Wired router suggestions

I have two computers that already have the same type of ethernet card installed and I can switch the broadband cable from one to the other and all is fine but now I need to move one computer to another room and I want to hard wire them together thru a router. I had considered wireless but I have been reading some less than satisfactory results from some of the folks here.

So...I need suggestions for a good, reliable wired router. I have looked a little bit on Newegg, but there are too many choices and I don't know what features that I need.

I have been using a LINKSYS BEFSR41 model for about 8 years.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833124001

I am on my 3rd router. Barebones so to speak, just remember to keep your software firewall enabled.

Train..a lot of the reviews were very negative...dropped connections a lot & such...I'm assuming that you have had good luck with the ones that you have used...not sure what to make of that..:confused: .

The RJ45 cable...that's the type cable that goes from the router to the ethernet card ( probably one of those obvious, silly questions...but I really don't know...:o )

Yes it is.
And your right, I have had very good luck with mine not dropping conections once I learned that raising them up so air can circulate and keep them cool.

What modem do you have? It could be the modem already has a router function inside and in that case all you'd need is a switch.

:cool:

Dr. Bob brought out a good point. What modem do you have now?

Hey guys...long day at work...my cable modem is a Terayon with just a single connection for a computer. It also has a usb port. I have no idea if it has a router function but I can call the cable people and they can tell me.

So...first I need to determine if the modem has a router function and go from there?

That would be a good start. But you want to avoid using the USB function if at all possible.

It probably doesn't have an in-built router but you may be able to use both the Ethernet and the USB connection at the same time depending on which model it is. The 700 series should be capable of it but you'll probably need your cable company to assign an extra IP address.

If it works you can save yourself the expense of a router. You can use the USB connection for the computer close by the modem and the Ethernet connection for the one in the other room.

:cool:

Terayon TeraPro cable modem
Home Access FAQ
http://www.terayon.com/tools/static_...00&cat_id=8.12

Quote:

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13. I have recently installed a USB cable modem on my system, however when performing certain tasks it completely freezes the system.

Unfortunately, cable modems are bandwidth hogs when it comes to USB. It will not share with many USB devices (e.g., printer, scanner). Either have the modem be the only USB device or connect via Ethernet (which is preferred).



15. Can I connect one PC with USB and another PC with Ethernet at the same time?

No – A hub or router is required to connect to multiple PCs at the same time, and you must use one method of connection or the other – not both.



16. Is it better for me to connect with USB or with the Ethernet?

USB is a shared connection. The ethernet is not shared and is generally a faster connection.



19. I was wondering whether my recently acquired Terayon TJ 210 had a config screen I could access through my browser?

There is no web interface for the configuration of this modem.

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You are quoting a general (and therefore almost certainly incomplete/out of date) FAQ. Read the manual of the 7000 series and you'll see that using both Ethernet and USB is possible with that series.

:cool:

Dr. Bob...I have the TJ714X Terayon modem. I went to the site that you gave and didn't see the manual to d/l. I might just try and use a usb cable and see if it works on this 2nd computer here on the desk and see what happens.

Can I assume at this point that I probably just need to get an ethernet switch and some cable?

That is a 700 series, so you need the router and cables.

Here you can download the installation guide of the 700 series. In the FAQ section (which is now specific to this series) on page 18 you'll read:

Quote:

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Q. Can I have more than one computer attached to a Terayon modem?

A. Yes, Terayon cable modems provide this capability. Terayon TJ 700x Series modems
provide a feature called Ethernet-USB Bridging. It allows you to connect two PCs to
the modem without having to use an additional hub. One PC connects to the
modem via an Ethernet connection (see Making Ethernet Connections on page 8).
The second PC connects to the modem using a USB connection (see Making USB
Connections on page 10). Note that you must arrange for this service with your
cable service provider. Some service providers limit the number of computers connected
to the modem.

If you have more than two computers you wish to connect to the modem, or your
computers are not equipped with USB interfaces, you will need to install a hub into
your system. You must also arrange for this service with your cable service provider.
As previously mentioned, some service providers limit the number of computers
connected to the modem.

Q. Can I connect the Terayon cable modem to a hub or switch?

A. Yes, you can connect the Terayon cable modem to a hub or switch. Buy a cross-over
cable and connect the port labeled 10Base-T on the modem to one of the ports on
the hub or switch. Note that many newer hubs and switches have an uplink port
specifically designed for cascading. Connect this uplink port to your Terayon cable
modem and it should work without a cross-over cable. Connect your PC to another
available port.

IMPORTANT: While you may be able to successfully complete a physical
connection to a hub or switch indicated by a green PC LED, you cannot obtain
additional IP addresses unless your subscription allows for more than one IP
address. Contact your cable operator for more information.

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So you'll probably need to check with your cable company whether they are willing to assign you a second IP address but if they are you not only have the possibility to use the USB/Ethernet combination but also have the option to connect both computers through an Ethernet connection by merely buying a simple switch which is much cheaper than a router.

If you can't get a second IP address you'll need a router. Since apparently both computers get internet access when attached to the modem that could mean you wont need to set up a router to use 'MAC cloning' but keep it in mind anyway.

:cool:

FWIW, wired 10/20/100/200Mbps broadband ethernet routers start at $15.99 (USD) at newegg.com:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...nd&Order=PRICE

And ethernet switches start at $8.99 (USD):

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...nd&Order=PRICE