Thread: Wireless modem router choice

Originally Posted by IndusD4

Scouse,

You don't say if your mother already has an active internet connection or not. If not, then I suggest you talk to an ISP regarding the connection first, they may even supply a wifi modem with the connection and may even install it as well.

This, x2. Most internet packages nowadays come with a combo wifi router/modem, so if she's activating a connection, chances are they'll just set it up for her. Even if she already has a connection, she may well qualify for an upgrade, especially if you threaten to change internet providers.

If not, then pretty much any off the shelf wifi router will do the job. d-link works fine, netgear sometimes doesn't like to play nice with other devices, but usually only in more complicated setups such as TV set top boxes, media servers, etc, so that will more than likely be fine for your setup. Whatever one you decide upon, it *should* just plug and play - most ISPs use automatic IP and will allow automatic detection of the modem settings - if not, call the ISP and they'll talk you through it.

Originally Posted by Scouse

Never heard of TP-link.....

This one seems popular on Whirlpool:
http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc/hardwa...w&model_id=941
and cheap enough too ($49 at MSY).


Does it really matter which ISP you have for a modem/router? I've changed ISPs a few times over the years & the old Dynalink hasn't batted an eyelid.
I was always under the assumption the ISP pushed whatever they could make the most $$ out of.

It doesnt matter what the isp recommends, it just means that their sub continent monkey's might not have a manual on hand if she needs support.
As mentioned if its a new connection get a supplied modem/router.

Originally Posted by Scouse

My mum's just getting online

She has no internet connection & no real interest in the internet. She's just doing it to keep in touch with family members who rely on email & the like rather than writing real letters.

She's looking at the absolute basic $10/month contract so I doubt very much that they'll throw in a modem/router for that .


I went in & bought a TP Liink modem/router from ARC computers in Parramatta yesterday.

I'm a little late it seems, but in my experience of buying more wifi routers and modems than I can remember, there is no "best brand" or "best model". The models vary greatly as the brands release new models every few months. While the latest D-link might be the best, later in the year the TP-link might be the best. Last month the Netgear latest was the best. Etc, etc.

The best thing you can do is pick a few in your price range and google them for reviews. Pick based on the reviews more than price/brand.

Alternatively the one your ISP supplies is usually OK as well (they do some research for you) - albeit normally quite expensive compared to buying it yourself.

For an ADSL connection I think indeed you can just buy any ADSL modem/router, but for a cable connection I think you would have been dependent on what the ISP provides - which for the average user would probably be more than sufficient.

If your mum is anything like mine, then make sure the virus software on the laptop is kept up to date!

Ron

Originally Posted by IndusD4

If your mum is anything like mine, then make sure the virus software on the laptop is kept up to date!

Yes, I'm just waiting for the 'I opened this email and....' calls .