Wireless network advice needed.

I've got a 3com 4 port adsl wireless router, I am thinking about changing to Virgin Media cable service (currently on BTYahoo adsl). What I want to know is can i use the cable modem Virgin will give me and connect that (via one of the wired ports) to the wireless router to send the signal around the house? Or will the router only work with an adsl connection?

It will only work as a router with an ADSL connection. You need to buy a new router. However you can use the old one as a switch.

I'm not sure I understand, would the cable modem supplied by Virgin not act as the router? What is a switch?

If not any recommendation on a decent router that will work with the cable modem?

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I'm not sure I understand, would the cable modem supplied by Virgin not act as the router? What is a switch?

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No. The cable modem is just a modem. A router normally has a built in firewall. A switch is like a router, but no firewall (routes traffic around the network).

In reply to:

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If not any recommendation on a decent router that will work with the cable modem?

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When I had cable, I used an SMC Barricade - rock solid little unit, it must be said..

The cable modem supplied by Virgin will not act as a router because it is a modem? MODulator/DEModulator

A switch is something that connects Ethernet devices together but has no routing capability?

I'll leave recommendation on a decent router that will work with the cable modem because it isn't my field.

It's a modem in a loose term. It's really a media converter converting HFC (hybrid fibre coax) to ethernet.

"It's a modem in a loose term. It's really a media converter converting HFC (hybrid fibre coax) to ethernet."

Sorry I diasgree. The kit that delivers Broadband to a subscriber is still fundamentally a modem. It uses more complex waveforms than the voice frequencies used by a 'traditional' POTS modem but it still converts a waveform into a bit stream and vice verse i.e. MODulates and DEModulates. Having said that ADSL modems interface the to DTE tends to be something more sophisticated than V.24, e.g. USB or Ethernet.

I have a relative who has Telewest/Virgin Media Cable Broadband/Telephone/TV and has the supplied and fitted Motorola SB5101 Cable Modem. He wanted wireless so bought the Netgear WPN824 Range Max Wireless cable/DSL router and connected it to the Virgin Media modem.

3Com also make the 3Com OfficeConnect 3CRWER100-75-UK Wireless Cable/DSL router.