Replace MWEB ADSL Modem with ADSL Router

[adrianhopebailie]

I have just started working from home (not my home) and would like to set things up so I can access the ADSL connection here via WIFI.

Basically the place I'm in has a single desktop PC connected to the internet via a SpeedTouch ADSL USB modem.

I have attached a cross-over to the desktop's network card and plugeed that into my PC, setup internet connection sharing and it works.

I would like an inexpensive way to setup a WIFI access point however.

In my mind the 2 options are:

1. Buy a wireless router and attach it to the connected desktop.

• Buy an all-in-one ADSL modem/router/WIFI AP and replace the current modem.

Cons of option 1 being that the connected PC needs to be always on, which it is anyway and not sure how well this will work in terms of adding multiple machines to the network.

Pros being the cost of wireless routers vs the router/ADSL combo.

I have 2 questions for the fundis:
Which approach do you recommend?
Which hardware do you recommend and am I likely to have any incompatability issues with ADSL modems that might be unsuitable?

(Was looking at this combo hardware: http://www.digitalplanet.co.za/p-117994-tenda-54mbps-wireless-adsl-router-with-4x-10100-ports.aspx)
Thanks

 

[DapperDanMan]

Welcome to the forum!

You're on the right track: Approach # 2 is definitely the better one.

That router from Digital Planet is basically all you need but you can get a similar combo unit cheaper elsewhere.

Highly recommended:

a) ADSL line surge protector
b) POTS filters (for plugging in each telephone handset and/or fax machine at your office premises)

 

[adrianhopebailie]

Thanks that's good to hear.

2 more questions

Which combo unit do you suggest and where can I get it cheaper?

What is a POTS filter? How important is it?

 

[DapperDanMan]

Which combo unit do you suggest and where can I get it cheaper?

Check your PM (Private Messages on the forum) for my suggestions.

What is a POTS filter?

It's a line filter that prevents a landline telephone (or fax machine) from interfering with an ADSL device on the same line ID, and vica versa.

How important is it?

They could be selling line filters at the price of gold and people would still buy them.

Ask yourself this: Why are they almost always sold out at Telkom shops?

 

[adrianhopebailie]

Thanks

 

[Gamer]

Check your PM (Private Messages on the forum) for my suggestions.

Why not share in open forum so all community members can benefit?

They could be selling line filters at the price of gold and people would still buy them.

Ask yourself this: Why are they almost always sold out at Telkom shops?

adrianhopebailie, they will often be found in the box when buying a router depending on supplier/brand.
Otherwise, where you located, I've got about 30 or so new ones lying in a box, you can have a couple.

 

[DapperDanMan]

Why not share in open forum so all community members can benefit?

Because most ADSL-related knowledge is old news and have been archived and re-archived on this forum already...

I've got about 30 or so new ones lying in a box, you can have a couple.

How much for the other 28?

 

[adrianhopebailie]

Well I've got myself an ADSL modem/router from someone who had a spare.
And as it turns out, whoever installed the current modem also put POTS filters on all the phone lines so I think I'm all set.

Thanks for all the help. Always get a little nervous buying hardware like this that when it arrives and I plug it in I'll find out that there is some obscure incompatability that I didn't know about and nothing will work

 

[Gamer]

Well I've got myself an ADSL modem/router from someone who had a spare.
And as it turns out, whoever installed the current modem also put POTS filters on all the phone lines so I think I'm all set.

Thanks for all the help. Always get a little nervous buying hardware like this that when it arrives and I plug it in I'll find out that there is some obscure incompatability that I didn't know about and nothing will work

Glad you got sorted, enjoy!

How much for the other 28?

Not for sale really.

 

[DapperDanMan]

Thanks for all the help. Always get a little nervous buying hardware like this that when it arrives and I plug it in I'll find out that there is some obscure incompatability that I didn't know about and nothing will work

I just love the super-compatibilty of ADSL tech.

Not for sale really.

Huh? For free then?!

 

[Gamer]

Huh? For free then?!

Ag no, not what I meant...I don't plan on getting rid of them en masse. They're handy things to have lying around and don't mind giving one or two to deserving okes like adrianhopebailie once in a while. It's usually family and friends who are the beneficiaries as they get ADSL lines or add more handset points in the house/office.

 

[DapperDanMan]

No prob, I understand.