ADSL Modem/Router question

[Glock26]

All,
I have a very newbie question here, so I hope you will forgive me.
Looks like I am finally taking the plunge to adsl, in spite of the fact that the caps suck. I will probably go with Telscum to get the Closer phonecall benefits, but am NOT going to sign any contracts so I can dump them as soon as something better is out there.

I figured since there are 2 pc's at home, and my laptop with wifi, I may as well go wireless.
I have been wondering which modem to purchase. Also, not knowing a lot about networking (my gf is the whiz) I was wondering whether I just need a wireless modem or do I need a modem/router combo? What is the router needed for?
(Yes..i know it is a pathetic question)
Also..does the wireless modem still need to be connected to one pc via a LAN cable, and why?
How many pc's need to have a network card?

Lastly, and I know this is a tough question..what is the best/most reliable wireless modem at the moment?
I see mentioned Linksys, D-Link, Billion etc.
I am not too worried about distance, as it is all within a standard house. I am more concerned with reliable modems and ones that are easy to maintain and last, with good support and good speeds.
For some reason I was leaning to the Billion 800VGT. Any disadvantages to it over others? I am good with anything under about R2K.

From the sounds of things, for the pc's I can go with internal or usb without any real disadvantages besides portability.

I don't have a 3G account so the modem doesn't have to have that addon ability...but am not anti-it either.

So any recommendations at all? As I said, I know they are silly questions, but I learn fast and once I have it, I expect smooth sailing (Telkom excepted of course)

Thanks,
G26

 

[Sackboy]

There's some aforementioned advice here about routers and modems.
http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php?t=152175

You will need at least one modem in the equation, whether it's combined with the router or not. The second PC will share the connection wirelessly if it is capable.

Check which wireless standard each PC uses, IEEE 802.11a,b,g, or n (latest)? If you're going wireless, then it has to have a wireless network card. PCs often have the standard ethernet connector (wired type).

As I understand it, the modem is plugged into the line, then into the router and the router to the PC via cable. I'm not sure if you can separate the PC and router to go wireless here. (ANYONE?)

Telkom like to support their own routers - just to warn you. R2k will buy you most of the top routers. Internal is less hassle. Sometimes matching brands is better. PC wireless card brand MATCHED to router brand I mean will give you a better result.

 

[Glock26]

Am I correct that the Billion 800VGT is a modem/router combo, and would ok for my specs?
Of course each pc would get an add-on wireless card, probably internal.
The exception is my newish model laptop that has wireless, so it should connect fine right off.

Do most of those modem brands have the modem and router all in one, or is that something I have to take into account?

Lastly...am i correct then that the one pc is linked via cable to the modem/router, and the other gets the signal via wireless. So if the main pc is switched off, will the othe rpc be able to connect to the net, or does the main one have to be on?

Sorry again for all the questions, I am sure the answers will help other newbies who have been wondering. I know the internet and this pc backwards, but haven't had to deal with networking or adsl before.

Thanks,
G26

 

[Sackboy]

Am I correct that the Billion 800VGT is a modem/router combo, and would ok for my specs?
Of course each pc would get an add-on wireless card, probably internal.
The exception is my newish model laptop that has wireless, so it should connect fine right off.

Do most of those modem brands have the modem and router all in one, or is that something I have to take into account?

Lastly...am i correct then that the one pc is linked via cable to the modem/router, and the other gets the signal via wireless. So if the main pc is switched off, will the othe rpc be able to connect to the net, or does the main one have to be on?

Sorry again for all the questions, I am sure the answers will help other newbies who have been wondering. I know the internet and this pc backwards, but haven't had to deal with networking or adsl before.

Thanks,
G26

It is. The Billion is on the former wireless G standard.

See some guides here:
http://terry-internethelp.blogspot.com/search/label/Billion 800VGT
http://www.sizwebroadband.co.za/sites/sizwebroadband.co.za/files/billion800vgt_datasheet.pdf

Note that it is not 100% Mac-friendly and apparently doesn't offer setup disks.

There are a mix of router or router+modem devices. The boxes can be quite unclear on this point, so look for Broadband or ADSL+ on the packaging, then check the official data sheet. Model numbers are also cryptic with one innocent looking letter making all the difference.

I'm not sure whether your PC1+modem has to be on for PC2 to connect. I'm in a similar position, though I've been reading a lot.

 

[Glock26]

No worries about Mac, not needed.
I don't see the 800VGT on the BillionSA website, but there are a few other models.
So if someone here who was a heavy adsl user was buying a new wireless adsl modem/router under R2K, what model would they buy? There must be a few models with a better rep than others?
What setups are others using successfully for a wireless home network?

G26

 

[bekdik]

No worries about Mac, not needed.
I don't see the 800VGT on the BillionSA website, but there are a few other models.
So if someone here who was a heavy adsl user was buying a new wireless adsl modem/router under R2K, what model would they buy? There must be a few models with a better rep than others?
What setups are others using successfully for a wireless home network?

G26

Suggest you look at the netgear range.

 

[Sackboy]

No worries about Mac, not needed.
I don't see the 800VGT on the BillionSA website, but there are a few other models.
So if someone here who was a heavy adsl user was buying a new wireless adsl modem/router under R2K, what model would they buy? There must be a few models with a better rep than others?
What setups are others using successfully for a wireless home network?

G26

AFAIK it's a special model produced for Telkom.