PC Pals Forum
Technical Help & Discussion => Broadband, Networking, PC Security, Internet & ISPs => Topic started by: Simon on August 30, 2006, 16:22
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I have decided to buy a new ADSL modem, as I have doubts that mine is up to supporting the higher speeds now available. I am looking at the ZyXel Prestige 630 USB ADSL Modem (http://www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk/Shop/ShopDetail.asp?ProductID=370), but should I be considering a router instead? Why would I need a router for one PC? Am I likely to get better connection speeds from a router, or are there any other advantages using a router for a single PC, over an ADSL modem?
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router will add firewall protection.
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Well, I've got that anyway. Is a hardware firewall any better than a software one? :dunno:
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As you can see from the last couple of posts by Jim and Daveeb Simon, a router is independant of your PC.
So once its set up if you format or change your pc then you dont have to reinstall the modem, just plug the ethernet cable in and youre online.
This makes them much preferable to have even if you arent thinking of networking.
If you do decide at a later date to get a laptop or a second pc to network then theyre fantastic.
The connection is usually much more stable and often faster as they use ethernet not USB, without USBs inherent problems and system resources usage.
As you occassionally build and repair pcs it also means that you can have your pc on line while you search for drivers etc and also have the one that you are building or working on online.
You will pobably find an ADSL 2+ moden/router, with or without wi fi for about the same price as you would pay for a decent USB modem.
No contest really even if it costs you a tenner or so more :)
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Is a hardware firewall any better than a software one? :dunno:
Yes :)
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much better simon...
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Why? I never get any intrusions with the one I've got.
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just you dont have to rely on software, hardware ones dont rely on software which can easily go tits up.
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OK, I'll look at some prices.
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Here's mine Simon. I paid over £55 for mine but ebuyer is doing a special offer on it now.
http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/store/Networking
It's never given me any problems and looks attractive.
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Thanks for that Lona. I have to admit, I have gone against all the advice, and ordered the ADSL Modem I linked to above. What worried me slightly, was all the people who come on here, having problems setting up routers, and I just figured better the devil you know.
:blush2:
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but routers are generally very very easy to setup... its only odd exceptions that you have problems
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Well, I'll see how this one I've ordered performs. If it's no better than my existing modem, I can always sell it on, and reconsider a router. :)
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I think things have moved on since I bought my state of the art Vigor (costing £220) around 4 years ago. The new ones are supposed to be very easy to set up and have a far better range. They also seem to cost only a quarter of the price! :laugh:
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yep! that sound right clive
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Don't be daft Simon. Cancel your order. My friend, who is a pc numty managed to set up her router with little fuss.
Just think, you might decide to get yourself a laptop and you can set up a wireless connection using your router.
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Too late - it's arrived!
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:argh:
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Too late - it's arrived!
Chicken (https://www.pc-pals.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fbestsmileys.com%2Fsigns13%2F5.gif&hash=d014f21b1ea2d500d0e7f51e28c88b653249fad6)
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Well, I think there's a deeper issue here. I was trying to repair an old PC belonging to a friend this afternoon, who inadvisedly installed AOL, and now it doesn't work. I connected my usual ADSL modem to this old PC, in order to get Windows Updates, download Firefox and install and update a new security suite, and I was getting speeds of up to 5.8Mbps, with the same modem, on that old machine! Now I am connected back on my own PC, I am only getting 2.7Mbps. I have also tried the new modem on my PC, and it managed 3.0Mbps, but where's the rest of my speed gone? I can't really blame Pipex or BT, if speeds are up on one machine and down on another. I can only assume there is something adrift with my network settings, but I don't really know what I'm looking for. I have tried TCP/IP Optimiser, but it made no difference. I'm stumped.
:dunno:
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Could be your phoneline Simon. Maybe your friend lives in a different area??
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No, I had the machine here, Lona, next to mine.
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ummm, you dont have any firewalls installed that could be slowing the whole thing down do you? how different is your setup to your friends...
also did you install a new driver for the device on your friends machine?
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Same firewall on friend's PC, Sam, in fact, I installed it at the same time as installing the modem. I used the original CD, so the drivers are the same as on mine, and they have not been updated according to the website. I have just been finishing off the friend's PC, and again, I am getting 4.8Mbps on that one, and have just come back onto mine, and back to 2.9Mbps. :(
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umm...
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Ive been reading this topic with interest, and have often thought about a Router, however, Ive got no clue as to set up or connect it to my PC.
If you dont connect to USB port, where do you connect it?
:?: :?:
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rj-45 connection normally.. it is commonly called the network port, similar in shape to modem cable and is normally near your usb ports.
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Well, as I have still had no improvement on my connection speed, I have taken the plunge, and await delivery of one of these (http://www.netgear.com/Products/RoutersandGateways/WiredRouters/DG834.aspx), purchased new off eBay for a shade over £40. Like Delgado, I'm wondering how it actually connects to my PC, if not via USB. I don't have an RJ45 port, other than in my 56K dial up modem. Does this mean I will also have to buy some sort of network card?
