Setting up Wireless Internet

Forums › Microsoft Windows › Setting up Wireless Internet

beforenightfalls

185 posts

Master Geek

#74885 9-Jan-2011 21:46

Hi,

Please would somebody be able to explain to me what I need to buy in order to have wireless internet at home? I currently use an ADSL broadband connection and see various wireless routers for sale in shops but have no idea which would be best for me.

Cheers.

Nokia2012

108 posts

Master Geek

#425568 9-Jan-2011 22:12

What do you do on the internet do you do a alot of gaming? or just normal internet browsing and downloading

Nokia2012

108 posts

Master Geek

#425574 9-Jan-2011 22:24

beforenightfalls: Hi,

Please would somebody be able to explain to me what I need to buy in order to have wireless internet at home? I currently use an ADSL broadband connection and see various wireless routers for sale in shops but have no idea which would be best for me.

Cheers.

If you want wireless internet access at home you need a wireless router and a computer with a wireless networking card. I Recommend linksys or D-link.
What ever you do don't get a Thomson router from telecom that are a nightmare. we have had 3 so far wouldn't get another one

thorax

75 posts

Master Geek

#425605 10-Jan-2011 02:23

Also if your pc /laptop does not have a wireless network card already you can buy a wireless dongle that plugs into a usb slot.

beforenightfalls

185 posts

Master Geek

#425623 10-Jan-2011 08:04

thanks. we use the net just for regular browsing the net, not for gaming (although i do sometimes plug the adsl cable into ps3). our computer works fine for wireless and has done at friends houses/hotels etc. so we just need a wireless router? would one around the $100 mark do the job from dse? is it standard that they will be secure? i don't want the whole street using my data allowance haha.

Nokia2012

108 posts

Master Geek

#425627 10-Jan-2011 08:28

beforenightfalls: thanks. we use the net just for regular browsing the net, not for gaming (although i do sometimes plug the adsl cable into ps3). our computer works fine for wireless and has done at friends houses/hotels etc. so we just need a wireless router? would one around the $100 mark do the job from dse? is it standard that they will be secure? i don't want the whole street using my data allowance haha.

Yes that's all you need as long as you have wireless network in cards in your computer which it sounds like you do.

I have had a look on dse.co.nz for you and I think this one is the best only 99 dollars look you save 1 dollar. It also seems to get good reviews from the customers that have brought it.

LINKSYS Wireless N Home Router

cyril7

9058 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

Subscriber

#425631 10-Jan-2011 08:53

Hi, an important point regarding adding a wireless router to an existing DSL modem/router, its best you avoid double nating, as such dont plug the DSL modem into the WAN port of the wireless router, rather use the lan port, you will also need to turn off the DHCP server of the wireless router and possibly change is LAN address to ease ongoing maintenance of the router, the following thread will help explain how its done, get back to us here if you have difficulties.

Another option is to get a pure Wireless AP (access point) rather than a Wireless Router, this circumvents the above, however in my view a router has more potential in future setups should you move away from ADSL.

http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=66&topicid=73404

As for what routers to get, I like TP-Link they use Aetheros chipsets which are one of the better ones out there, below is a online link to a wide variety of wireless routers and bits

http://www.ascent.co.nz/Category.aspx?majorcatID=67

Cyril

beforenightfalls

185 posts

Master Geek

#425636 10-Jan-2011 09:11

would a wireless router need to be plugged into our existing adsl modem? its starting to sound a little complicated!

GoodSync

GoodSync. Easily back up and sync your files with GoodSync. Simple and secure file backup and synchronisation software will ensure that your files are never lost (affiliate link).

cyril7

9058 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

Subscriber

#425637 10-Jan-2011 09:16

Hi, there are two ways to do this, replace your current ADSL modem/router with a Wireless one, this means a single box solution, this is by far the simplist and cleanest, however means you end up ditching your current ADSL modem, which may be a good idea if its an older ADSL1 only one and your exchange has been upgraded to ADSL2+ (what modem do you currently have). A all in one modem/wireless router will cost around $150.

Other option is to get a separate wireless router or AP and connect it to your modem, as you can see from my link there are plenty of options for under $100, and technical issues connecting the two should be quickly swept away here.

Cyril

beforenightfalls

185 posts

Master Geek

#425638 10-Jan-2011 09:21

we currently have a free slingtshot dynalink adsl modem that heats up a fair bit. i would ideally put it away in the cupboard and use it occasionally if i want to play online with my ps3, and use a separate wireless router 99% of the time.

cyril7

9058 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

Subscriber

#425644 10-Jan-2011 09:39

Hi, the Dynalinks are a good modem but as you would have found they heat up, as to how long it lives, thats any ones guess, most I have come across that have died are in the 12-18month old region.

I have sent a PM

Cyril

beforenightfalls

185 posts

Master Geek

#426105 11-Jan-2011 13:16

I went to dse yesterday and realise now that i need a combined router and modem. There were only 2 in that store, the Linksys WAG160N at $229, and D-Link DSL-2730B for $169. He strongly recommended the Linksys one as its much faster he said. What other good ones are out there?

trig42

5810 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

#426110 11-Jan-2011 13:30

The 2730B is fine. I have one at home and it goes well. I have also installed a few others with no issues. They are easy to setup (you will need your Slingshot username and Password - and the username will be in the form username@slingshot.co.nz or something like that).

The linksys are easy to setup also, but they cost $60 more for the same thing essentially. Both have WirelessN.

The only thing you will trip up on (And I think it's common to both routers) is changing the VPi and VCi to 0 and 100 respectively (by default they are 8 and 35). On the Dlink it is on the WAN settings page (the same one where you have to enter your PPPoA username and password). Pretty sure the Dlink has a CD that you can run that will do all the settings for you - Linksys probably does too.

beforenightfalls

185 posts

Master Geek

#426386 12-Jan-2011 09:04

can anyone tell me if the belkin f7d2401au is an all in one modem and router please? as well as the linksys wag120n? a few good priced ones on elive.co.nz, anyone ever shopped from them?

cyril7

9058 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

Subscriber

#426614 12-Jan-2011 19:18

Hi, avoid Belkin, I have had so many issues with them that its not funny, the hardware seems fine, the firmware just does not seem to hold together. Most WAGs dont use the optimum modem chipset for Telecoms network, so unless you can confirm Broadcom DSL modem inside then I would say try another device.

But to answer your questions, the Belkin is an all in one modem/nat_router and WiFi AP as is the WAG120N

Cyril

beforenightfalls

185 posts

Master Geek

#426641 12-Jan-2011 21:01

i went for the wag120n as it was on special from noel L so easy to take back if any problems. wasn't sure what settings to use, it was at 0 and 100 i think and seems to be going fine. ps3 is taking ages to download a demo through but my ps3 is always slow.