Setup a ADSL ROuter

[ArmagoN]

so i have never actually set up a computer to use ADSL via a router, anything i need to be aware of or do? For instance i was reading somewhere that i needed to clone my MAC address to the router ??? surley this would cause conflicts??? or am i confused?


Any help would be appreciated because something needs to hold my account details to the right?

or do i simply dial in as usual and then the other machines on my network just share off it. if they share of my connection do i need to set anything up on the router to do this.


Usually i would google this, but i just keep getting back pages of how a router works on the technical side, (which layer it uses, How it deciphers datagrams/packlets and stuff i already know)

[nichomach]

You almost certainly WON'T need to clone your MAC address. You'll just need to give the router the appropriate login details so that it makes the connection for you. You may need to tweak a couple of other settings, like the encapsulation mode, but that'll be covered in the docs for your router, and you should be able to check the details with your ISP. Basically, once your router's in it removes your PC from the equation; it'll handle the connection and that connection'll be available whether your PC is on or off.

[ArmagoN]

Excellent!!!

Wasn't to sure as i have never dealt with routers before, somehow managed to set up on of my mates routers sucessfully, but have no clue how i did it LOL

also i'm getting a little thrown around with terminology, i keep seeing modem with switch... are they just trying to cock me around and make it sound like they are giving me more??

What Router would you suggest? (cable not wireless and modem router 4 port preferably) I am terrible at internet shopping.!!!

[Lee H]

They use the term 4 port switch as it can also be used for networking PC's just like a switch can. I have 4 PC's connected via wires and all sharing various folders and files.

Many of the routers today are quite easy to setup. Many have wizards aimed at quick setup and installation and just require your username and password and they then reboot and connect themselves.

Once the routers setup - the 'way' you access the net changes as if you were on a network and theres no waiting for dailing and verification all the time, as soon as your systems booted - its connected

To be honest, I would recommend that most people ditch the USB modems and get routers as they are a lot more stabler and can even lower the pings by roughly 2-6 ms depending on system specifications ( the usb modems use a bit of CPU usage you see )

As for which, well its all down to what you want really. I have at home about 4 routers, 1 origo 4 port, 1 dlink 504T, D-Link DSL604T wireless and an edimax. They have all performed brilliantly, but I now have the DSL604T as my main router and the interface and administration system is great and easy to use ( with the latest firmware )

[Clingy]

I have to say that my router was the closest thing to "plug and play" that I have had to install. I just added the essential details as supplied by ISP using the basic web interface as described in the router instructions and away she went. Of course there are numerous things that I tweaked later on, but it was one of those rare pleasant surprises.

I'm guess it's the same with all modern home/small office routers.

[Lee H]

I have to say that my router was the closest thing to "plug and play" that I have had to install. I just added the essential details as supplied by ISP using the basic web interface as described in the router instructions and away she went. Of course there are numerous things that I tweaked later on, but it was one of those rare pleasant surprises.

I'm guess it's the same with all modern home/small office routers.

Indeed - people think and see "router" and think to themselves ooooh techy. To be honest as Clingy said - they are very easy indeed to setup and with some on the market with "install wizards" its getting easier and easier to setup networks sharing a connection now

[ArmagoN]

Cheers for the help guys, will be buying one soon, think i will go with DSL604T, this should be ok for a cable network ??