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you have a modern computer that doesn't have a network card? sounds a bit shocking to me... anyway, yes you will have to.. and to buy the cables but these can be picked up rather cheaply.
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I built the computer myself, Sam, and at the time, didn't need a network card, so didn't install one.
I'll wait till the router arrives, which should be tomorrow. According to the info on eBay, it has everything I would need, but whether this includes a network card, I have yet to find out. What about a USB wireless network adaptor, like this one (http://www.play.com/Electronics/Electronics/-/309/394/-/615573/Belkin_802_11g_Wireless_USB_2_0_Network_Adapter/Product.html?searchtype=genre)? Would that do the same thing?
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That would only work if the router was wi fi Simon.
It would also complicate things unneccessarily.
Just buy a 10/100 ethernet LAN card for between £3 and £10 and stick it in.
Are you sure you dont have an onboard ethernet port ?
Not many mobos havent had them onboard for about 7 years :?
@ Delgado, as Sam has said it just connects via the ethernet port.
It doesnt need installing, as long as the ethernet port is enabled in the bios if onboard or the ethernet pci card is installed if the mobo hasnt got onboard ethernet.
You access the router through your web browser by putting in its IP address, that should be shown in the info that comes with the router, along with the default username and password.
Once you have accessed the router you just enter the details for your internet connection, ie Username and password from your ISP, possibly reboot your router and the pc and you will be online :)
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I built the computer myself, Sam, and at the time, didn't need a network card, so didn't install one.
I see, sorry I thought you had a shop built one. Also its odd that it wasn't standard on the motherboard, but I guess you chose one without.
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Right, well I have my router up and running, and my connection speed is still not much faster than with my old ADSL modem. It's also a bit inconvenient not beeing able to see the connection speed in the system tray, as the 100Mbps displayed by hovering over the TV screens is presumably the speed of the connection between the router and the PC, but I suppose I'll get used to it.
The next thing is, how does the router firewall work? At the moment, I have no idea whether it's on or off, and there have been no warnings or alerts asking for network access permissions. The router configuration is via a browser IP address, but this doesn't really seem to offer much in the way of firewall configuration.
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It all looks too complicated for me!
You ask the questions Simon, and I will read the answers-lol
Think I might stick with my software firewall!
I cant see any Network Connections on the back of my PC, only USB Ports and Serial Port.
:roll: :roll:
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You access the router through your web browser by putting in its IP address, that should be shown in the info that comes with the router, along with the default username and password.
Once you have accessed the router you just enter the details for your internet connection, ie Username and password from your ISP, possibly reboot your router and the pc and you will be online :)
Yes, that part was simple, I just don't really understand how to configure it now. I tried to use my usual bit torrent client, and it seems that the port is now blocked. I think I have created a rule to open the port in the router settings, but it has chosen to ignore my instructions, so I am back to square one, and as the things is no faster then my old modem, I can see me going back to that very soon too!
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You can go in and configure your firewall in reuter Simon. In fact I think you can disable it altogether and just depend on your software firewall.
Have you configured port forwarding?
http://www.portforward.com/routers.htm
That site guides you through it.
Can I ask are you still with Pipex? My friend is with Pipex and her bit torrent downloads have ground to a halt. Time you moved to Eclipse, But remember to talk to me first. :wink:
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Once you open or forward a port Simon you have to save and reboot the router usually.
I think Lona uses a Netgear router so she will be more used to the procedure than I am with your model.
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Yeah, I am still with Pipex, Lona, as I found a way round the bit torrent issue. If your friend's BT client has Encryption, she should enable it, and stick to one port around the 50100 - 50200 range. That's what I did, and my torrents are now back up to over 100Mbps, if I'm lucky. Of course, it does also depend on the upload speed of the torrent. If you get a slow one, there's nothing you can do. Azureus and μTorrent both have encryption facilities.
As for Pipex, I rang them for a MAC code, and they offered to either half my monthly payment to stay on 1Mb, or upgrade me to Max (8Mb) for £1 a month more. The temptation of an 8Mb service was too hard to resist, so I have taken a gamble with them for another year. I have to admit, the service is rock solid again, but I am getting nowhere near the promised (up to) 8Mb. In fact, as I said at the beginning of this, it was faster when it first switched, and now it's back to an average of 3.2Mbps, which isn't much better really, than a 2Mb service, which would have been half the price elsewhere. I am wondering if they just throttle down the speeds as far as they think they can get away with, hoping people won't notice? Even with my router, speeds have not really improved over the ADSL USB modem, so I think they will be getting phone call soon.
How are you doing with Eclipse? Last time we spoke, things were still settling down after the migration. Have they proved to be as good as you expected?
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Once you open or forward a port Simon you have to save and reboot the router usually.
I think Lona uses a Netgear router so she will be more used to the procedure than I am with your model.
