Advice/suggestion kindly requested.

[mohammedm]

I have 2 scenarios in which I will be installing ADSL and will appreciate suggestions regarding a choice of modem/router/usb device etc.
SCENARIO 1:
Desktop PC connected to phone line. Networked to laptop PC in another room using WLAN and windows Internet Connection Sharing. What type of modem do you recommend - USB/router etc?
SCENARIO 2:
5 desktop PCs connected to an 8 port hub/switch. One of the PCs is connected to a phone line. The network is run via WinXP PRO. I may be adding a 6th PC to the network. A technician at WebAfrica suggested a router connected to one PC and then connected the hub/switch to one of the ethernet ports on the router. Does anyone recommend something different?

Finally, WebAfrica have suggested BIPAC 5102 routers for both the above scenarios. They sell them at R839.04 each. Are these the same units as the Billion 5102 (R597.82 excluding 8% disc at digital planet) and the Billion 5102S (R454.86) routers. Do I get them from DP at the cheaper rate, or get them from my ISP because of their support?

Regards
Mohammed

 

[antowan]

SCENARIO 1esktop PC connected to phone line. Networked to laptop PC in another room using WLAN and windows Internet Connection Sharing. What type of modem do you recommend - USB/router etc?

Wireless Access Point. Netgear or equivalent should do. I suggest buy the best you can afford.

SCENARIO 2:
5 desktop PCs connected to an 8 port hub/switch. One of the PCs is connected to a phone line. The network is run via WinXP PRO. I may be adding a 6th PC to the network. A technician at WebAfrica suggested a router connected to one PC and then connected the hub/switch to one of the ethernet ports on the router. Does anyone recommend something different?

SOunds ok. The technical side might be difficult for the uninniciated but with little tinkering all should be sorted. The ADSL router will do the negotiations for you when done and share the Internet connection amongst the LAN users.

Finally, WebAfrica have suggested BIPAC 5102 routers for both the above scenarios. They sell them at R839.04 each. Are these the same units as the Billion 5102 (R597.82 excluding 8% disc at digital planet) and the Billion 5102S (R454.86) routers. Do I get them from DP at the cheaper rate, or get them from my ISP because of their support?

I have heard mostly good things about Billion. Haven't used one though. Should be a good buy.

 

[BILLION Tech]

Billion Technical support

Dear Mohammed,

The BIPAC 5102 and the Billion 5102 are the same unit, the full name is "Billion BIPAC 5102".

SCENARIO 1:
Desktop PC connected to phone line. Networked to laptop PC in another room using WLAN and windows Internet Connection Sharing. What type of modem do you recommend - USB/router etc?
SCENARIO 2:
5 desktop PCs connected to an 8 port hub/switch. One of the PCs is connected to a phone line. The network is run via WinXP PRO. I may be adding a 6th PC to the network. A technician at WebAfrica suggested a router connected to one PC and then connected the hub/switch to one of the ethernet ports on the router. Does anyone recommend something different?

The Billion BIPAC 5102 will work 100% in both these scenarios.

Kind Regards,

BILLION Tech

 

[Moederloos]

I have a router connected to the phone line. This router is connected to a hub to whcih two of my PCs are connected. It is also connected to a switch in another room, with 3 PCs connected to it. In a 3rd part of the building, is a PC connected to the router with a wireless LAN card.

Works 100%.

As long as you get a wireless router with at least one ethernet point, as well as a hub, you should be OK.