But, as has been suggested, it connects via
> USB then it'd need to be replaced.
I'm trying to make sense of the various differing views (for which I'm
very grateful), so I looked up WAP and found the following
description: "Home wireless networks, the majority, generally have
only one WAP to connect all the computers in a home. Most are wireless
routers, meaning converged devices that include a WAP, Ethernet
router, and often a switch in the same package." So I understand from
this that it depends on which brand I buy as to what functionality I
will get. Since I have yet to buy the laptop, I guess I should buy the
network kit from the same source (probably Dell, as my current desktop
is from them), but at least I will now be able to understand (and
maybe challenge) whatever they propose. Many thanks once again to all
who have given advice. BTW, the connection is an Ethernet one, so I
guess I can keep my (A?)DSL modem.
> I'm trying to make sense of the various differing views
It's simple. Generally, you want a router between your internal network and
your internet connection. This to act as a firewall between your network
and the rest of the world. And if you have more than one wired ethernet
device you generally want a switch to handle the traffic. If you want to
add wireless devices to the network you need something listening for them.
These 3 functions can generally be found in the typical small office/home
office (soho) situation. Devices like the Linksys WRT54G come to mind.
If you already had a router and didn't want to change it you could add just
a wireless access point (WAP). Or if you wanted to provide coverage at the
far end of the house, you could pull wire to that area and set up just a
WAP. But even if you already have a router it may be convenient to replace
it with one that has WiFi built into it.
> So I understand from
> this that it depends on which brand I buy as to what functionality I
> will get.
No, this is incorrect. Much like buying a product from GM, you could get a
truck, car or a van. It's not about brand, it's about the model. Some
brands are better than others, but then some of the better brands have made
crappy models.
> Since I have yet to buy the laptop, I guess I should buy the
> network kit from the same source (probably Dell,
Much like the above auto example that may be a bad idea. You'll just end up
paying extra for something you could buy elsewhere yourself. But check and
see, it's possible Dell is bundling someone else's WiFi router at a good
price.
> BTW, the connection is an Ethernet one, so I guess I can keep my (A?)DSL
> modem.
Quite probably. Your next question should be directed to your ISP. Ask
them what the instructions are on rearranging your existing setup with one
using a WiFi router. Most support doing this. The process is relatively
straightforward. You'll have to possess some info from the ISP regarding
the type of connection (PPPoE, static, DHCP) and IP addresses for gateway
and DNS. Once you've got that it should be possible to put that info into
your new router and be up and running WELL inside of an hour.
Larry Finger wrote:
> Bill Kearney wrote:
>>
>>> Replace the TalkTalk ADSL modem with a ADSL-capable wifi router.
>>
>> No. Do not do that. Get a standalone DSL modem and a separate
>> router. Most of the combo units suck. That and WHEN the DSL modem
>> gets fried you won't have to reconfigure your router all over again.
>
> The OP already has the DSL modem.
JP wrote:
> I'm trying to make sense of the various differing views (for which I'm
> very grateful),
Yes, its confusing isn't it!
Two possible ways to go
1) if your existing modem has a ETHERNET socket on it, you need standard
wireless router.
2) if your existing modem is USB-only, you need a standard wireless
router AND a new modem that is ethernet capable.
Instead of (2) you can buy a combi unit that is both modem and router.
These are often sold as "ADSL routers". If you take this route then when
one part dies you will have to replace the entire thing.
On Jul 22, 3:21*pm, "Bill Kearney" <wkearne...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> > I'm trying to make sense of the various differing views
>
> It's simple. *Generally, you want a router between your internal network and
> your internet connection. *This to act as a firewall between your network
> and the rest of the world. *And if you have more than one wired ethernet
> device you generally want a switch to handle the traffic. *If you want to
> add wireless devices to the network you need something listening for them..
> These 3 functions can generally be found in the typical small office/home
> office (soho) situation. *Devices like the Linksys WRT54G come to mind.
>
> If you already had a router and didn't want to change it you could add just
> a wireless access point (WAP). *Or if you wanted to provide coverage atthe
> far end of the house, you could pull wire to that area and set up just a
> WAP. *But even if you already have a router it may be convenient to replace
> it with one that has WiFi built into it.
>
> > So I understand from
> > this that it depends on which brand I buy as to what functionality I
> > will get.
>
> No, this is incorrect. *Much like buying a product from GM, you could get a
> truck, car or a van. *It's not about brand, it's about the model. *Some
> brands are better than others, but then some of the better brands have made
> crappy models.
>
> > Since I have yet to buy the laptop, I guess I should buy the
> > network kit from the same source (probably Dell,
>
> Much like the above auto example that may be a bad idea. *You'll just end up
> paying extra for something you could buy elsewhere yourself. *But checkand
> see, it's possible Dell is bundling someone else's WiFi router at a good
> price.
>
> > BTW, the connection is an Ethernet one, so I guess I can keep my (A?)DSL
> > modem.
>
> Quite probably. *Your next question should be directed to your ISP. *Ask
> them what the instructions are on rearranging your existing setup with one
> using a WiFi router. *Most support doing this. *The process is relatively
> straightforward. *You'll have to possess some info from the ISP regarding
> the type of connection (PPPoE, static, DHCP) and IP addresses for gateway
> and DNS. *Once you've got that it should be possible to put that info into
> your new router and be up and running WELL inside of an hour.
>
> -Bill Kearney
Hi Bill, thanks very much for spending the time to explain this to a
novice. I think I've got it now, ie the Linksys WRT54G device is a
wireless router, and that another device that could do the same job
would be for example the D-Link DIR-615
Wireless N Home Router (http://tinyurl.com/jpwireless1). I understand
that my configuration would be that the wireless router would be
connected (a) to my ADSL modem, via the Ethernet cable, (b) to my
desktop, also via an Ethernet cable (or would that be a USB cable?),
and (c) to the laptop (which needs to have a WiFi adaptor card) via a
wireless link. Is that right?
>Hi Bill, thanks very much for spending the time to explain this to a
>novice. I think I've got it now, ie the Linksys WRT54G device is a
>wireless router, and that another device that could do the same job
>would be for example the D-Link DIR-615
>Wireless N Home Router (http://tinyurl.com/jpwireless1).
Much like Ford vs Chevy, everyone's got their favorite router brands.
Personally I've had equal trouble with both D-Link and Linksys so I can't
say one brand overall is better or worse.
My advice would be to look up the potential candidates on the Amazon and
Newegg.com websites and look at the customer reviews. They tend to be
reasonably accurate.
>I understand
>that my configuration would be that the wireless router would be
>connected (a) to my ADSL modem, via the Ethernet cable, (b) to my
>desktop, also via an Ethernet cable (or would that be a USB cable?),
>and (c) to the laptop (which needs to have a WiFi adaptor card) via a
>wireless link. Is that right?
Yep, modem to router via wired ethernet (via the router's WAN port).
PC to router via wired ethernet into one of the router's LAN ports
Laptop to the router via WiFi.
If your laptop doesn't already have WiFi built into it then look into that
option. Some (but not all) laptops have the ability to install a mini-PCI
card internally. That means not having anything sticking out of the laptop.
This is better since no protrusions means less to get broken off. But if
internal is not an option my next choice would be a PCMCIA or ExpressCard as
the slot for them is usually a bit more durable than USB. That would be my
last choice, USB. The connector locations on most laptops never ends up
being very convenient and, with time, the socket fails. That and the
software removing/reinserting dance you have to go through to get the laptop
stuffed in a carrying case is also a problem.
Good luck, it looks like you're well on your way to make it work.
Wireless connection to broadband for pc 
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