Thanks, Sandra, I've got it to work OK now. I'm just a bit confused over the firewall part of it, which doesn't actually seem to do anything. I would have expected some sort of confirmation that it's running. It's not a problem, as I still have my software firewall, but I'd still like to know the router is working right.
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The router normally has required ports for HTTP (80) and FTP (21) open by default.
Also the mail server ones which I cant think of the number at the moment.
If an application stops working or you cant access something that you could before then its blocking the ports neccessary for those applications/services.
As you have now found you can easily open the required ports for the IP address of any pc on your LAN for that application/service.
If you had more pcs on the network you can open ports on your pc and leave them closed for the other pcs, via their IP addresses.
Thats how firms can restrict access to certain things for all of their pcs apart from the one the main admin uses.
The router wont inform you of anything its blocking and request action like a software firewall will.
It may have a log of blocked attempts but I dont know if yours has or not, you would have to access the router through the web interface and have a look :)
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OK, thanks San. I think I'll keep the software firewall running as well, as there don't appear to be any conflicts.
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I have no complaints so far with Eclipse. What I would say is that Eclipse do state that during peak hours your speed won't be as good.
I try to keep any downloading to after midnight.
If I had to make a criticism it's about their mail servers. Now and again the mail servers go down but I can live with that.
I do a speedcheck and am averaging 5mp but that's on a par with my area.
If you have just recently gone over to the Max service it takes a few weeks to settle down, then you should get a good speed.
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Yes, perhaps I should give it a couple more weeks to bed in, Lona, but I don't really understand why it should need to.. Surely the line is either capable of the speeds or not?
Anyway, another question now. I am not happy leaving the router powered on all the time, but equally, I don't want to have to crawl under the PC to power it on and off. Could I use the spare power point on the PC PSU to power the router, so that it switches on and off with the PC? Or is there another way to achieve the same?
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Bloody Eco-Warrior!!
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Tight wad more like, Clive. If it only uses a penny an hour, that's still £7.20 per month on my electric bill!
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I need to know about this, before I order one of these (http://www.maplin.co.uk/Search.aspx?criteria=FT64U). I have a cunning plan to exchange the 13amp plug on an extension lead with this, which would enable me to connect it to the PSU on the PC. It would still then go through the transformer which came with the router. I just need to know that it won't blow up my PSU! What is the spare power point on a PSU supposed to be used for?
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Its usually for the monitor Simon, so that you just have the one cable feeding the pc and monitor.
You may find that its still live though even with the pc switched off as some are just a loop through direct from the power in socket.
I leave my router on 24/7 so that way as soon as you switch the pc on your online.
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Simon-This has been an interesting experience for me. Ive learnt a bit more about Routers through your activities here, but at the end of the day has it all been worthwhile?
With the extra expense, and hassle, has it made any difference to your internet experience and security?
I cant help wondering if you might have been happier with your original ADSl Modem purchase and software firewall!
One for the tech boys or girls here-Ive got a connection on my PC labelled 10/100 Lan-is this a port for connecting a Router?
:roll: :roll:
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One for the tech boys or girls here-Ive got a connection on my PC labelled 10/100 Lan-is this a port for connecting a Router
yep! that will do fine for connecting to a router.
Simon... I see your point about power saving... never really thought about it plus I just normally leave my linux computer on 24/7 so need it on. How about you place the router on the desk and just unplug the power cable from there? then tie up the table so it doesnt fall down? Is there not a button on the router?
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Thanks Sam for quick reply-One more question-
Does this mean my PC is ready for Router to work or do I need a card or something?
Do I just plug in and set up, or do I need something activated in Motherboard, cos I have re-installed Windows since buying it-sorry for being so ignorant!!
:roll: :roll: :?:
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well it should work fine, I would check in your device settings that the ethernet card is installed correctly, probably comes under network devices. Then basically you need a network cable and a router and bobs your uncle. I'd hope.
and dont worry we are here for that reason!
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well it should work fine, I would check in your device settings that the ethernet card is installed correctly, probably comes under network devices. Then basically you need a network cable and a router and bobs your uncle. I'd hope.
and dont worry we are here for that reason!
Thanks -will do.
Might have a go with one, if only for the fun value!
:laugh: :laugh:
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Simon-This has been an interesting experience for me. Ive learnt a bit more about Routers through your activities here, but at the end of the day has it all been worthwhile?
With the extra expense, and hassle, has it made any difference to your internet experience and security?
I cant help wondering if you might have been happier with your original ADSl Modem purchase and software firewall!
Glad to be of service, DG! :) To answer your question honestly, no I don't think it was worth the extra expense. My download speed is no higher than it was on the old ADSL modem, which didn't use mains power, and was more controllable, in that you could connect and disconnect easily from the net, and when you switched off the PC, the modem also switched off. I see no advantage of having it running 24/7, just for the couple of seconds it saves though not having to log on through the usual route. I don't have wireless facilities, so I have disabled this function of the router, which really makes it no more functional than my old ADSL modem.
