I'm looking to purchase a new wireless modem router. Has anybody any advice on what to go for and what to avoid? My previous netgear one was terrible. Thanks.

Any particular reason it as terrible, my Netgears been spot on

Well to be honest I'm not the most computer savvy so I've probably got it all set up wrong? I struggle to get connection round most parts of the house (it is in a good central position and not obscured by anything). I can't use the phone at the same time as the internet and it seems to be really slow compared to other connections I use (it's not Karoo either because I use my Mam's a couple of streets away on my laptop and that's fine).

Something else which I aren't too sure on is what type to get? Do I want just a wireless router or do I want a wireless router with a built-in DSL or cable modem? What is the difference?

I have a netgear one an its generally spot on.

That won't be anything to do with your router. Have you got a [url=http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?TabID=1&criteria=usb&ModuleNo=34179&C=SO&U=Strat15splitter[/url on all your phone sockets? If so, it's probably a problem with your phone line. Or, if it's a cordless phone you're using, it could be using the same channel as your wireless connection.



Are you on the same package? The quality of your service will depend on what package you have with Karoo. It could also be a poor quality line or you might even have gone over your fair usage limit, in which case your connection would be restricted during peak hours.

I've got a splitter on the phone line that my router is plugged into but on my other phone lines around the house I have the phone(s) plugged direct into the socket(s). Could this be the problem?

Yes we're on the same package. I just don't know what is causing it to be honest?? I think I'll have to get someone in to have a look at my set up. As well as some of you other people have also told me their Netgear routers are fine too so it must be me doing something wrong

Yep. If the line isn't split then your other phones will be getting a load of interference from the part of your line that is meant for broadband use and probably won't work.

Yes def need a spliiter on each phone socket

Also do you have SKY connected to a phone line as that can interfere too

Have you tried connecting to the router with a network cable instead of wireless, try that see if any improvement.

Anything near the wirless router that can cause interference - cordless phones, fridge , other electical stuff?

So I need to put splitters on all my socket points even though the majority of them will only have a phone plugged in?

Bit off topic and I am sorry for that but does anyone know if the response I got from Karoo yesterday is true?

Basically I had internet at home and then had it stopped because I was never in to use either that or my phone line. Last week I got it put back on and this time I got a Thomsen router instead of a netgear. I cannot get a wireless connection unless I sit and try to connect about 15-20 times and it will then finally connect.

When I rung karoo the guy said it is a common fault with laptops that have Windows Vista and there is nothing I can do except go through this process everytime I want to connect wirelessly. Either that or get XP on my laptop instead of Vista.

Surely this cannot be right? Is everyone in Hull with Vista having the same trouble?

yup as daft as it may seem

get them fairly cheap , prob a quid each

Yes, you need a splitter on any socket that has anything connected. Otherwise your phone/whatever else will be trying to use a line that is delivering a broadband signal, which it won't be able to do.

Quick analogy: if you have a mixer tap and have the hot water running constantly, you'll always be receiving hot water. If you then need some cold water, and turn the cold tap on, you won't receive a stream of cold water and a stream of hot water, you'll get a stream of warm water. To get separate streams you need separate outputs.

Yes because they are still using the same telephone line and you need the splitter to filter the phone data from your broadband data.

What model Thomson router?

But yes it does sound true in a way, have you set up the router with the correct software/drivers for Vista?

TG585 I think Karl

I wasnt aware I had to set anything up, I followed the instructions. It works fine with cable and when I can eventually get it connected it is fine but getting a connection can sometimes take 20 minutes!

Should I look for drivers online?

If that is the model (did you get it from karoo) then it should be Vista compatible and run once youve been through the setup disc.

First thing that springs to mind is the WPA key (password to connect to the router/network), maybe not being entered correctly, common thing is using a 0 instead of an O. guessing with it being a Thomson it willbe the one on the sticker on bottom of the router

Once youe got it right, you should be able to set it up to automatically connect to that network when it detects it

Many thanks for all your advice, some very useful information for me to be getting sorted there.

Also just been on to Karoo and they said they will provide me with a Thomson router that is set up with their software. Is it worth going for this option or are the Thomson routers to be avoided??

Vista is the worst OS ever invented.....Have just formatted my sons computer to get rid of vista and installed XP...once all updates had installed( which took quite a while) its the best OS by far.......never tried 7 yet though?

You clearly never experienced the 'delights' of Windows ME.

Ive got a netgear and vista and it all works fine.

The Thomson routers are basically Karoos equivilant of BT Home/Business Hubs, they get hold of them for next to nothing thats why you get no charge when getting Broadband.

I find that the Thomson Routers can provide a it of a bottle neck when trying to connect to the Internet as they are cheap and nasty, but unfortunatly Karoo like BT will probably insist on this been installed on the line to do troubleshooting.

We have 2 broadband connections in our house, one for home use that has a netgear on the end of it and in the last 2 years (touch wood) we have never had any issues.

In my office I have a Karoo Business connection, which Karoo sent me a Thomson Router which went straight in the bin and I have a Draytek Vigor 2800G connected and it is brilliant, no bottle necks at all, also has built in firewall and you can also block access to certain catagories of websites and also Vlan (Virtual Lan) each of the four interfaces so they have no connection with one and other. Wireless is brilliant get a very good range, infact I can connect from the bottom of my Garden with no problems at all.

They are a little more expensive but well worth it.

I just ditched my other halfs parents Thomson router for a Draytek I got on that auction website and you can see a marked difference already.

Me too Netgear router downstairs and 5 laptops run off it all on vista never had any problems as yet .

I must confess to never having any major issues with Windows ME.

I cant believe Karoo dont warn against this and ask which system you are using when you sign up. I dont mind getting XP installed over the top of my Vista but it will cost me not them which pee's me off.

Mind you I saved some money by stealing a pair of Grey trousers from a shop in St Stephens the other day so that will cover it.

Karoo used to recommend Netgear but it seems they now favour Thomsen.

I'm on Karoo but have a Belkin which worked fine with my old XP laptop and works equally well with Vista on my current one.

Any problems I have experienced have been down to Karoo rather than the router.