Wireless Broadband Router Advice

[MikeTV]

My parents are thinking of getting broadband, and ideally they would like it to be wireless (because they have a laptop). And so is there a device that can be bought that will work wirelessly to connect to broadband, and also allow them access their printer (and other USB devices) wirelessly? I understand that they would need a wireless LAN card in their laptop, but is there a wireless router/modem that will allow them to connect to broadband and all their USB devices, without the need for an additional PC acting as a server?

Also, how reliable is wireless these days? Is it still a major headache maintaining a connection to the network? It needs to be low maintenance.

Lastly, are there any problems in connecting a third party ADSL modem, as opposed to using the one that is supplied with the broadband service. Or do all ADSL modems just work on any braodband connection, regardless of the supplier (after the initial setup)?

Thanks!

[hornydragon]

Any ADSL modem will work wether it is part of a router or seperate. have a look at linksys,belkin, and netgear kit, they all do what you need and linksys site even has a configuartion system for small office home networks, I am not sure if all USB devices are possible to make wireless.

[sapperjohn]

Mike TV

Most convenient way forward is to get an integrated ADSl Modem , Router , 4 port switch. This allows you to connect both wirelssly and wired. Have a look at http://www.lanshop.co.uk/ for an idea of some of the kit available. The D-Link DSL-604 does all of the above. You will need to ensure you have an Ethernet port or LAN card in your PC (£10) . Laptops usually have one anyway.

I'm running a 4 port dsl modem, switch router with a Wireless access point added to one of the ethernet ports. Two PCS are hard wired while a web pad and Ipaq link in wirelessly. You can usually mix and match supliers kit as it is all Standards based, i.e you can use any make of ADSL modem on your broadband line not just the USB one supplied when you subscribed.



Have a look at

www.homenethelp.com
www.practicallynetworked.com
www.wown.com

for some useful info and kit reviews.

If you want to fully network a printer you simply add a printer server which is a dongle that sits between the parallel port on the printer and a spare ethernet port on the router/modem. though they tend to be a bit pricey for the job they do around £80.



Sapperjohn

[tonyb]

mikeTV,

What you want to do is certainly possible, though it will be more expensive than using a wired network. You'll need to get a wireless adsl router, preferably one with built-in adsl modem - Netgear have a couple of models that meet this spec.

If you look at the Linksys website, you will see that they have a range of wireless print servers. You'll certainly be able to use this for a printer, but I don't think any other type of usb device will be supported.

You will also need suitable wireless network cards for your laptop and desktop pc's. As far as all kit is concerned, make sure everything supports the 802.11g standard. This gives you 54mbps rather than 11mbps of 802.11b

Reliability should not be an issue - I'm using some netgear 802.11b kit, and i've not had any problems. Once you have everything configured, you shouldn't have any problems.

ADSL modems shouldn't be a problem at all - i believe there are two main standards of communication using adsl and most devices support both.

Post back here if you need more help....
Tony

[MikeTV]

Excellent answers! Thanks everyone.

[kevshed]

definatly recommend the Dlink 604+ as already mentioned.. its the one i'd recommend without a doubt.... piece of cake !