As far as 'hassle' goes, well, I can't really say it's been all that traumatic - just a learning curve, getting used to how a router functions. I didn't have a network card in my PC, so had to go out and buy one, but that was also easy to fit, and the router itself was easy to install, for one who has the basic grasp of setting up a network connection, and has the correct details from their ISP.
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Thanks for info Simon.
I might have a go later, but like yourself, I have no need for wireless.
Been an interesting learning curve though. If I do decide to have a go-will report back!
Good Luck with it all!!
:laugh: :laugh:
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saying that though simon, you are now future proofed and since you have a router it will save some time if anyone ever brings their pc around.. or you want to mess around with another one whilst using your own. and remember the security is better.
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I might have a go later, but like yourself, I have no need for wireless.
no need yet, but I am sure the day will come...
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saying that though simon, you are now future proofed and since you have a router it will save some time if anyone ever brings their pc around.. or you want to mess around with another one whilst using your own. and remember the security is better.
It's the security I haven't really got my head round yet. By default, it seems set to allow all outgoing traffic, and block all incoming, but I haven't had to set up anything for mail, or anything, so how can it be blocking incoming traffic? :?
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i guess it will be blocking specific ports / specific requests, like ping and echo...
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Simon-I hope all is working OK now with Router-but one point we didnt touch on was Bit Torrent.
Are u able to download and connect to other PCs Ok. If the Router is blocking all incoming, how does this work?
:?: :roll:
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Simon-I hope all is working OK now with Router-but one point we didnt touch on was Bit Torrent.
Are u able to download and connect to other PCs Ok. If the Router is blocking all incoming, how does this work?
:?: :roll:
This is still confusing to me, DG. I did have to manually open one 'listening' port to get on the DHT networks, otherwise I wouldn't have had any incoming connections, (people downloading from me) but even before I did that, torrents were still downloading. To be honest, I've given up trying to understand that part of it.
I am still a bit miffed that if I left the router on 24/7, it's going to cost an extremely vaguely estimated £5 - £7 per month on my electricity bill. Now, it's not actually the money that bothers me, it's the fact that I have found no dramatic improvements with the router over my old ADSL modem, but it's going to cost me an extra monthly expenditure, plus the actual cost of the router and ethernet cable. If my ISP has suddenly decided to put my monthly direct debit up by £5 - £7 per month, I would tell them to take a running jump, but essentially, this is what has happened, as the cost of using my broadband service has now increased, except that I am giving the extra money to the electricity company, rather than to the ISP, and I can see no real benefits to justify the additional expense. If I could have got a USB powered router, that would have been a lot more economical, as it would have powered on and off with the PC.
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You just tell it to allow the ports to open to the pcs IP address that you are using torrents or any other application that needs certain ports opening.
Just the same as you would do with a software firewall but by port numbering rather than by application name :)
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Yes, that's what I did, Sandra, but what I don't get is that it says all incoming connections are blocked by default, so without altering anything, how come my mail, and everything else that requires an incoming connection, still works? :dunno:
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As I said earlier Simon, I think that the usual ports for HTTP 80, FTP 21 and others that are always used are already open it will be the other ports that are blocked by default.
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OK, well I still wish I could have got a USB powered one. :|
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Just think Simon, now you will never have to reinstall your modem and set up your internet connection again if you have to format your pc or get a new one.
You wont have any problems with iffy usb drivers or connections.
You will have a more secure internet connection.
You should have a more reliable interenet connection.
Should the need arise you can network extra pcs easily.
ADSL Modem/Routers are much better than USB modems all round :)
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You just tell it to allow the ports to open to the pcs IP address that you are using torrents or any other application that needs certain ports opening.
Just the same as you would do with a software firewall but by port numbering rather than by application name :)
Does this mean that if you are using we will say port 5687, just as an example, you can just tell it to open that number, and it will allow uploading and downloading connections on Bit torrent?
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Just think Simon, now you will never have to reinstall your modem and set up your internet connection again if you have to format your pc or get a new one.
You wont have any problems with iffy usb drivers or connections.
You will have a more secure internet connection.
You should have a more reliable interenet connection.
Should the need arise you can network extra pcs easily.
ADSL Modem/Routers are much better than USB modems all round :)
Installing my ADSL modem took all of three minutes, including the reboot, and there was never really any 'setting up' of the internet connection, except for inputting a username and password.
Never had a problem with the drivers or connections.
The only time my internet connection was not reliable, was when Pipex themselves went down, which isn't anything to do with having a modem or a router. In fact, they went down the other night, and the router was just as useless as the ADSL modem would have been. As for security, I'd never had any problems using a software firewall.
Yes, I could connect extra PCs, but have no need to at this moment, and don't forsee the need in the future.
Why did I buy this router? Dunno. :dunno: Seemed like a good idea at the time. :)
You just tell it to allow the ports to open to the pcs IP address that you are using torrents or any other application that needs certain ports opening.
