Wireless Broadband connection

OwenR · 11-10-2004, 05:55 PM

I have got a BT Broadband basic package which is all working fine at the moment. Problem is I want to move my PC, to a room where I can't really get a phone line in. So looks like my only option is a wireless connection.

Was going to get a Belkin ADSL modem with built in wireless router and a belkin wireless PCI adapter, but before I order it, I have a coupel of questions, if people don't mind giving me some advice??!

a) does this seem the best way to do it

and

b) Will I have any problems getting this to run with the BT basic package? The software that came with it is all for their ADSL modem and seems to install some connection program on the computer. I assume I can manually set up the connection myself, but I just want to be sure?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

BigT · 12-10-2004, 02:44 PM

You'll have no problem with using that kit on your BT basic package. It seems like the best way of going about doing it. As long as the wireless router has an ADSL modem built in and is not packaged as a "broadband router" then it will be as simple as entering your BT username and account into the router and off you go.

Personally I would get a USB instead of PCI wireless card because you can posiiton it more easily for a strongest signal. The only other warning Iwould give is that if you play online games a lot you'll find your latency suffers as a result. Oh and don't forget to turn WEP on so that your neighbours don't use your broadband for free.

OwenR · 13-10-2004, 02:55 PM

Cheers BigT. The kit is arriving on Friday, so will let you know how it all went!
It's for my parents really, and that don't use it that much, least of all for gaming, so I don't see them having any problems with that.

OwenR · 21-10-2004, 06:19 PM

All done, no problems at all.

Simple to set up, just entered username and password (always BT) and everything else was set for me.

Cheers again BigT!

graywok · 22-10-2004, 09:46 AM

Hi,

Newbie just registered - as have a similar problem. I have just installed BT Broadband Basic but wanted to use it in a wireless configuration - just like Owen R . I have bought a Netgear (834 ) ADSL wireless Modem Router firewall thingy and a PC card and am having trouble configuring it to work.
...Quoting BIG T "As long as the wireless router has an ADSL modem built in and is not packaged as a "broadband router" then it will be as simple as entering your BT username and account into the router and off you go...

?Have I bought the correct set up and just need to to set it up correctly ?

I was going to call the Netgear helpline - but saw this forum and the reply seemed to solve it...so here goes.
Many thanks
Cheers
Graham

BigT · 22-10-2004, 11:44 AM

DG834 has a built in ADSL modem so there are no issues there. What sort of trouble are you having?

graywok · 22-10-2004, 11:58 AM

Hi Big T ,

That sounds good - I have the correct kit - It sounds straightforward so must be down to my setting up the connection at Username password entry stage

. I,ll give it a go tonight when I get home and report back .
Thanks again
Graham

Andy1966 · 22-10-2004, 03:13 PM

(I sent this to OwenR direct, but I thought I'd open it up for general comment too)

I have to do exactly the same for a friend tomorrow and I was also worried about BT's statement that the basic service doesn't support wireless or shared connections.

Can you let me know exactly what settings you had to input into the router to get it to work please?

As I remember, my friend didn't get a password so is it just a username of "firstname.lastname@btbroadband.com" and then "BT" as a password?

Also, did you need to make any router changes for PPPoE/PPPoA or anything else that needed you to change settings?

Thanks

Andy

OwenR · 22-10-2004, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy1966

(I sent this to OwenR direct, but I thought I'd open it up for general comment too)

I have to do exactly the same for a friend tomorrow and I was also worried about BT's statement that the basic service doesn't support wireless or shared connections.

Can you let me know exactly what settings you had to input into the router to get it to work please?

As I remember, my friend didn't get a password so is it just a username of "firstname.lastname@btbroadband.com" and then "BT" as a password?

Also, did you need to make any router changes for PPPoE/PPPoA or anything else that needed you to change settings?

Thanks

Andy

It's very odd why they say they don't support it, very odd indeed. I can only assume it's because they want to sell their own wireless kit (they have a voy one)

Basically I set it as a PPoE, entered the username (as you specified above) the password which is BT and the VPI/VCI which I set a 0 , 38. Now I'm not sure if that is generic, but I got it from looking at the connection which I has already installed with the BT basic software than came - (internet options, connection) After that, there was no problems everything was picked up automatically, apart from some fiddling around with the firewall. All works fine.

BigT · 22-10-2004, 05:39 PM

OwenR is quite right in the settings described.

Now let me tell you what it means that BT don't support it. There are two reasons why they say they won't support it.

1. They'd like people who want to share their connection to buy one of their business packages and their equipment they re-sell as Owen suggests

2. They don't want their support staff to provide advice on kit not provided by BT

You can see their point with the second one. Would you want to train every helpdesk employee in every ADSL router known to man?

The upshot is that it will work just fine but if you have a problem getting it to work you can't phone BT for advice. However, you may get lucky and some kind sole on helpdesk will give you a clue but they reserve the right to turn around and say, "Sorry you're not running our supported hardware". More importantly you are not in breach of contract by using your own hardware.