wireless modem routers

[Tbag]

I am looking for a wireless modem router but know nothing about them, I know that I need a wireless modem router and not a wireless router but thats all I know.
My laptop has Wi Fi and I will be using it with ADSL 8mb broadband and in shops I see things like:-

54 Mbps / 125 Mbps

Wi Fi 802.11g / 802.11b

Ive been looking at the belkin and linksys routers so far but I dont know if there good or not so can anyone give me a few pointers?

thanks

[SallyDog]

get a linksys G and be done with it

[redwudz]

I use a cable modem setup and I'm not that familiar with ADSL, but you first want to check with your ADSL internet provider and see what they recommend. It has to be compatible with their system, mostly the modem part.

Most ISPs are not really happy if you want to use a router as they would prefer you to pay for each connection, rather than share it with several computers. If your present modem has Ethernet output, then most any wireless router may work. Not so easy with USB outputs. If you can find a wireless modem/router that will work with your ISP, then the rest should be easy.

[classfour]

Prefer NerGear - I've withnessed the death of 3 Linksys in as many months, and won't buy another.

[Cobra]

I'm using a D-Link wireless router with a D-Link gigabit switch in my house. I haven't ever used wireless networking (and probably never will - nothing as fast and secure as a solid lump of copper between two nodes). Use a wired connection if at all possible. Remember, though, that wireless routers often have four 10/100 Ethernet ports built-in and are cheaper than many wires-only routers. That's why I have one.

802.11g is the quickest - and most commonly-used - wireless standard. There are some methods of speeding the technology up, but they need expensive and specially-matched hardware and often don't provide a significant boost. A 54Mbps router will provide on average 15 - 20Mbps in the real world.

Try and get a modem/router - a router doesn't have an ADSL modem in it. A modem/router does and should connect up to your ISP no bother at all.

I would suggest, however, that you seriously consider laying down some Ethernet cables and using a wired connection. Whilst there's nothing wrong with wireless networking, there's nothing quite as solid and secure as a wired network. For your laptop, modem/routers like the D-Link I have will come with a USB 802.11g USB dongle so you can still use them right away with your new network.

So, 802.11g is the wireless standard you would want and, going on classfour's experiences, avoid Linksys equipment. I like D-Link - very reliable. Zoom make good hardware, too.

Another thing - ensure that the router you buy has WPA encryption and not just WEP - WPA is more secure. Also look for a router with a NAT firewall on it - security is A Good Thing.

[Tbag]

I currently have dial up but should be recieving my broadband modem and all the other stuff to get connected anyday now from talk talk.

My laptop is always in my bedroom but the telephone socket is downstairs in the living room so I have to use a telephone extention for me to use it upstairs and I wanted to know wether I can do the same for the broadband or will I need some other sort of extention?
I will keep the wired connection (if its possible from upstairs) for a while until I get a decent router.

ps. thanks for the comments

[steveryan]

I've got these two -

http://www-uk.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C2&childpagename=UK%2FLayout&c...VisitorWrapper
http://www-uk.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Promotion_C2&childpagename=UK%2FLayout...VisitorWrapper

I get a great signal anywhere in the house and the router never drops the connection like my modem used to do. To make things better I paid 50 quid for both items at Argos

[Lucifers_Ghost]

I currently have dial up but should be recieving my broadband modem and all the other stuff to get connected anyday now from talk talk.

My laptop is always in my bedroom but the telephone socket is downstairs in the living room so I have to use a telephone extention for me to use it upstairs and I wanted to know wether I can do the same for the broadband or will I need some other sort of extention?
I will keep the wired connection (if its possible from upstairs) for a while until I get a decent router.

ps. thanks for the comments

First off, if you are going to be getting dsl service, running a longer phone cable extension is a bad idea. The signal will degrade with the longer cable and make your service unreliable .. well, usually. Put the router/modem close to the jack and go wireless or try to run an enet cable. Remember though that wireless can be very finicky.

Secondly, I got my wireless modem/router from my ISP (for free cause I work there) and I think it works fine. Its a Efficient Networks Speedstream 6520. Its very basic and very simple. I have read many reviews that say it sucks, but after 3 years with the same unit, I have had zero problems. But that is just like anything else. What is one person's gold is another person's garbage. Some people will love Linksys, some will hate them. Its all based on personal experiences.

Thirdly, as someone mentioned, call your isp and see what is compatible with them. *Most* dsl modem/routers should be fine, but make sure.

Thats about it. Good luck.
LG