Just the same as you would do with a software firewall but by port numbering rather than by application name :)
Does this mean that if you are using we will say port 5687, just as an example, you can just tell it to open that number, and it will allow uploading and downloading connections on Bit torrent?
I think that's the idea, DG.
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Simon- I think you will be going back to your ADSL Modem. I can feel it in my water!
Think i will stick to mine-like you i cant see much point in wasting electric to gain nothing.
I did see the other day a hardware firewall, stand alone, that just connects between your ADSL Modem, and PC. Maybe thats the answer. Or maybe not!! :roll: :roll:
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Does this mean that if you are using we will say port 5687, just as an example, you can just tell it to open that number, and it will allow uploading and downloading connections on Bit torrent?
Different routers work in different ways, on mine I have to say which single port and whether its UDP or TCP or both.
Some allow you to put a range of port numbers in eg from 5685 to 5690.
I have always found that people whose pcs I look after seem to have less problems when using an ADSL Modem/Router than when they used USB modems :)
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I have always found that people whose pcs I look after seem to have less problems when using an ADSL Modem/Router than when they used USB modems :)
So why do you have to look after them? :wahh: :grin:
But seriously, I can't really see how it would make a difference, other than the supposed extra security a router offers. I admit, I can see the advantage of having a router, if I had a more than one PC, or a laptop, and it possibly it might make things slightly more convenient if I am working on another PC, but it still means crawling round the back to swap the ethernet cable, which I had to do anyway, when swapping the ADSL modem connection, as well as the other wiring, of course.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying a router is bad - I'm just saying, that in my particular circumstances, to run a single PC, I really don't think it's worth the initial outlay, and additional long term running costs.
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You wouldn't need to crawl round the back as you say.
You buy an extra ethernet cable, plug it into spare socket on router and network the pc you want to work on.
After you finish with other pc, leave one end connected to router for the next one you are likely to be working on and so on.
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More expense!! :roll: The bloody thing's already cost me an arm and a leg, and I'm no better off than I was before! :grin: I see the point though, Lona, and I had actually thought of that, but I usually end up working on other people's PCs for nothing, so the buggers can buy their own ethernet cable! ;)
What I was wondering is, could I use the Wireless facility with my Bluetooth phone? Not that there would really be much point, because if I use the web facility on my phone, it's always when I am away from home, but I'd be interested to see if I could connect to Pipex with my phone, thus potentially saving data charges if I want to download something to my phone.
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well it should work fine, I would check in your device settings that the ethernet card is installed correctly, probably comes under network devices. Then basically you need a network cable and a router and bobs your uncle. I'd hope.
and dont worry we are here for that reason!
Sam-In my network Connections I have Lan showing, but it is marked as Disabled. When I right click There is a choice to enable it. Does that mean the Ethernet Socket is installed and ready?
:roll: :roll:
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it should if you enable it
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Here we go again-this subject goes on and on, but interesting!
I have just purchased a BT Voyager 205 Modem/Router-thought Id have a go to keep Simon company. This is able to be connected either by USB or Ethernet.
The question is, in complete laymans terms, because Im really not up on Ethernet connections, what is the real difference if I connect one against the other? Ive never really had a problem with USB.
:roll: :roll:
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Being still on the router learning curve, I would guess that if you used the USB connection, you wouldn't have to create a network connection, and therefore wouldn't need a network / ethernet card. Wish I'd bloody thought of that earlier! What you have there, doesn't really sound much different to an ADSL modem, DG, except it has the ethernet capability should you require it, and presumably comes with one of these hardware firewalls that I have yet to understand. It was probably also a lot cheaper than the Netgear I bought.
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It cost me £14-99 and £6-50 postage=£21.49.
Available from
Puzbie
It includes a firewall, which could be switched off if required.
:roll: :roll:
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Ethernet is a far superior connection Delgado. Also the router you bought does not support wireless so no good for laptop
Don't know why you bought a netgear Simon. I had a netgear, didn't like it so sent it back and bought a linksy's.
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Ethernet is a far superior connection Delgado. Also the router you bought does not support wireless so no good for laptop
Don't know why you bought a netgear Simon. I had a netgear, didn't like it so sent it back and bought a linksy's.
OK-its a better connection-Im not trying to be difficult, but like Simon, I dont see what people mean when they keep saying that. Do you mean its faster? Or do you mean that it never disconnects or what? My connection was good before.
Im also not interested in wireless at the moment, cos Ive not got a laptop, nor thinking of getting one. Im only doing this as a learning exercise, and to use a hardware firewall.
:D :D
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Don't know why you bought a netgear Simon. I had a netgear, didn't like it so sent it back and bought a linksy's.
Well, it's good of you to say so now, Lona! No one advised me against it before I bought it! :roll: :laugh: In what way is your Linksys better than the Netgear you had?
