DSL Connection Advice

[Darkmatter]

Final BT has upgraded the exchange so i can now get DSL. As i have no experience with it i need some help.
I am looking probably to sign up with BT themselves, the connection has to be shared with 2-3 users.

Is it possible with the Basic BT broadband package for it to be shared with a router ?
If so whats a good modem/router to get ?
To avoid fights are there any bandwidth limiting utilities?

Thanks in advance

[5lab]

yes it is possible
dunno, cheapo ebuyer job
not that are easy to implement

[Stoo]

Netgear or Dlink adsl router about £80ish

Don't bother with BT's own service, it's over-priced and comes near the bottom on most performance/satisfaction tests.

Eclipse, Zen, or Nildram are your best bets, with all three dominating the various consumer tests



I've got a wireless Dlink (DSL604+) and that actually seems to load-balance between the ports if it helps any.

[ingouk]

if you want to limit bandwidth and got a small pc spare you can try http://www.clarkconnect.org. its a small firewall/gateway linux distro that would replace your router. It has mailserver, webserver, filesharing firewall, built in. it also has a module to restrict bandwidth and a module where you can say which ip of ur network can access the internet depending of the time etc.

[orgasmo]

ok mate, first things first, dont use BT for DSL, get on Nildram.

Second of all get a DrayTek Vigor 2600 router, they're rubbishrubbishrubbishrubbish hot and bulletproof, mines been up for about 3 months without a problem. It also has a 4 port Switch built-in so you dont need to mess about with a hub/switch.

I can honestly say you wont be disappointed by that combo, hope that helps.

[Enverex]

Don't get a D-Link 5XX router, and I would advise against any D-Link router at all as they don't know what they are doing to be honest. Their downloads were currupted for a long period, they make firmware which frequently locks up their routers, etc etc.
Linksys are normally the way to go.

The only way you can truely do load balancing is using a Linux machine as a router and configuing all that, but you will probably find that is out of your reach... (unless you use one of the special packages mentioned eariler).

ISPs: Nildram, Eclipse, Zen or Pipex are the top lot, I know very happy people on all of them.

NS

[pikacu]

i'm with free2surf for 512Kbps service and only 23pounds per month. Free activation if you keep minimum contract up to 1 year. D-Link DSL 604 is good, I have no problem at all. on 24hrs a day 365 days in a year! It is a combined ADSL modem and router and you can buy additional 2 more PCI wireless LAN card without any RJ45 wires.

[Pezza]

I'm with PlusNet, who are very reliable and very fast, with excellent customer service - can't recommend them enough.

As for hardware I've got the D-Link AirPlusXtremeG kit - http://www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk/Shop...&ProductID=498 - I've got the modem, router and wireless PCMCIA card from this website, with my desktop connected to the router. The initial firmware was a bit pants, I'll admit, but now that they're updated I get great transfer rates between my desktop and laptop. Apparently D-Link's helpline is very good too (not that I've ever used them)

Hope this helps.