Wireless Modem Router

[Miket]

I have a free wireless modem router, I don't need the wireless part, but is there any advantage using the modem router connected via the Ethernet cable to my PC instead of the USB Modem.

Just asking as I've just read the following on an ISP review site.

"When using the BT modem, I experienced lost/broken connections. If my pc was left on standby I had to reboot to log on-very tedious. Now I've got a router and find it much better"

[robert]

Not unless you have a problem with your current set-up.

Outages and disconnects can be attributed to many different things, incorrect install of drivers etc. The user your have quoted may have just fixed his issue by installing the drivers for the router.

[dingocooke]

The only advantages of a router is that you can connect multiple machines to it, and the router will have a built in firewall to give you a bit of extra security. Wireless is not my cup of tea, I like cables connected to my router!! More secure too.

[kayjayd]

Mike I've used a router for quite a few years now for a few reasons.

The connection stability when using a router is far greater than when using a modem because a router remains connected when the PC is turned off. This means you have far less reconnect/logon problems. According to my router summary page my router has been connected for 136 days without a problem. Last time it lost connection was due to some prat overloading a ring main in the garage and causing a trip If you're having to connect to your ISP every time you boot your PC as a modem does you're bound to have more connection problems - law of averages.

If you run a modem you'll also need to run a some sort of dialer program on your PC. These things are notoriously unreliable (especially AOL). You'll also need to run a software firewall which are about as much use as tits on a bull - I spent 3 years trying to break these things professionally - they're all rubbish and eat resources on your machine.

For the cost difference I would go with a router every time.

[Miket]

Originally Posted by kayjayd

For the cost difference I would go with a router every time.

Cheers Kev, it's not about cost as I have a freebie still in the box, I'll give it a try and see how I get on If I go missing for a few days, you'll know the reason.