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I'm on my second netgear now and i didn't have the problems Lona had with hers and i gess she was just unlucky but saying that my first one only lasted 18 months and i only got another because it seemed the best option on a sunday in currys when i was desperate :twisted: :D
You'll get many reccomending for and against Linksys and Netgear and although you pay a bit for the name with Netgear, if it works ok i wouldn't worry :thumb:
Once you have your head around port forwarding you've got it sussed :rtfm:
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Don't know why you bought a netgear Simon. I had a netgear, didn't like it so sent it back and bought a linksy's.
Well, it's good of you to say so now, Lona! No one advised me against it before I bought it! :roll: :laugh: In what way is your Linksys better than the Netgear you had?
As Cammy says, I had a bad experience with Netgear.
I would like to think that I my Linksy router would last more than 18 months.
I think I have had it for over that time anyway and it's never given any problems.
Ebuyer were doing a special offer on the linksy adsl, wireless router Simon, I think I gave you a link to it.
Here it is again....................................
http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/store/Networking
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OK-its a better connection-Im not trying to be difficult, but like Simon, I dont see what people mean when they keep saying that. Do you mean its faster? Or do you mean that it never disconnects or what? My connection was good before.
Ethernet connections use less resources than a USB one so in theory your pc should run faster using ethernet but with a fast modern pc you possibly wouldnt notice the difference as much as with an older, slower pc.
A router with an ethernet connection can be set to reconnect if the line is dropped for some reason without having to tell it to connect .
Usually they are a faster and more reliable piece of hardware than a standard USB modem.
As far as Lonas netgear problem goes thats quite rare as they are usually one of the better makes, I think there was a problem with her model as it was a new design and a faster Wi Fi which seemed to cause some problems with the early ones.
My unbranded connexant chip based router has been in virtually constant use 24/7 for 3 years without any problems.
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Ebuyer were doing a special offer on the linksy adsl, wireless router Simon, I think I gave you a link to it.
Here it is again....................................
http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/store/Networking
Yes, you did give me the link before, Lona, but I didn't know about your Netgear problems. I read several reviews on the one I have bought, which were as positive as those for your Linksys:
http://ebuyer.com/UK/product/52244/rb/21727599141
As I found the Netgear new on eBay, quite a bit cheaper then Ebuyer's price, that's the one I went for.
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Thanks Sandra for a nice clear answer. I am now a bit wiser about the benefits of Ethernet Connection.
Will report back on how things go with it all.
:D :D :D
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and ethernet can be used on many systems, we have racks of ethernet hubs here, in my office alone we have 40 connections to plug machines in.. and they all link to two or three machines (depending on what you are doing).
BTW I use a Belkin system, probably the most expensive make but I trust Belkin.
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Well here we go-
My Router arrived today, and it took me about 15 mins to disconnect my old ADSL Modem, and install the new Voyager 205 via an Ethernet Connection.
You guys were right-the speed of my machine is improved, and it connected right away. Seems ok so far (Touch Wood)!
Got to get to grips with Bit torrent tomorrow, and port forwarding!!!
One question-there is a switch on the back-should I leave it switched on or switch it off when I shut PC down?
:D :D
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One question-there is a switch on the back-should I leave it switched on or switch it off when I shut PC down?
This was one of my concerns, but I have no switch, and it would mean either disconnecting the router by the adapter plug, or crawling under the PC to reach the mains board. If left on 24/7, it must use a certain amount of electricity. Even if the cost is only 1p per hour, this is still about £7.20 per month - if your ISP suddenly put their price up by that amount, for the same service, would you accept it?
At the moment, I do leave mine on, but only because I haven't got round to testing the second PSU connection on my PC, to see if it's permanently live. If it goes on and off with the PC, I was thinking of exchanging the 13amp plug on a short extension lead, for a euro (kettle plug) connector, and using the PSU on my PC to power the router. I'm still also uncertain, however, if the PSU would be adequate to power the router, and how the existing transformer for the router would fit into the picture, and I'm a bit concerned about buggering something up by trying it.
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Hi Mate-What a game this all is!!! lol
Im frightened off buggering up the Router, by keep switching it on and off, although everything seems fine at mo.
But like you I dont want to waste money, cos Ive retired from my business, and on a pension.
:roll: :roll: :roll:
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As I said earlier I leave mine on but its ok to switch it off you prefer as they do tend to get rather warm.
I doubt that they would cost even 1p an hour to run Simon :)
Switching off and on wont harm it, you usually have to reboot it if you change and save some settings, but the router does that itself like the pc does when you tell it to restart
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Sandra, do you think my cunning plan with the PSU monitor connection would work? You're right about them getting rather hot - but my Freeview boxes do also. I don't actually need central heating in my lounge!
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As long as the psu shuts power off to the feed through then you would be fine Simon.
As I said earlier some dont as its a direct loop through from the input side.
Its really intended to power a CRT monitor so I think there is no way that you could possibly overload it with something that uses as little power as a router.
