New to broadband, questions

My new Freeola ADSL Max connection arrives soon. �20 for activation, modem+microfilter, 40/320GB first month; then �20pm for 3/22GBpm or �22 for 5/200GBpm thereafter. I may switch to ADLS24 or UKFSN later, but saving �40 on activation seemed too good to miss. My line is scheduled for first broadband activation next week.

Can you help me with some newbie questions please?

I'm starting with a BT Voyager 105 USB modem, supplied free by Freeola. The supplied software on CD (or from the BT site) pre-dates my XP SP2 system. Do I need to install software, or will the XP SP2 hardware recognition stuff install everything I need anyway?

Is the MAC address unchangeably fixed for that hardware?

Is there any merit in using a USB 2.0 port, or will one of my spare USB 1.1 ports be just as good? If it's better on USB 2.0, does it matter if it's from a hub?

Does the BT line training stuff require my PC+modem to be on and/or downloading for any particular continuous periods? Or does it just kick in whenever it senses data, no matter the time of day or how short a period?

From reading here, I have in mind to buy a router later on, with the benefit of seeing my line characteristics, and making sure the model I choose is appropriate or tailored to those. Is that line-specific thing sensible, or just nonsense? And reason not to even start with the BT modem?

Anything else I should do, before or after activation day?

Thanks for any help.

Earl

In reply to:

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From reading here, I have in mind to buy a router later on, with the benefit of seeing my line characteristics, and making sure the model I choose is appropriate or tailored to those.

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I'd suggest that you don't use a 105 modem, you can have throughput speed issues using a USB modem on a line that gets a highish sync. Get yourself a modem/router, and save yourself the grief.

All DLM wants to see is stability, so get the router, and have it connected 24/7.

Okay, thanks Zarjaz. Which router? Ideally available to buy locally (PC World, Tesco, Argos, etc) or from a supplier which doesn't require a signature on delivery (because there's rarely anyone available to meet a courier).

And assuming my line activation arrives before the router, can anyone tackle the other questions, please?

Thanks.

Earl

In reply to:

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can anyone tackle the other questions, please?

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Possibly the easiest to set up would be a Netgear. You could buy one tomorrow from Argos.

The rest will sort itself, don't worry.

Make sure you get a ADSL modem/router NOT one that is designed for a Cable connection e.g. Virgin.

Shopping at Tesco's, PC World, Argos is going to restrict your choice and it will cost good deal more than you need to pay.

Argos and Tesco's seem to do a lot of the cable modems that you need to avoid.

Essentially you need to decide whether or not you need a wireless modem/router or not and then which brand, price etc.

I would opt for a wireless version - even if you don't think you'll use the wireless option at this stage. There is very little difference in price between wireless and non-wirelss versions of the same model.
You can always turn off the wireless option if not in use, but you cannot turn it on if it's not there!

A good place to look is http://www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk/ to get an idea of options, brands and prices.

They are competive on pricing but you would have to have someone available for delivery.


Everyone has their brand preferences but below are soom examples of 'popular' brands and models.

http://www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk/Shop/ShopDetail.asp?ProductID=5389

http://www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk/Shop/ShopDetail.asp?ProductID=2214

http://www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk/Shop/ShopDetail.asp?ProductID=6798


I have used all of the modem/routers and I prefer the Thomson, but all will do the job.

Hope this helps.



Edit - I must learn to type faster

Edited by deleted (Mon 23-Jun-08 18:46:30)