Hi all, time for an update (finally got around to setting up the router):
Got a Netgear WGT624 router. Pretty easy to install and setup using the software 'wizard' it comes with. Now my two PCs are connected via Ethernet cable to the router; the iBurst modem connects via the WAN port and the laptop connects via wireless (Dell laptop with Intel Pro 54Mbps Wireless adapter built in).
I am using WPA encryption (it said WPA2 was for corporate networks so may be a bit overkill). I can, if need be, get a Netgear 108Mbps Super-G wireless card for the laptop at a later stage, but don't think it is vital as I am not using the Dell for video streaming or anything; just internet access and LAN access, and it seems to be plenty quick enough as is.
Just one thing I noticed: it seems that the internet seems a bit slower than usual. Well, downloading really. Browsing is still very quick. Downloading though (using FDM) went from around 90-100kbps to around 50-70kbps, same site, same file etc. Will try again later this week, as I suspect it may be due to increased internet usage over weekend (and clogging of iBurst contention ratio).
These are some settings I have which I wanted to check with you guys if it is ok:
- router is used for DHCP, but I reserved the first 3 addresses for the two PCs and notebook. Should I drop DHCP and give PC's the router's IP as gateway? Any benefits?
- SPI built into router is enabled (by default). Weird thing - when I turned it off it seemed the net and downloads were a bit slower!
- I disabled the bundled TrendMicro security which it came with (1 year subscription). Already got internet suites on all PCs in any case.
- I believe the LAN ports (2 PC's connecting to router) will work at standard 100Mbps speed, just like a 10/100 hub right? (PS. I could not find a wireless router which has 10/100/1000 LAN ports and don't think it is vital anyway).
Cheers,
X
Got a Netgear WGT624 router. Pretty easy to install and setup using the software 'wizard' it comes with. Now my two PCs are connected via Ethernet cable to the router; the iBurst modem connects via the WAN port and the laptop connects via wireless (Dell laptop with Intel Pro 54Mbps Wireless adapter built in).
I am using WPA encryption (it said WPA2 was for corporate networks so may be a bit overkill). I can, if need be, get a Netgear 108Mbps Super-G wireless card for the laptop at a later stage, but don't think it is vital as I am not using the Dell for video streaming or anything; just internet access and LAN access, and it seems to be plenty quick enough as is.
Just one thing I noticed: it seems that the internet seems a bit slower than usual. Well, downloading really. Browsing is still very quick. Downloading though (using FDM) went from around 90-100kbps to around 50-70kbps, same site, same file etc. Will try again later this week, as I suspect it may be due to increased internet usage over weekend (and clogging of iBurst contention ratio).
These are some settings I have which I wanted to check with you guys if it is ok:
- router is used for DHCP, but I reserved the first 3 addresses for the two PCs and notebook. Should I drop DHCP and give PC's the router's IP as gateway? Any benefits?
- SPI built into router is enabled (by default). Weird thing - when I turned it off it seemed the net and downloads were a bit slower!
- I disabled the bundled TrendMicro security which it came with (1 year subscription). Already got internet suites on all PCs in any case.
- I believe the LAN ports (2 PC's connecting to router) will work at standard 100Mbps speed, just like a 10/100 hub right? (PS. I could not find a wireless router which has 10/100/1000 LAN ports and don't think it is vital anyway).
Cheers,
X