I have just looked at the ratings on my routers transformer, its 9v at 1500ma so that means it will support up to a massive 13.5 watts.
That would be some 10 -15% higher than it runs at presumably to allow for a switch on surge so I doubt that in use it would use more than 10 watts :)
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One more question-then Im off to bed!
Sandra-
What happens if your ISP cuts the connection, as they do sometimes, does the router re-connect on its own?
:roll: :roll:
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It should do but may have a limit of times to try to connect.
So if they are doing maintainance that takes a few hours then you may have to tell it to reconnect or just switch the router on and off.
If you are connected to a download and there was a momentary drop of your connection it would reconnect to the internet but not resume the download by itself.
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Thanks Sandra. I'll try it when I can find a spare moment. :thumb:
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Just to say thanks for this thread-been most interesting-Simon has done me a favour by starting this.
My Router is running smooth-passed Shields up test-I switched off my software firewall, and tested with Router Firewall and all ports were closed.
Set up E-mule, and Bit torrent via guide link supplied by Lona, and am flushed with success :blush: :blush:
Thanks for all advice.
Switched software firewall back on again of course!!
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Glad to have been of some help, DG! Mine is also up and running OK, and I have to admit, the connection does seem very stable, but then I never had any problems with my ADSL modem either. I suppose it also makes things a little quicker being immediately 'on' when starting up the PC, although I have Mail Washer in my Startup folder, and it used to dial up automatically. Just takes a few seconds less this way, and my Security Suite doesn't complain about not being able to update immediately upon startup. I think, to sum up, the only negative thing with the router is the mains power issue, and a switch on the front would have made life a lot easier. Other than that, everything is fine with it, but with the benefit of hindsight, I don't think I would have laid out the extra expenditure, for the marginal improvement over my ADSL modem.
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All gone "TITS UP"
Problem now being, I have set up E-Mule, which works ok. The problem is in order to use P2P, I have had to set up a static IP address, but when running either E-Mule or Bit Torrent, I find the internet pages are very slow in loading or dont load at all.
Everything worked perfectly before on ADSL Modem.
Having enough-I think-might go back to my modem!!!!
More bloody trouble than its worth this router!!!!
:x :x :x :x :x
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well are they taking up all of your bandwidth? maybe you just need to specify the maximum download rate from inside these programs.
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If it worked OK with the ADSL modem, the download speed settings shouldn't really be an issue now. I have a dynamic IP address, but I can still use µTorrent and Azureus with no problems. What I did with mine was to set the BT clients to NOT choose random ports. I selected one port (50120 as it happens) and then opened that port through the router. Everything seems to work as well as it did with the ADSL modem, but not noticably any better. Are you sure you need to use a static IP, DG? I don't remember having to do so with mine.
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Simon, have you done the pc pitstop test to see if you have any problems causing your slow speed?
It may be to do with your MTU settings :dunno:
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Just tried it, Cammy, and it did claim to find some settings that it says need optimising, but for it to actually do anything, they want you to pay. :(
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I have a dynamic IP address, but I can still use µTorrent and Azureus with no problems.
It doesnt matter if you are on a static or a dynamic IP for the router as thats the WAN part of it.
Any ports you open are for the specific LAN IP address of the individual pc that you want that application to work with.
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So, how does that affect Delgado, Sandra?
Problem now being, I have set up E-Mule, which works ok. The problem is in order to use P2P, I have had to set up a static IP address, but when running either E-Mule or Bit Torrent, I find the internet pages are very slow in loading or dont load at all.
I have got round the PC Pitstop "problem" :whistle: and it has now "optimised" my PC, but I'm still only getting 2.8Mbps, according to the router, and even less if I test it with any of the speed test sites. :(
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Not sure Simon as it shouldnt do.
It may be that his ISP has had a bit of a problem since hes set it up and it may be back to normal soon.
Theres is no way that the internet or the pc should be slower using an ethernet connected modem/router than a USB modem, in fact it should be faster if there is any difference in performance.
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I have got round the PC Pitstop "problem" :whistle: and it has now "optimised" my PC, but I'm still only getting 2.8Mbps, according to the router, and even less if I test it with any of the speed test sites. :(
So your router is only connecting at 2.8Mbps ?
That shouldn't change with swapping pc's as that's the speed the isp is potentially supplying to your house and may be because of the distance you are from your exchange.
This is mine...
DownStream Connection Speed 8128 kbps
UpStream Connection Speed 448 kbps
But i usually get between 4 and 7Mbps depending and im 770metres from my village exchange according to a BT guy who was working here on the line a while back.
Have you updated the software on the router yet Si?
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Yes, updated the software the first day I had it, Cammy.
The difference in speed is not when connecting the router to two different PCs, but the old ADSL modem, as the other PC I was working on doesn't have a network card, so I couldn't use the router.
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Think I have solved my problem with E-Mule!
