I am soon to be getting ADSL2+ (iinet).

I will be running (also soon to be acquired) a macbook, and my flatmate some form of PC laptop thing.

What is a better option: Wireless router, or, Airport Express plus standard router.

Some considerations:
It would like to be able to use both the PC and MB on the internet at same time.
I would find paying for an Airport Express and having it fry itself after 12 months very frustrating.
iinet is offering a four port wireless Belkin router ($199).

Basically I guess I want to know...if I am getting an Airport Express anyway, is there any reason I should get the wireless router (as opposed to whatever you call a non-wireless router)? Alternatively, if I decide that Airport Express is too crappy to spend money on (some reviewers seem to think so), can i easily run the PC and MB with just a wireless router?

Very new to modems and wireless. Thoughts appreciated!

I've had an AE doing the wireless routing before and had no problem with two macs and two pc's connecting to it at the same time.

I've now got a NetComm wireless router which my iBook connects to without problems.

With the AE you'll get AirTunes, which lets face it, is a pretty cool thing... so you have to decide if that is something you like the idea of.

For mine, I like my AE, I just wish it would talk to the NetComm wireless network so I could use it as a WDS.

WDS! Sounds cool! Whats a WDS?

Another thought...I think that maybe the phone socket is gonna end up somewhere not that convenient, like in the hall cupboard (very old apartment). That's no problem, as long as all I want to do is run the computers wirelessly, I can just put the wirelss router in the hall cupboard. Out of the way, tidy.

But I do like the sound of AirTunes quite a lot, and the stereo will not be anywhere near the hall cupboard. It will be in the living room.

Can I...have wireless router plugged into ohone outlet in hall cupboard + an airport express type thing plugged into the stereo in the living room + a macbook roaming wirlessly = all talking to each other at once so as to stream music and play through stereo sytem?

Is an airport express what I would need for this, or is there sojme other gizmo? What if I also has a second stereo in the bedroom and wanted to do the same thing in there too...would I need a second airport express unit to plug into the stereo there?

Exactly you could do this, but I think you're going to have problems if you hide the router away in the cupboard.. it's got an antenna remember and the signal has got to get through the walls/doors of the cupboard.

Having said that, I had my one AE in upstairs, and could access the web without problems downstairs and through about 4 walls... so it might work... wouldn't count on it though...

In the way you describe it above, the AE would be acting as a WDS and just extending the range of your network... have a read here... you just need to make sure your router is going to be one of the "Golden Few" that the AE will talk to...

Thanks for the link...I think it was helpful but am not sure if I have understood the article proper or not...I will hop over to that thread to show how much I don't know!

Definitely appreciate the thought on putting the router in cupboard - they walls here are very thick (brick covered in concrete), even for the cupboards. You woulda thought they were short of buidling materials in the 50s, but apparently not.

I have the next question :-) ... I hope it's ok to add to this thread (since there is a lot in common)

I have airport extreme running well at home, using bigpond cable.
I am signing up for iinet
I have bought an adsl2 modem (billion 7401, based on threads at whirlpool.net.au)

I think I understand where all the cables go etc but when configuring the devices, any thoughts on what settings to use on which device?

Even though the billion has 4 lanports I see only uing 1 as I like the shared exteral HD attached to my AE so 2 macs and the occasional pc will continue to access the net via the AE.

Thanks
Ken

Ken I dont know enough to help you with your question - but am wondering if you are going with iinet, why not take up their offer and they supply you with a Belkin? It will come preconfigured?

This is what I am planning on doing, but happy to hear better ideas!

Hi,

I ended up going with iinet and bundling VoiP (if it works, based on a detailed review in excel of my last 3 mth telstra bill my telephone calls will drop from something like 100/mth to 30/mth).

I signed up for 2 yrs to get the free install (I really don't move around that much)

I spent a bit of time (my beloved would say too much time) reviewing forum threads etc over at whirlpool regarding dsl hardware and billion seemed to come up trumps on most pages.

The billion 7401 (sans wireless option) supports voip, seems to get resonable feedback, seems popular and was 138 bucks ... ok, I'm tight too!

I found a number of threads and wikis shoing the detailed settings that will be needed and I don't mind having a tinker ... I just got a little lost in the detail on some of the threads and needed to stick my head up for air (and a reasonable opinion about AE) hence the post on mactalk...

I have the billion in hand and am supposed to be setup for adsl with iinet today so I can let you know how it goes if you want.

Cheers
ken

Yes I would love to hear how it goes.

I am having a battle to get a phone line installed at the property at present, but after many calls (with 15 minutes in queue each time) iinet have finally confirmed someone will be at the property to put the phone on on Friday.

I will persevere with iinet for the ADSL2, I also was on whirpool and looked in here for advice too. The free ADSL2 setup and discounted router offer ends at end of month, hopefully the line gets put in so I can take the offer up.