Buying a Modem/Router

I would like to buy a new modem/router.

However, when I read reviews I encounter phrases like "... supporting 802.11g++ ... VoIP ... support for WPA and WEP encryption ...", as well as many other phrases relating to features which I do not understand and which I have no idea whether or not are relevant to my intended use.

I say this as someone who is not completely stupid (not completely) and who is not totally ignorant (not totally) about computers, broadband and basic use of the internet.

Is there anywhere where I can read a straightforward expalnation in clear, simple English as to
(1) what features are relevant for my application
(2) the comparative cost and reliabliity of different modem/routers?

I presume they vary in
- cost
- reliabilty
- ability to cope with poor signals

and vary in how many ports they have (I only need one at present, but more would add future-proofing), what types of port (presumably usually Ethernet but USB as well would make it more versatile), whether they are wireless (not essential at present, but might be useful in future).

I gather the effecitivness of the wireless link can vary (I have a small house with wooden / platerboard walls) and that there are different types of encoding (what are the differences?)

Where can I find an idiots guide to modem/routers and all their features, please, and a guide as to the relative cost, reliability and effectiveness of the various different makes and models? I really do not want to have to wander down to my local branch of "PC CometWorld Computers R Us" and throw myself onto the mercies of their technical expertise, such as it may be.

1. Do you want to connect by wire/wireless?

2. If you want to connect wireless look for a router with 802.11n - ideally dual band so you get away from the congested 2.4GHz spectrum - but you will need equipment for your pc's which operates on 5GHz as well then so might make it more expensive than you plan to spend.

3. For wired connections look for 4x RJ45 ethernet ports. USB is used to share a device, such as a hard drive or printer, and isn't really a general networking port (USB3 might revise that idea but for now it itsn't).

4. Depending on what provider you use make sure the router supports ADSL2+ (g992.5 annex a/m from memory is the spec you are looking for).

5. If you use VoIP then look for a router offering QoS if you have a number of PC's all sharing a link - if you don't use VoIP or just have a couple of PC's its not really needed just a nice to have.

You should go for the Netgear v4 with the Broadcom chipset you'll need to be quick as they new model is the v5 , however the v5 as it is fitted with a Connexant chipset.


Domitian

In reply to a post by Anonymous:

You should go for the Netgear v4 with the Broadcom chipset you'll need to be quick as they new model is the v5 , however the v5 as it is fitted with a Connexant chipset.

Thanks. This is presumably the DG834G?

The advantages of the Broadcom chipset being ... ? (Remember, me technical thicko)

(My laptop has a built-in wireless broadband link - it is a Hewlit Packard / Compaq nx6110. Will that be compatible, please?

Edited by deleted (Thu 04-Feb-10 01:45:27)

It depends really on who your ISP is. E.g. if with Be or O2 for instance, then Broadcom chipsets work best because they match the exchange kit.

Titus - you'll certainly be less stupid and less ignorant than the so called experts in any of those stores!!

In reply to a post by lenaspell:

Titus - you'll certainly be less stupid and less ignorant than the so called experts in any of those stores!!

Tittus - Just please avoid anything from Linksys or Belkin - Personal experience of the Belkin N1 vision range was awful and my router died in less than 10 months! Warranty and support was a nightmare and as I work from home, I just ended up buying the most expensive product in a panic from PC world. That tuned out to be my worst mistake ever as I purchased a Linksys WAG160n (my current router) and it is awful, requiring a daily power cycle, constantly drops the WiFi connection especially when moving larger lumps of data across from one WiFi connected device to another e.g. back up to NAS or HD streaming to my Xbox or TV media streamer, over heats the list is endless I'ts been replaced by the manufacturer twice (and with all shipping costs to Denmark having to be met by me!!) and each 'replacement' was a refurb each time with and earlier manufacturer date. Purchased in May 2009, yet the last one they sent me had a 05/08 date on it.... and now it's going wrong again, Linksys say its out of warranty (they say waranty runs 12 months from Manuf. date not purchase!!!!) - remember PC world won't help they refer you to the manufacturer for all warranty unless you specifically purchased theirs

People recommend D-Link to me all the time - although I'm waiting for a few months to see what comes out esp with all this newer dual band stuff also referenced earlier in response to this post.

Good Luck
Jay

In reply to a post by Anonymous:

... remember PC world won't help they refer you to the manufacturer for all warranty unless you specifically purchased theirs.

Thanks for your comments.

I try to avoid PssyWorld as far as possible, but just a nitpicking point: under the Sale of Goods Act, it is the retailer, not the manufacturer, who has an obligation to supply goods which are "of merchantable quality" and "fit for the purpose for which they were supplied".

So Pssyworld are breaking the law if they refuse to help and try to refer you direct to the manufacturer.

In reply to a post by jcym:

It depends really on who your ISP is. E.g. if with Be or O2 for instance, then Broadcom chipsets work best because they match the exchange kit.

My ISP is PlusNet, and I agree, there would be an advantage in using whatever modem/router they supply and/or which their staff are familiar with, in case I have problems and need their assistance - provided that whatever PlusNet supply isn't carp, grossly over-priced (me Titus) or lacks features which I might want.

I have E-mailed PN but no reply yet so I might dedicate half an hour or so waiting for them to answer a telephone call ...

This is presumably the DG834G?

Yes, and it's the v4 version

The advantages of the Broadcom chipset being ... ?

As well as what has been said already they seem to work well with higher attenuation connections that are found on long lines i.e. length of wire/line from your house to the exchange. My own line is long and fairly noisy and the Broadcom chipped routers seem to work best on it, despite the DSLAM being TI chipped.

Your laptop will be compatible for wireless use with this Netgear model.


> > > WiFi

> > > Computer and Wireless Networking Basics

Plusnet supply customers with a TG585v7 AFAIK.

They might supply you one for the cost of postage if you get in touch with one of the PN Comms Team and suggest you might be thinking of leaving not happy with PN or even your present kit is no longer fit for purpose etc. etc. If you do blag one you will be expected to pay for it if you leave PN before the 12 months are up from when they sent it to you, deferred payment under the new Ts & Cs.