New Broadband subscriber needs advice regarding modems and routers

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MaraeaTeni

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Wannabe Geek

Topic # 58079 6-Mar-2010 13:41

I have had a laptop on dialup for years and decided I needed broadband so I rushed out and made a few purchases before I looked into it fully. I have since started reading a bit of info on the net and think I need a bit more advice before I make any more blunders. (Possibly to late!!)

I have spoken to people at Telecom and at the store purchased the laptop from but I suspect that they have their own interests at heart.

What I have bought:

Laptop - Dell Inspiron 15 S561202NZ
Router - Linksys Wireless-N Home Router Model WRT120N

I have also been in to Telecom and obtained a wireless Thomson TG585V7 ADSL2+ Modem and signed up for two years broadband.

The modem info states that it is Wireless 802.11g/b, and today I have read in the paper that the best sort would be 802.11n as it is newer and faster.

Sooo, you can tell I would benefit by any advice at all, but specifically I need to know if what I have will do the job, or if I would be best to make the changes now before it is to late to return the hardware.

As you can tell I have no knowledge at all about this and would be very grateful for any advice.

Maraea Teni

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Spark

Reply # 305013 6-Mar-2010 14:10

N routers will give you faster Wireless Networking file transfer speeds compared to B/G routers. It really depends on what sort of networking you plan on doing. I run a G network here, with 3 or so computers via a 2wire router (also have a Thompson TG585) and they are fine for transferring files, just not as fast as N granted; however my Laptop's don't support N, and at this stage I have no real need for it, even if my laptop did support N.

I would suggest the TG585 would be fine.

nzbnw

nzbnw

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Spark

Reply # 305017 6-Mar-2010 14:16

According the the DSE site specs for you're laptop, it doesn't support the N wireless standard, so you don't really get any benefit from an N router.

http://www.dse.co.nz/dse.shop/en/product/XC8294

Unless you get a USB N dongle, but why!?!? :-)

nzbnw

jayd

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Reply # 305037 6-Mar-2010 15:49

The free modem that Telecom has given you will work fine with your Laptop, and you wont need the Linksys router because the Thompson already has a combined modem/router. This would be the cheapest option for you.
Otherwise you could upgrade your Laptop to one with Wireless N and also get a Combined ADSL/WirelessN Router to make use of N technology, however this would make the Thompson Obsolete and probably cost a bit more than what you already have.
I have the same Telecom router as you and it seems fairly reliable. I plan on sticking with Telecom, so for me a free modem was worth signing the 2 year contract. Hope thats of some help.

MaraeaTeni

7 posts

Wannabe Geek

Reply # 305053 6-Mar-2010 16:54

nzbnw: According the the DSE site specs for you're laptop, it doesn't support the N wireless standard, so you don't really get any benefit from an N router.

http://www.dse.co.nz/dse.shop/en/product/XC8294

Unless you get a USB N dongle, but why!?!? :-)

nzbnw

Many thanks for the replies - all valuable information.

I forgot to mention that I have also purchased a Telecom prepaid T-Stick USB modem to use when we are away from home.

I was actually wondering if this device would be good enough to use for my broadband instead of signing up for the two years with Telecom, but the information that came with the T-Stick said it was not suitable for prolonged use.

cbrpilot

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Spark NZ

Reply # 305060 6-Mar-2010 17:41

MaraeaTeni:
I forgot to mention that I have also purchased a Telecom prepaid T-Stick USB modem to use when we are away from home.

I was actually wondering if this device would be good enough to use for my broadband instead of signing up for the two years with Telecom, but the information that came with the T-Stick said it was not suitable for prolonged use.

Prolonged use? Not sure exactly what they are trying to get at there, but I'd hazard a guess:

Mobile Broadband tends to be much more expensive than fixed-line Broadband in terms of $/Mb. So if you are doing a lot of downloading then you'll find the T-Stick very expensive to run compared to a fixed line service. However, if you are just reading your emails every day, then you may find that fixed line broadband is overkill.

It all depends on your usage ....

My views are my own, and may not necessarily represent those of my employer.

PerryNZ

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Reply # 312219 28-Mar-2010 22:04

Two TG585s later . . . . .

Both lasted about 18 hours and died. I give up!
Am I working them too hard? If so, how would
I do that?

Anyone have a good suggestion for what to buy
(and from where) as a proven reliable wireless
router modem? One with a little more than
the average range, perhaps? There's a bewild-
ering array of choices.

Or just a decent router modem, even, as I've
already got a WAP working.

maxzzz

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Reply # 312231 28-Mar-2010 22:22

Well I have got a question regarding routers chipsets.

I have heard that we can optain the best speeds if we match the chipset of the router and the chipset of the DSLAM. Is it true?

Do you know what kind of chipset the new Chorus cabinets are using?

Do you recommend any special chipset for routers?

Thanks

rscole86

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Reply # 312232 28-Mar-2010 22:26

PerryNZ and maxzzz, Please create your own threads, as your questions have no relation to the OP at all.

LennonNZ

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Reply # 312235 28-Mar-2010 22:29

maxxzzz: I have "heard" this but have not seen proof that this is true at all and dunno where it came from. Most likely just a myth.

perrynz: most likely bad batch or you have it in a place where it overheated. I don't think its possible to "overuse" a DSL router.

PerryNZ

44 posts

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Reply # 312240 28-Mar-2010 22:40

rscole86: PerryNZ, Please create your own thread, as your question has no relation to the OP at all.

You may notice, if you read it, that the TG585 was
mentioned in paragraph five of the first post. And
the thread title is about modems and routers. But
I'll start another thread, nonetheless, if that will
please you.

rscole86

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Reply # 312241 28-Mar-2010 22:43

Everyones situation can be different, hence why we like to keep threads, although appearing similar, seperated. Yes I did notice you both mentioned the TG585.

PerryNZ

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Reply # 312242 28-Mar-2010 22:47

I had a look at this thread, which has drawn
no replies of significance, so I don't think I'll
clutter the board with another one, so similar.

rscole86

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Reply # 312244 28-Mar-2010 22:51

Like I said, everyones situation can be different, and people are always willing to help. But if you think you have already found your answer, then all is well.

PerryNZ

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Reply # 312246 28-Mar-2010 23:06

I wish! I was just observing that someone
else with a similar request had not turned
up a suitable answer. (So far)

Ragnor

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Reply # 312261 29-Mar-2010 00:54

PerryNZ: I had a look at this thread, which has drawn
no replies of significance, so I don't think I'll
clutter the board with another one, so similar.

Dynalink RTA 1025W or WE, ~$120, uses broadcom chipset which is known to work well with Chorus/Telecom wholesale equipment.

http://www.gearbot.co.nz/store_products/search/rta%201025/

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