Question on Routers

[Argonavis]

I have a Motorola cable modem and a BigPond subscription. I also have 2 PC's in the house that I would like to use to surf the net at the same time. I am told that if I connect the cable modem to a router then I can commect the 2 PC's to the router and can then use both.

What sort of router would be suitable?

I have an D-Link ADSL broadband modem router, but there appears to be insufficient ports to allow connection of 2 PC's (it has 1 USB port I can use to connect to the cable modem, but only 1 ethernet port. [I don't think I can usefully use the RJ-11 telecom port]).

Any advise appreciated.

[netwolf]

Will you can not use the D-link you have, you will need to get a new or used router. The USB port on your D-link you have is for a DSL connection, and the USB/Ethernet port are for connection to computers. There are plenty to chose from, did you also want wireless?

Regards

[acropolite]

Wiliam, I have used a Dlink DI-524 wireless router on a bigpond cable setup with no problems. The DI-524 has a WAN port which connects to your cable modem and a 4 port switch for wired connections as wel as lwireless . They can be bought for as low as $64 online. The DI-524 is easy to configure (it has a cable login client) and has inbuilt firewall and other useful features. If you do get a wireless router make sure you turn on wireless security if you intend using the wireless features.

[Argonavis]

Many thanks Phil and Netwolf.

I am not keen on wireless as I am near high transmission power lines and have had problems in the past with cordless phones. Cable is messy, but I know it will work in my current locality.

[Argonavis]

Phil

does the DI-524 come with everthing needed to set up a wireless configuration?

ta

[GTB_an_Owl]

you will need PCi or USB wireless cards for your computers Will

geoff

[netwolf]

Here you go Will some stores in your state that sell the Di-524.
http://staticice.com.au/cgi-bin/search.cgi?manufacturer=&model=&words=di-524&phrase=&excludewords=&site=&stateqld=on&price-min=&price-max=&links=20
Some information on this router http://dlink.com.au/Products.aspx?Sec=2&Sub1=2&Sub2=5&PID=60

Suggest you start with a wired network, unless there is a great distance between router and PC's, that can not be easily cabled. If your not using the wireless disable it.

If you have laptop's check they dont already have built in wireless built in.

For PCI Wireless cards for Desktop Pc's suggest Dlink's DWL-G510 (I like to recommend people use the same manufacturer if possible)
http://dlink.com.au/Products.aspx?Sec=2&Sub1=11&Sub2=19&PID=109
Again you can look at these retail outlets. Note more than likley the stores in the list I linked for the router will be duplicated here as they will carry or can order other dlink gear.
http://staticice.com.au/cgi-bin/search.cgi?q=dwl-g510+state%3Aqld

USB wirless cards DWL-G122, personally I preffer PCI cards.
http://dlink.com.au/Products.aspx?Sec=2&Sub1=11&Sub2=19&PID=185
Again look at followin list, a bit more expensive than the PCI versions.
http://staticice.com.au/cgi-bin/search.cgi?q=dwl-g122+state%3Aqld

For Laptops PCMCIA Cards you can use the USB as above. DWL-G630
http://dlink.com.au/Products.aspx?Sec=2&Sub1=11&Sub2=19&PID=112
And sources to get it.
http://staticice.com.au/cgi-bin/search.cgi?q=dwl-g630+state%3Aqld



Regards

[snowyskiesau]

Here's a site that will tell you all you need to know about routers (and more)

http://www.ozcableguy.com/

[acropolite]

William, the DI524 is capable of wired or wireless, a USB wireless adapter is around $50 extra. The wireless section can be disabled and the router used simply as a wired 4 port device.

[Argonavis]

many thanks Phil, Netwolf and Geoff for the advice. This should be enough to get me going.