Wireless cable modem -- what is that?

[Hans L]

I like HEXUS. That is why a Swede in the US posts here. I need to replace my networking hardware -- worn hard!

I plan to use a Linksys WRT54GL router with Tomato firmware. After that, I will have a few VoIP adapters (don't know which ones yet).

However, I now have a Motorola SB5100 cable modem with a faulty USB port. I use the Ethernet port, so it is okay. But it is getting old, and also, I want to connect wirelessly to the router, so I need to know what to use. But, somehow, I find it difficult to figure it out. What goodies are out there?

Regards,

Hans L

[Jay]

sorry

Do you mean you want to replace your SB5100?

I am guessing your on VM. If you want a new modem just give them a call, oh and never and I do mean NEVER use a USB modem, they are really poor!

To be honest the 5100 is a decent cable modem if not used as a USB modem I don't really understand why you would want to replace it.

just incase you are confused as to how this setup will work

[Hans L]

Yes, Jay, I want to replace my SB5100. Since my USB port was not working on the 5100, I have never used it. But thanks for the warning.

No, I do not think I am on VM (but I had some wine for dinner :-).

What I want is to connect my new modem (whichever it will be) wirelessly with my Linksys WRT54GL (which I have not bought yet). And SB5100 is not a wireless modem.

So, what very good cable modems are there that will wirelessly connect to a wireless router? Is Motorola SBG900 something that you know anything about?

Regards,

Hans L

[burble]

I am guessing your on VM.

I like HEXUS. That is why a Swede in the US posts here.

He's probably not using Virgin Media

I don't know how it works with cable modems in the US, in the UK you have to have the MAC address of the cable modem registered with your ISP to get it to work so over here we can't just buy and use another cable modem.

As far as wireless modems go, I've not seen any. Can you not just use a wireless router connected to the modem?

[Jay]

I didn't realise he is in the US! lol

Just connect your SB5100 to the wireless cable router via a CAT5 cable and your done, no need to replace the modem.

[b0ned0me]

What I want is to connect my new modem (whichever it will be) wirelessly with my Linksys WRT54GL (which I have not bought yet). And SB5100 is not a wireless modem.

Hmmm. So what you want is a small wifi access point device that you can hook up to the modems RJ45, and then bridge wirelessly to the Linksys? Something like this Asus gizmo but (hopefully) a lot newer and smarter?

If you want to go single-brand for a pain-free life, maybe the Linksys WAP54G would be worth a look? They also seem to have a bunch of different access points offering different features, if that one isn't quite right. Probably not cheap though, and setting up bridging might be tricky - the old Cat5-under-the-carpet option suggested above might be easier.....

[burble]

I used to use a pair of Linksys WAP54G's to bridge a connection to my Xbox 360 and Slingbox but they were forever dropping out and they needed to be power cycled to get the link back. I RMA'd them, tried different firmware, different wireless channels, different encryption and so on before coming to the conclusion that they're crap for bridging.

[b0ned0me]

That's good info. In general I have also found all Belkin gear to be absolutely pash, so I guess maybe something by Netgear?

[burble]

Belkin gear is totally pash, that's why

I've not used any Netgear stuff for bridging, I was going to get a Netgear AP and use that but was so fed up with the Linksys AP's that I bought some homeplugs instead.

[Jay]

but why does he want to do this?

Obviously he has his PC next to his modem right now. Why not just get the WRT54GL plug it into his modem and a wireless card for his system? (unless he is using it for his 360 or PS2 etc)

[Hans L]

"He" is still on the thread, if not on the ball. Thanks, guys/gals. I think I'll take your advice and stick to my existing modem, buy shorter cables (the long ones I have are a mess), buy the Linksys WRT54GL and then, a couple of new VoIP adapters for my three phone lines (it is one of the VoIP adapters that is giving me problems and is the whole reason for this thread).

In the US, we just call the ISP and tell them what Mac address is in our purchased cable modem. Do you pay rent for your modems? Here we do, so I rather buy my own.

I wonder if anyone has any experience with Motorola SBG900 ("cable modem and wireless access point in one easy to install unit")?

Hans L

[burble]

NTL (one of the cable companies) used to either let you buy a cable from them and use it or to rent one from them. That stopped several years ago and the cable modems are now included in the price of the broadband. I'd say that we do still pay to rent them, but that cost isn't itemised as such.

[Hans L]

Okay, interesting. And you are right, of course, it is included in the price. Same here with VoIP -- Vonage: if I buy my own VoIP adapters, I pay twice, since the Vonage adapters come for free. But those freebees are never the best deal, so I like to buy my own.

Hans L

[Jay]

whats with the "he" comment?

the question was not directed to you, in fact I am only trying to help you.....

for my VOIP phones I use home plug adapters so I can place them anywhere near a plug socket.

[Hans L]

"He's probably not using Virgin Media"
"I didn't realise he is in the US!"
"but why does he want to do this?"
"Obviously he has his PC next to his modem right now."

Forgive me, Jay, if I thought that I was more talked about than talked to. I tried, goodnaturedly, to tell everyone that I was still here ("He" is still on the thread, if not on the ball.) I had no doubt of your trying to help me.

Now, what is a home plug adapter? Not sure I have heard about them 'over here'.

Regards,

Hans L

[burble]

Homeplug = ethernet over power cables