Setting up Broadband.

[bigsister]

I have taken the plunge and now received my kit from B.T. via AOL.
I was expecting a wireless modem, but this doesn't seem to be the case. It says to plug in the modem to the main phone socket which is under a radiator right by the front door. Does this mean I will have to run a cable from here to my PC. Am scared of trying 'til i am sure what i am doing.

[funnygirl]

I will be interested in this answer too. Like you I have had to plug in my modem from the hallway into the room where I keep my computer.
At present the wires are under the carpet, but boy, it is a long way!

[bigsister]

Ooh, doesn't sound too good. Wonder how much wireless ones are.

[LeMarchand]

It may be that you do have a wireless modem - however the "wireless" applies to connections from the modem/router to the computer, the modem/router still needs to go into a phone socket. With BT, you also normally need an ADSL filter (like a socket doubler) to split the data info out of the phone signal.

What make/model is your modem?

[bigsister]

[goes to box and unpacks it].
Its a BT Voyager 190.

[LeMarchand]

That's a wired router. Check your order documentation to see if you ordered/are supposed to have a wireless one; if you are contact the vendor to get it replaced. If you aren't supposed to have a wireless router then you need to decide whether you want to stay wired or not.

If the former, yes you will need to run cable from the modem to your PC.

If the latter, I'd try giving BT/AOL a sob story to see if they will replace your router with a wireless one (or at least take it back in part ex). If that's a no go, Argos do the sort of kit you need for around �70, though if you shop around/eBay it you should be able to bring that down considerably (you need a wireless ADSL modem/router). It will make life a lot easier if you set it up via an ethernet cable (borrow one if you have to) and then go wireless once its all set up.

There's a few security considerations if you go wireless, so post here if you need help with those!

[bigsister]

I think there was mention of an ethernet cable. It said make sure you have a spare ethernet port on the PC I think. What exactly is that please? Hope you don't mind these questions.

[londonpaul]

Even though they say put it in the master socket I have not had any problems using an extension socket for broadband (myself and many customers of mine) so you should be ok there
AOL only say use the master cos it makes their job easier when troubleshooting on the phone. Think of it like this, the signal has to travel a long way from the exchange, maybe a few Kilometers, what difference will a few meters in your home make!?

As for the wireless router AOL use netgear DG834 routers. If you asked to have a wireless connection when you ordered you should have been sent a netgear, call AOL and complain.

[londonpaul]

i am assuming u have a desktop PC. An ethernet port is a wired network port, like a shorter but fatter telephone connector. you may have one on the back of your pc below the keyboard/mouse connectors, next to a USB port or if its an add-on card near the bottom of the pc.

If not its not a big problem, you can buy a ethernet card for around �7 in PC world.

[bigsister]

Thanks for the answers everyone. I never actually asked for a wireless modem, just thought I'd read thats what was in the Silver package.
I will try using the socket in the room where I have my PC. Nothing awful will happen I'm sure. Can always change it back if it does. No harm done I hope. Will be SO much easier. The phone socket here is an extention of the main socket. Fingers crossed. Will havve a go tomorrow when I hope for a quiet day. At my age, concentration is not easy.

[jocky]

You are correct. AOL silver at �14.99 a month should come with a wireless router.

[LeMarchand]

*Googles Voyager 190 again*

Definitely a wired router, and on the Silver package you should have a wireless one - complain!

As for set up, most newish desktops and laptops come with an ethernet port as described by londonpaul. If you are connecting a desktop and want to do it wirelessly, you will almost certainly need to fit it with a wireless card, as it is not common for them to come wireless enabled. It will still be easier to set up using an ethernet port and a wire initially, though. If you are connecting a more modern laptop, it will probably already have a wireless card. Again, set up is easier with a wire, and then once the network is set up you can go wireless.

[bigsister]

Thanks gang. Will get on to AOL straightaway.

[bigsister]

A BIG THANK YOU. I have been on to AOL and it seems I was sent the wrong package. [Trust me]. Good job I didn't start scrabbling about in all the cobwebs under the radiator and thought to ask all of you your advice first. You can all go to the top of the class and give out the pencils. Mwah! Mwah!

[Toureman]

Now your getting a wireless one all you need to worry about is the criminals in your road with a scanner getting all your banking details.

[bigsister]

Oh nice!! What's that all about?

[LeMarchand]

It's easier to hack into wireless networks than wired ones, however you can make it very difficult for people to hack in by making a few changes to the default settings for your network (the security considerations I mentioned earlier) -the default settings include little or no security to make the initial set up easier.

Whilst there is some risk, particularly if you leave your network at the default settings as many do, I personally feel that with robust security settings the risk is low.

[bigsister]

Thank you for that, when I receive the correct pack may i post again if I need any pointers please, especially with regard to security?

[LeMarchand]

No problems! I'll be happy to help and there's lots of knowledgeable folk on here who will see you right.