The connections were maxing out in router. I have cut my number of connections in E-Mule to 180 from 500, and switched off Kad, which has a reputation of connecting to hundreds very fast, and all appears well at the moment-keeping my fingers crossed
:blush: :blush:
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I find it strange that the router couldn't cope with the same set up you had with your ADSL modem. I thought these things were supposed to be better! :roll:
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umm that it is rather odd... should easily be able to cope with anything a usb connected modem can...
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Dont really know what I am talking about, but when I Googled for an answer, I came across a site that explained about these things.
The Router I was using was a BT Voyager 205, and according to this site, that was the problem, as the Voyager had a max of 200 connections.
Anyway, thats what I did and it worked! However, as the Voyager was second hand, and I am a bit flush with cash at the mo (Just helped out a business friend of mine who was short staffed), I have now bought a Linksy ADSL2 Gateway-loveley piece of kit, far better than the Voyager.
:D :D :D
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Glad you bought the linksy, Delgado. Simon never listens to me. :)
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Thanks also for the Port forwarding link Lona-very helpful-makes port forwarding a piece of cake.
:D :D
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Thanks also for the Port forwarding link Lona-very helpful-makes port forwarding a piece of cake.
:D :D
You're welcome, Delgado. Hope you enjoy your new router. :)
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Glad you bought the linksy, Delgado. Simon never listens to me. :)
Pardon? (https://www.pc-pals.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimagehost.biz%2Fims%2Fpictes%2F209136.gif&hash=95787bb8c9d03cc883dd8f0e95114a09d08530ff)
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The Bt voyager routers arent the best piece of kit you can get, same as the BT voyager modems.
Theyre supplied with BT internet, Talk Talk and Tiscali free of charge so that should give a clue as to what they are like :roll:
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At a risk of reviving an old discussion, and being called a bore, :blush: I have got rid of my Linksy Router, and went back to a Modem for a time.
I had problems with Linksy keep cutting out, so got a refund. There lies another story, had a load of rudeness from an arrogant boy who knew nothing at Maplins. Got the refund, after causing him agro!!!
Anyway , bought a Belkin, which is first class-connection as solid as a rock-touch wood.
My question is-Do I need to switch on Stateful Packet Inspection in my Firewall, which is Look n Stop, or will that balls up my Router connection?
Stateful Packet Inspection in Look n Stop is not switched on by default.
I might add that I went to Staples for the Belkin Router, and got first class service. Never go to Maplins ever again :x
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My question is-Do I need to switch on Stateful Packet Inspection in my Firewall, which is Look n Stop, or will that balls up my Router connection?
Stateful Packet Inspection in Look n Stop is not switched on by default.
I havent heard of either of those options :blush:
You could always try it and see then change it back if it screws something up :)
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At a risk of reviving an old discussion, and being called a bore, :blush: I have got rid of my Linksy Router, and went back to a Modem for a time.
I had problems with Linksy keep cutting out, so got a refund. There lies another story, had a load of rudeness from an arrogant boy who knew nothing at Maplins. Got the refund, after causing him agro!!!
Anyway , bought a Belkin, which is first class-connection as solid as a rock-touch wood.
My question is-Do I need to switch on Stateful Packet Inspection in my Firewall, which is Look n Stop, or will that balls up my Router connection?
Stateful Packet Inspection in Look n Stop is not switched on by default.
I might add that I went to Staples for the Belkin Router, and got first class service. Never go to Maplins ever again :x
Sorry you didn't like your linksy router, Delgado. I've never had any problems with mine.
My friend on the other hand bought a belkin router and she gets constant cut offs. I suppose it's just luck. I suppose you can get rogue models.
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When an IP packet arrives at the firewall from the Internet, the firewall must decide if it should be forwarded to the internal network. In order to accomplish this the firewall "looks" to see what connections have been opened from the inside of the network to the Internet. If there is a connection open that applies to the packet that has arrived from the Internet then it will be allowed through, otherwise it will be rejected.
This is known as stateful packet inspection. The firewall looks at the source and destination IP addresses, the source and destination ports and the sequence numbers to decide if the packet belongs to a current open connection. Stateful packet inspection only allows traffic into the network on connections opened from inside the network or on services explicitly opened by the administrator.
And I didn't steal that from anywhere... :whistle: :grin:
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:clever: Simon :lol:
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It certainly was for me, Lona! :grin:
I would just turn it on, and see what happens, DG. It seems to make things more secure, but you may have to fiddle with some settings to allow ports, etc, unless it enables certain ones by default.
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It certainly was for me, Lona! :grin:
I would just turn it on, and see what happens, DG. It seems to make things more secure, but you may have to fiddle with some settings to allow ports, etc, unless it enables certain ones by default.
Thanks for your wonderful description of SPI Simon-I didnt know u had it in you :D
I did turn it on and it ballsed up my downloads-so it went off again!
Having checked my Belkin Routers Help File, I find that the built in Firewall already uses SPI, so I will leave the other one off. I cant be bothered with any more fiddling about.
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: