What router?

[BJP2006]

I'm thinking about getting DSL and so setting up a wireless network so my three desktop computers and one notebook can access the internet. I've been reading alot of the articles and threads on this site, but it's overwhelming. Anyways, what would be my best bet for doing this, I want my network to be safe, but also available for my gaming consoles. what is a good router with an included firewall or some other security features. Does any of this make sense?

P.S. all of the desktops are relatively new dells and run XP home SP2 and the notebook is a brand new toshiba with XP media center

[Greenstead]

Things/recommendations to consider:
- Use wired for the desktops unless it is impossible to run wire to them. Wired will always be superior to wireless.
- The notebook likely already has wireless inbuilt. Is it b/g or a/b/g - preferably the latter.
- Check if the desktops have gigabit adapters.
- How are you going to connect the gaming consoles. Wired or wireless ?

You need a combined DSL modem+router+4 port switch+wireless access point.
OR
-DSL modem (from ISP)
-Broadband router+4 port switch+wireless access point.
e.g. http://www.dlink.co.uk/?go=gNTyP9CgrdFOIC4AStFCF834mptYKO9ZTdvhLPG3yV3oVI x9g6ltbNlwaaRp7TskAmu5j3cf/YENBs7n2qLlLUgQtOM=
OR
Separates:
- DSL modem (from ISP)
- Broadband Router+4 port switch.
e.g. http://www.dlink.co.uk/?go=gNTyP9CgrdFOIC4AStFCF834mptYKO9ZTdvhLPG3yV3oWY p5kP98f8p8Nqtm6Dk6VHqqnHtB84gKFN3h2KfgJ0kTt+I=
- wireless access point.
e.g. http://www.dlink.co.uk/?go=gNTyP9CgrdFOIC4AStFCF834mptYKO9ZTdvhLPG3yV3oUY l8j6ltbNlwaaRp7DQqAmu5j3cf/YEMAM7l2avkKk0Xt+Pd

Note : Dlink examples are just examples. Same is available from 3com, netgear, Linksys etc. Choose all from same brand.

Must have:
- The router must have an SPI firewall inbuilt.
- The wireless access point must support the same as your laptop.
- If the laptop has 11a then get a Tri mode (dual band) access point (11 a/b/g).

Do not need:
- Wireless draft 11n or any other goes faster but unreliable model.
- New to the market model.


If you have not yet chosen the DSL supplier pick one. Most will offer router options as good deals with the service, take it if it suits what you need.

[BJP2006]

thanks for all your help. the notebook is a/b/g. I was thinking about qwest, does this modem+router look adequate

http://www.qwest.com/residential/internet/modems.html (it's the bottom one)

Two of the desktops are already connected via a crossover cable, is it possible to keep that connection or not. the gaming consoles are both wireless (wi-fi)

Questions:

What's a gigabit adapter? and where do I find it?

"If the laptop has 11a then get a Tri mode (dual band) access point (11 a/b/g)."
- i'm not sure what you mean by this. Like i said, i'm not exactly a technical genius.

[Greenstead]

If you want to play safe at first then the 2Wire® 2700 HG is OK. I would rent it so it remains the responsibility of the ISP.
Its downside is no 802.11a wireless - but you can add that later if needed (i.e the dual band feature = 802.11a (5MHz) + 802.11g (2.4MHz)).

Why want 802.11a? It is in the 5MHz band and uncluttered. 2.4MHz is full of all sorts of wireless devices (video senders, dect phones) including neighbours 802.11g networks. You can walk around the house with your laptop and see if you detect other 802.11 networks - if so they will interfere with yours. I doubt you see an 802.11a network. Note that if your game stations run 802.11b then they will pull the wireless network down to low speed 11Mbps - thats another good reason to have 802.11a for the laptop.

I would not keep the PCs connected by crossover. Wire both separately to the new 2Wire® 2700 HG.

Gigabit adapters are ethernet adapters that can run at 1000 Mbps instead of the older 100Mbps. Check your PC ethernet adapters and it will say Gb or 100/10Mb. The new laptop probably has Gb. Of course you would need a Gb switch to take advantage - something for later maybe.

[BJP2006]

First of all, thank you for all your help. I just have one more question. Can I use the crossover cable as an ethernet connection cable for one of the computers or do I need to buy two whole new ethernet cables.

Thanks again, it's all beginning to make sense.

[JackMDS]

First of all, thank you for all your help. I just have one more question. Can I use the crossover cable as an ethernet connection cable for one of the computers or do I need to buy two whole new ethernet cables.

Thanks again, it's all beginning to make sense.Look at the Data sheet, if it indicates that the Router's port are MDI-X then any cable would do, otherwise you need straight patch.

CAT5e Straight or Crossover, what should I use? http://www.ezlan.net/faq.html#crossover

:D