IanC, or anyone else with the knowledge...(Ian, I spoke with Simon and he says you've already done this)

I'm about to get ADSL (hopefully after the last disastrous attempt 3 months ago...missing packets from the exchange was BT's excuse..despite the next-door-neighbour-but-one getting it okay at the same time!)

Q:
I have 2 PC's networked via RJ45 hub. If I buy a router, to connect both PC's to it, what else do I need to buy, and is it difficult to set up?

Is the easier option to go for a modem and set up both PC's to share the internet connection (both PC's have XP)??

I would like both PC's to be independant from each other whilst surfing the net..i.e. I would prefer not to have to switch both PC's on to gain access every time.

Tony

 

I have done this - have got a Netgear DG114 (DG140??) combined router/ADSL modem - this plugs into the phone line, and has a 4 port hub on the back - which all the PCs and Macs plug into via RJ45 connectors.

It was about £100 for the above modem/router. Works very well. Was setup & running in under 10 minutes. Easy peasy.

 

Personally I would go for a router, as this will allow both of the PC's to be independant of each other.

Have a look at some of the reviews on ADSLGuide

 

Personally I use a D-link router, partially because it gives me another line of defence against external attacks. If wireless is your thing, you can get a router with a built-in wireless base station too, which simplifies things. A router will also take care of proxying and NAT.

 

Also, with a ADSL router/modem, you don't need ANY pcs to be powered on - the internet connection is kept "on" by the modem and not the PC.

ie, you can have one or other of the PCs turned on, and they share the connection (and both can share at once as well).

www.netgear.co.uk

 

Thanks for the quick repsonses...

Looks like I'll go the router way then..

I can get one at trade so tt's about £60 + VAT for a 4 port router.
I presume the router plugs direct to the phone line?

Tony

 

so long as it is a combined adsl modem/router.

The adsl modem plugs into a phone line - you may/may not need a microfilter for your voice connections.

 

If your choosing a cost-effective ADSL router then the DLink DSL-504 for £89 is unbeatable.

 

Roadrunner,

Where did you get the router from please?

Did the usual google and Kelkoo searches but didn't find it anywhere near as cheap.

Tony

 

yeah, £89 for the d-link DSL-504 is cheap!

 

Best I can find is £109.00 inc VAT(£128.07) from dabs.com

 

must be old pricing info on ADSL Guide

...but the info on the product is comprehensive

We (Business only ISP) currently use the Alcatel 510e 4 port router which again is less expensive than is listed here and has a very simple to use GUI and we have no support issues with the quality and can even telnet in for remote support (password protected of course )

have a good look around and you will easily beat places like £130 inc vat

Jon

 

Just an extra one for you I got mine from Redstore quick shortcut straight to the product: Belkin 4-Port Cable/DSL Gateway Router

Does the trick for me

 

DSL-504 is at www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk

[Edited by roadrunner - 8/21/2002 8:04:29 AM]

 

Broadband buyer, top company

 

Thanks to you all for the suggestions..

ADSL ordered from Demon...once BT have passed the line, I shall order a router, and smile as much when surfing the net, as I do in my Scoob!

Tony

 

Tony,

Why did you choose to go with Demon ? I'm wanting to get ADSL very soon, but not sure who to go with. I was almost set on going with Nildram after reading the ADSLGuide.

Cheers
Daz

 

Dazzler..

sorry for the delay in posting back to you.

Went for Demon because they include a static ip address.

It was a toss up between Demon and PIPEX. Benefit with PIPEX is the 1 month contract but no static ip address.

Demon has 12 month contract but static ip, so went for Demon..both similar monthly price (£25)

Tony

 

If you've already got a hub you don't need a router with more than one ports,

Just get a single port one and take a cable from there to the hub, job done.

Admitidly theres more wires hanging around, but when I was looking most routers only had 10mbps ports, while with a hub you can get 100mbps between the pc's

definatly the router 'route' tho, I use it wouldn't bother with a adsl modem - you have to do funny set ups to make the PC think its dialing, when theres do need to.

 

Cheers for coming back to me Tony. Went with Plusnet in the end. They were recommended in a PC mag a while back, and they give you a static IP for £22.99 a month on a month contract which is cool!