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Broadband routers/modems. - Mr. White (22nd Feb 2005 - 20:50:10) Hi there, I am thinking of signing up to broadband but I have heard lots of different things. I have been looking at the Wanadoo 'livebox' but am not sure if this is a modem or router. Could anybody please tell me the difference if there is any at all between a modem and a router.

Re: Broadband routers/modems. - Liphook.co.uk Editor (22nd Feb 2005 - 21:06:51) Hi Nick, I would recommend giving Fast.co.uk (www.fast.co.uk) a call who are based in Liphook and offer Broadband ADSL - their local number is 01428 727437. I'm sure they'd be happy to discuss what they could offer you (with local based support!) and explain the differences between routers and modems. Fast.co.uk sponsor this website, and supply our Broadband so we highly recommend them :) Regards, Liphook.co.uk Editor

Re: Broadband routers/modems. - Alex Cameron (23rd Feb 2005 - 00:13:02) Mr White - the 'LiveBox' is a load of proprietary cr*p that will lock you exclusively into Wanadoo. Broadband offers don't really make this side of things clear enough, but a small amount of research will make life a lot easier, and allow you to get better value for money. In short, a modem (MOdulator-DEModulator) is a piece of hardware that converts analogue signals (noise, beeps etc) into digital bits (zeros and ones, 0-1) and back again. In the context of broadband, it is attached to the phone line and talks to other computers to allow you to access the internet. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modem A router does what it says on the tin - route pieces of information (known as data 'packets') around a network. Routers are generally for when you have more than one PC in the house and want all of them to share a single broadband connection. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Router The confusion comes when these specific pieces of hardware are bundled together, like in the LiveBox. I would opt for the 'wires only' type of ISP retail broadband package (see Fast.co.uk for deals) and grab a router from Habit Solutions or PC World. Ideally you want a combined ADSL modem, router, hub, 54g/108Mbps wi-fi and firewall all in the same box. The 4 main brand manufacturers to go for are Netgear, Linksys, Belkin and D-Link. The model my other half has is a really good example - the Netgear 54 Mbps Wireless ADSL Firewall Router (Model DG834G), which can be viewed at on this page: http://www.netgear.com/products/details/DG834G.php There are a tonne of helpful nerds who browse this forum that would be willing to help if you get stuck - it may seem trickier than just getting something off the shelf, but ultimately it will provide you with better value and flexibility - useful for when your tech knowledge grows and you want to do more.

Re: Broadband routers/modems. - Mr. White (23rd Feb 2005 - 20:22:27) Thanks all for your help. So Alex, are you saying that I would be able to sign up for wanadoo broadband but not buy thier livebox and purchase my own router. Would this be possible with a Wanadoo connection and would it still be wireless? Thanks again for your help. Mr. White

Re: Broadband routers/modems. - Alex Cameron (23rd Feb 2005 - 23:23:37) I'm just thinking Reservoir Dogs - "Mr White, Mr Pink..." etc ;) I'm not sure whether you absolutely *have* to take the LiveBox as part of Wanadoo's service terms. However i do see the prospect of usage capping, and although a separate issue, it wouldn't doesn't endear me to them at all. Interestingly, if the rumours are true, Wanadoo have always promoted their products as loss leaders, as they did when they were owned by Dixons as Freeserve, If they do mandate that you have to access the service through their proprietary hardware, i'd be inclined to look at another provider. The ease of use and the things that are done for you tend to be tempered by the concession of a certain loss of control on your part. You should be able to use your own router that you've bought on your own initiative (e.g. at PC World), and whether it has wireless/wi-fi icapability is entirely up to whether you buy a model that supports it (if it doesn't have wireless, you'll most likely have to connect through standard network cable, like in most offices). Wireless networking is a killer application though in most people's opinions. In summary, make sure you get a 1MB connection (or a 1000 as its sometimes known), no usage capping, no port-blocking and your own hardware set-up. A little research goes a long way when it comes to value for money and flexibility. One of the best starting points for comparing broadband offers is ADSLGuide (http://www.adslguide.org.uk), although a quick phone call to Fast.co.uk should clarify quite a few things in your mind.

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