Going wireless - advice on a modem

[too_much]

Hi all,

I'm finally going wireless on my home network of 3 PCs on XP Pro.

At the moment my setup is an ADSL modem router with each PC wired into it, pretty basic.

Anyway, I have a wireless card for each rig, and a wireless Motorola router (http://broadband.motorola.com/consumers/products/wr850g/) I've had kicking around for a while but now I'm slightly confused.

Can I just buy an ADSL modem, stick an ethernet cable in it and connect it to my wireless router, then setup and go? I have a reasonable knowledge of networking (at a basic level, but I manage ;)) but was thrown by the lack of modems on ebuyer/aria etc. I could just buy a modem/router combined I know, but I didn't wana spend unnecessary money considering I already have a router.

So to stop waffling and get to the point, am I best to just buy an ADSL modem then I can get going? If so, can someone please advise me on one (preferably a UK site) as the ones I find all seem to be routers too.

Any other specs needed, let me know,

regards in advance,
too_much :)

[Sterling_Aug]

Hi all,

I'm finally going wireless on my home network of 3 PCs on XP Pro.

At the moment my setup is an ADSL modem router with each PC wired into it, pretty basic.

Anyway, I have a wireless card for each rig, and a wireless Motorola router (http://broadband.motorola.com/consumers/products/wr850g/) I've had kicking around for a while but now I'm slightly confused.

You apparently already have all you need except for the cable between the modem and the router.

1.) An ADSL modem with several ethernet connections.
2.) A Motorola wireless router.
3.) 3 ethernet cables for the 3 PCs.

It should be easy to install the router after the modem and then configure each PC to see the router. Make sure you enable security.

[cat5e]

In order to add wireless to your current installation you have to buy an Access Point, or a Wireless Cable/DSL Router, and connect it to your current ADSL Modem/Router.

Since you have already one Router, the new unit configuration has to follow this principle,
Using a Wireless Cable/DSL Router as a Switch with an Access Point] (http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html)

:D

[Sterling_Aug]

Hey cat5e:

He said he already has a Motorola wireless router, so he has what he needs.

[too_much]

oh, I didn't realise - because it's a modem/router combined, then I have a seperate wireless router that I don't use at the moment, I thought I would need a isngle modem (not a combined modem/router) to hook up to the wireless router.... if you get me... I'm gona go investigate, thanks all ;D

[Ol'Tunzafun]

Many of those combo modem/routers can be run in "bridge mode", that is, as a modem without routing. Download the manual for the device that you have. It will tell you how and if this can be done.

[too_much]

Well I hooked up my modem/router to my wireless router via an ethernet cable, so now it's adsl splitter --> RJ11 in modem/router --> Ethernet to wireless router = wireless network recognised, hurrah! However somewhere along the set up I got mixed up with encyptions and keys etc and ended up with a live connection that wouldn't access anything on the internet. It worked fine for about 5mins until I got to the WPA/WEP TSK business etc, so I'm gona get some reading done and work the rest of this out. For now I'm still wired, but thanks for the advice everyone, you saved me £40 or so there.

Regards,
too_much :)

[cat5e]

The Motto is One-step at the time.

First, make sure that you have a connection without any Security measures, and no "fancy dancing". ;)

May be this can Help.

My New Wireless does not work - http://www.ezlan.net/wireless.html

Wireless, Basic Configuration - http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Config.html

Wireless Security - http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Security.html

:D

[too_much]

Thanks man, I'll have a good look tomorrow, I really appreciate the help.

regards,
Joony

*edit* Man my sig is out of date ;D