I'm looking at replacing a Netcomm NB5. I'm with Internode on ADSL, can't see us getting ADSL 2 for a while yet. Not sure whether to go with a new 4 port modem router or the same with wireless.

I have two machines (sometimes three) of my own, none have airport cards, I would like to connect these to a 4 port Netgear or Billion modem router. Also I would like to give visiting friends a way of connecting their mac or pc notebooks.

Wondering how easy it is to connect a macbook for occassional use to a 4 port modem router. Is it a simple process ?

If the new router was 4 port plus wireless, how easy is it to secure the network when the wireless side is not in use.

Appreciate any advice.
Thanks

Is the netcomm broken or something?

Do you know you can just buy a 5 or 8 port ethernet switch, for $30 or $40, and plug everything in via that? I have a siemens speedstream router, with only one ethernet port, yet run about 6 network devices off it.. Seems the cheapest and easiest option for you!

Do you mean by ethernet? It's just plug and play.

Set the wireless encryption to WPA and forget about it! Even better, WPA can use a 'passphrase' instead of a 40 bit hex string you need to write down..

Can I make a suggestion? Leave your netcomm modem in place and buy either - an airport express or a unit called an UltraWAP (google for it). Buy a network switch to connect more computers.

You can buy an all-in-one if you don't feel confident about what I've suggested above - the Netgear DG834 (from memory) would suit you pretty well..

The solution I outlined is just a little bit more flexible.

Hope this helps..

Jeremy

Huge post Jeremy, thanks.

FYI and others, Netcomm is still good, nice little router that has been running well for years.
I think that's part of the reason I'm unclear about a direction to take.

Switch, I thought of, but I could get a 4 port router for a similar outlay, eg arc are selling a Billion5102 for $50 atm.

re ethernet connection to router, do you have to add any info into network settings on the Macbook, or is it truely plug and play ????

Agree Airport Express is a good solution to this. It would allow me great flexibility in the future. You never know I might get a Macbook.

I wouldn't get a Billion if you wanted wireless, at all.

Going on your post, I recommend you replace the Netcomm with a Netgear DG834G -- they're a solid, dependable unit, can handle DSL1, DSL2, DSL2+, RE-ADSL and new capabilities are added regularly via firmware upgrades. The wi-fi is very stable and easy to secure, and best of all the built-in web interface is easy to understand. A hundred bucks will see you with a new box that'll handle all your current needs and also well into the future.

My DG834 is four years old, still going strong, and out-performs other home-grade routers I've tried, and everyone I know with one loves it (unless you're a mad torrent-addict who wants to download the whole internet!)


Brains

Brains, I think that's it. Must admit it's been an option high on my list.

DG834G will be a good flexible solution, under half the price of an AEBS and a single unit to keep desk clutter to a minimum.
Good to hear it has a simple setup interface.

Thanks

Netgear make decent low-end gear, they aren't the fastest, nor the most expandable, but they are reliable.

If you want a single-port aDSL modem/router that you can tinker with, I'd recommend a Belkin, Thomson or Billion.

Oh, and I loathe to touch a NetComm...

All computers now up and running thru a Netgear DG834G

Main computer, G4 running 10.4 and OS 9, wired straight into router.

Backup machine, G4 running 10.4, 10.2, OS 9, airport card connects to wireless network.
Security settings WPA-PSK for 10.4 (will need to connect up an ethernet cable to get 10.2 and OS 9 to connect to the internet, OR change security settings)

G3 running 10.2, planned use is for experimenting with terminal, connected to router via built-in 10Base-T ethernet port.

Really happy with this setup, surprised that all access the internet at satisfying speeds.
Airport card on backup G4 seems as speedy as wired ethernet on main machine.
10Base-T ethernet seems slower but not so its annoying at all.

And wireless network ready for visiting friends with notebooks.

Yet to set network up so that computers can access each other, still undecided on the benefits of this.

A satisfying result.

Good to hear, and thanks for the feedback. Any snags or queries, don't be afraid to holler


B.