Router for the first time....Help!

[Banger]

Hi.

I have just got a router for the first time. It will be connected to obviously this PC one other PC and two Laptops in the house.

I have heard Nightmares and problems about people who have tried to set them up.

So before i start i wondered if any of you guys can give advice.

Sorry for being a bit like an old Fanny!

ATVB

Dave

 

[cookie]

just read the manual, follow the instructions.

don't worry, shouldn't be any problems.

 

[EggChaser]

Depends on what sort of router it is and what type of broadband internet connection you have as to how easy it is to set up.

Kind of two basic setups (both of which end up more complicated if Wireless - WIFI) is also involved.
Setup 1 : Existing ADSL or cable modem remains connected to the phone line and router is connected between the network output on the modem and your computers - this is very easy to setup as it will usually more or less work (for basic internet access) straight out the box as long as long as your computers currently get their network settings automatically from the modem.

Setup 2: Existing ADSL modem is replaced by the router: (Note currently I don't think cable has an option for this method) This is harder to setup as you need the ISP configuration information and your account security settings to be entered into the router for it to login to the ISP. The way you do this usually is - plug a computer into the first network port on the LAN side of the router and then use Internet Explorer to connect to a configuration program running on the router - instructions with the router will describe the steps.

If Wireless/WIFI is involved with either setup then you will have to use the configuration screen that is accessed by internet explorer on a machine connected by a network cable to configure it - and you will also need some understanding of the different security options - personally I use the setup that uses authentication and additionally only allows known hardware (using the hard coded addess of your wireless adaptor) - this method is more difficult to setup - but is more secure.

Whilst the exact configuration method will vary slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer - most of them will not let you configure the router using your wifi connection and some of them insist you use a specific port on the cable connection to do the configuration which means once configured you can use a different port and stop any unauthorised changes unless the modifier is in the house and can move the network cable back.

If you plan to play on-line games you will have to look at how to configure the router to allow the games to work - this is becasue the default settings for broadband routers are usually allow anything out of my network but allow nothing in that is not part of an outbound request.

 

[sanqhar]

Router -Argh!!!

I was recently given one and was told it was easy to set up.

I ended up phoning my son for nearly an hour for help and even now I don't know what I did to get it working.

I set it up "wired" at first.

The one thing I do remember is that having discarded the modem I had to set the system to "Never dial a connection". This is because the router is always connected.

I then had to play around with the network settings (the part I cannot remember what I did) to get it to work.

I live in a 1950s bungalow with very solid walls so if I try my laptop 25ft away (as the crow flies) with one wall and a built in wardrobe between the router and me, it doesn't work!

When I get close enough for it to work the download speeds are atrocious.

If I want to run Windows upgrades on the laptop then I connect it to the router with a cable.

tom

 

[cookie]

I live in a 1950s bungalow with very solid walls so if I try my laptop 25ft away (as the crow flies) with one wall and a built in wardrobe between the router and me, it doesn't work!

so do i.

my wireless router is in a front room. i get strong signal throughout the house and it's usable in the concrete garage at the the rear of the house, and half way up the back garden (say 50ft).

it one of these i bought s/h on ebay.

very easy set up too. has it's own utility, not the usual web interface.

also has a USB socket that turns an ordinary printer or hard drive into a network device accessible by mac or pc.

downside is, it has no modem, so it needs an ethernet modem as well.

 

[Banger]

Oh dear i live in a 300 year old Farmhouse. The walls are so thick that the 'Incredible Hulk' probably could not get through them

 

[centaur]

Generally speaking it's metallic objects such as radiators or pipework/cables which tend to interfere with wifi signals, rather than masonry.

If it's possible to mount the router above the level of any radiators or other such interference, maybe even upstairs, the wifi signal should improve.

Most 'cheapy' router/modems are only able to deliver wifi at 64mbps but better ones can be had, which together with suitably equipped adapters, can manage 125 Mbps. Mine cost £36 nearly 3 years ago and the equivalent is about the same price today.