Me modem newb. You tech guru. Together we make internet love!

[Crispy]

I'm a bit behind the times. Having got back from University a few months ago I have returned to find my brother, mother and self are all fighting over who gets to use the single broadband connection. To cut to the chase; I am in desperate need of a router.

The main problem is that I have discovered that our BT Voyager (USB out) modem is not compatible with most routers out there, so I'm wondering whether whether/how I should replace it. Before I begin the onslaught of noobish questions, I thought I'd try to be helpful and give you some specifics about what I'm after. I'm looking for a modem+router setup that gives me the following:

• Connects to at least 4 end users or devices
• Preferably wireless connectivity (the option of cables + wifi could be handy)
• Built-in, reliable Firewall protection (decent encryption without any sort of major slowdown for live gaming)
• Port-mapping capable (hopefully this isn't anything out of the ordinary)
• Reasonable upload/download limitations (I frequently playtest a mod so need to be able to grab files from the SVN quickly, I don't want my current or future connections capped beneath what they should be although this shouldn't be a problem with most modems)
• The ability to configure bandwidth settings, preferably on-the-fly (my bro and I both enjoy multiplayer, but when one of us just wants to surf and the other wants to game, we need to be able to limit the bandwidth usage accordingly)

I'd hoped to get this done this weekend while I have a bit of spare time on my hands. There's a Maplin just around the corner from me, so I booted up their website to do some perusing. I was bombarded by lingo I stopped keeping up to date with when I was back in my teens, so I'd be eternally grateful if you guys (& gals?) could give me a quick refresher course to get me (and others?) up to speed.

Which is preferential; replacing my USB ASDL modem and buying an RJ-75-compatible ADSL modem and a seperate router or replacing my current modem with an RJ-75-compatible ADSL modem+router combo?

What is the difference between Wireless-G and Wireless-B networks?

I've heard that Topcom, D-link, Netgear and Linksys are reliable brands to go with, and that Edimax is a no-no. Would you recommend any one of these brands, or are there any others I should steer clear of?

Finally, with all this information gathered, have you any recommendations that fit my requirements? My budget is up to £120 max for a new router and modem (although I'd prefer to keep it under £100), I'm using BT Broadband and all of us run an WinXP variant. In addition to this, one of the users connecting to the broadband will be on a laptop and the computers are on two separate floors in the house, but not more than 10m apart.

So, final question: can you help?

P.S. I also posted a duplicate of this thread on the PCGamer forums to see who I should now depend on for my tech advice. No pressure

 

[Link]

Don't worry, routers are a lot simpler than they look.

First, your specific questions:
Which is preferential; replacing my USB ASDL modem and buying an RJ-75-compatible ADSL modem and a seperate router or replacing my current modem with an RJ-75-compatible ADSL modem+router combo?
Theres no advantage with seperate modem and router versus combo modem/router. However, combined ones tend to end up cheaper.

What is the difference between Wireless-G and Wireless-B networks?
b has a 11mbps limit, g has a 54mbps limit, and the range is generally better

I've heard that Topcom, D-link, Netgear and Linksys are reliable brands to go with, and that Edimax is a no-no. Would you recommend any one of these brands, or are there any others I should steer clear of?
I see a lot of different routers in my job, and feature wise, netgear always seem to be the best. Personally, I have just replaced a linksys with a netgear. The linksys had died after just a year or so. Only had the netgear a week or so can't speak for reliability, but it was nice and simple to set up and run.

• Connects to at least 4 end users or devices - Most routers come with 4 ethernet ports, my old linksys did and my new netgear does. As for wireless, the theoretical max is 255, although in reality you won't get more than 10-20 without problems, but that hsouldn't matter for your needs
• Preferably wireless connectivity (the option of cables + wifi could be handy) - As I say, almost all wireless routers come with a few ethernet ports built in.
• Built-in, reliable Firewall protection (decent encryption without any sort of major slowdown for live gaming) - Again, failry standard
• Port-mapping capable (hopefully this isn't anything out of the ordinary) - Also standard across all the routers I have ever seen, although some have better control and options than others. Here I would suggest the netgear again, as it has port forwarding and port range forwarding
• Reasonable upload/download limitations (I frequently playtest a mod so need to be able to grab files from the SVN quickly, I don't want my current or future connections capped beneath what they should be although this shouldn't be a problem with most modems) - With wireless g, you would get 54mps assuming perfect signal, in reality it will be about the same as 10mbps wired connection. The wired ports are usually 100mbps
• The ability to configure bandwidth settings, preferably on-the-fly (my bro and I both enjoy multiplayer, but when one of us just wants to surf and the other wants to game, we need to be able to limit the bandwidth usage accordingly) - Never come accross a router with bandwidth limiting to specific machines. There may be some out there, but you will prob be better off looking for a software solution

Hope that answers some of your questions. As I say, my advise would be a 54g wireless adsl router (One with the modem built in), mainly because the interface is good, but generaly, any brand will do the job.

 

[Asus]

Your cable modem also has a vonage feature and using USB to connect to the PC?
Ouch.
You'll probably have to replace it and move to a modem->router->Vonagebox and multiple PCs kind of setup.
If buying a modem/router combo box isn't that much cheaper I would recommend buying the modem and router individually. 2 reasons. If one part goes out then you just have to buy half of the setup. Also if you switch providers such as DSL you can take your router and plug it in easy.

 

[Crispy]

Was it good for you, too, Link? :smoking:

Thanks very much for the advice, you answered all my questions. I figured, like Asus said, that getting the separate devices would be better in the long run if it fits my price range. I don't wanna have the router+modem conking out on me so I have to buy the same combo all over again.

I wasn't really sure if the bandwidth control was something I'd need to do with some downloaded software or if that sort of thing comes in the box with a router, or even if it was hardware. Do you guys have any recommendations on what programs I could use to do control my bandwidth usage? (and where I can buy/download them)

 

[Solaris]

Need a router?
Make one up!