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Posts tagged cable modem
Installing a Netgear Wireless Router
62 days
by TwiddleGeek
in amd K5
Installing a Netgear router at the heart of your home wireless network can appear daunting to the uninitiated. This article takes you through the process and points out the lessons learnt by the author when he installed his router.
How to install a netgear wireless router
This account is based upon the experience of installing a WNR # n cable router in place of an earlier Netgear 802.11g router.
As people’s use of wireless networks at home increases, more people may be faced with the task of replacing their router, or installing a router for the first time. The task does not need to be too daunting but it does require a degree of patience, planning and attention to detail when reading and following instructions.
Planning and Preparation
The most important part of the preparation is to make sure that you have all the bits that you need. This means not only ensuring that you take all the parts out of the box, but ensuring that you have a PC close enough to the router and cable modem to make a physical Ethernet connection with a cable. In my case, that meant moving a laptop to the part of the room where the cable modem was situated. This PC must have a CD-ROM drive to accommodate the resource disk which provides the installation wizard.
The Main Components of a Computer
A computer is made of two main parts: the hardware and the software. The hardware part is the physical part of a computer and it consists of the mainboard, the processor, the memory, the keyboard, the HDD and FDD, the electric circuits, the mechanical devices and so on. On the...
Finally, you should decide which security protocol you are going to use to protect the network from intruders.
The Installation Process
The time to install a netgear wireless router is suggested to be 15 minutes. For me, once I was ready to start, it took less than this to do the actual intsllation and it was a smooth process. Once the resource disk is placed in the disk drive, it will run automatically, and then the user is led step by step through the installation process. The first stage is an automatic check that the Internet connection and other factors are suitable for the new router.
Once this has been done, the installation process consists of a sequence of instructions to the user. In the first part of the process when replacing a router, the old router is used to access the Internet. Therefore, it is very important that the power is connected and disconnected to the new and old router in the correct sequence and the cables are also connected and disconnected in the right order. However, provided that the user has the confidence to follow the clear instructions and pictures provided, the process should proceed smoothly. Although it feels a bit like those sequences in movies where the hero has to disconnect the wires in the correct order to prevent the bomb exploding, in reality, there are no such dire consequences.
Once the router has been installed, a wired Ethernet connection is no longer required, the cable can be disconnected, and there is no longer a need for a computer in close physical proximity.
The router can be configured using a browser to access the routerlogin.net page.
So What Can Possibly Go Wrong?
First of all, you need to ensure you have an appropriate router for your Internet connection. Most manufacturers produce cable routers and ADSL routers. If you purchase the wrong type it will not work with your computer.
Second, make sure that your router and cable modem are easily accessible during installation, including their power connections. There’s a lot of cable switching to be done, and it’s a lot easier if everything is in reach!
The stage in the process which caused me some issues was installing other PCs on the new network. The WNR2000 router has a system called WPS to provide instant access to a secured network without the need for a network password. Having installed my laptop on the new network with WPA encryption to protect the network, I then moved onto installing my main computer. I should have just accepted the option to connect to the new network. Instead, I took the option to configure the connection. This asked me for the 8-digit security pin on the router, and then generated a new much longer password for the network using the WPS technology. I found the laptop I had already connected was now excluded from the network.
I reverted to my preferred option of choosing my own encryption password.
If you wish to add further security and have a relatively static network, i.e. one where you don’t have lots of family and friends dropping in who wish to connect to your network, you can use the Device Access List under wireless options to specify the MAC addresses of those devices you wish to connect and effectively exclude all other devices.
How The Motorola SBG6580 Cable Modem Works
300 days
by TwiddleGeek
in modems
Until recently I had never heard of a Motorola SBG6580 and had no idea what a cable modem actually did, I did know that the computer that I use needed some boxes attached to it so that I could use my laptop in my room or in the kitchen and that the P.C. in the family room operated somehow from these boxes but I didn’t know what they were called or how they functioned.
My girlfriend always sets up the electronics in our home (and monopolized the remote) but all that had to change when she was away on business in Europe and during her absence our ancient desktop had to be replaced. I couldn’t wait until her return to resolve the problem so I had to quickly figure out how to set up a new computer system.
I discovered that this involved buying a cable modem for networking and connecting my computer system. this was much more technical than I could cope with, so I had to do some extensive reading and researching and I had to talk to several different people before I could understand all the technical jargon. I learned that the set up for such a computer network is really quite simple but you do need the right equipment to help you.
Broadband computers used to run on 56K modems but these modems are not very fast, they do not allow downloading of multimedia files and they do not allow streaming. for these type of internet applications you require higher internet speeds. the type of broadband modems that permit this high speed access don’t normally come with your computer purchase, so you have to buy the modem separately. Most cable TV companies offer internet access and this kind of cable internet (such as from Comcast) requires a specific cable modem.
Cable modems are essential to effective internet use, when you understand what they do and the advantages they give you will never want to be without one of these wonderful devices. your cable modem allows your computer or laptop to connect to the internet without wires (that’s why it is called wireless). You then have access to the internet in a certain delimited area where your cable modem operates, for twenty four hours every day.
The major concern of wireless cable modem users is speed and their second concern is safety. Unless your computer is properly protected, your information and data is vulnerable to security breaches. Spyware, worms and viruses can also infect your computer. It is important that the cable modem that you purchase is one that delivers the internet speed that you want and also protects your online information.
After some more searching and researching I finally decided to buy a cable modem called the Motorola SBG6580 it has a number of excellent features and has turned out to be the perfect accessory to my computer. I decided on this purchase by reading the reviews for this product from one of the big internet merchant websites. such websites give the technical information for all the different brands of cable modem devices but if you are like me and don’t understand the technical jargon, then the best way to arrive at a purchasing decision is to read the reviews from real people.
Then you can see what features of the product these buyers appreciated and whether they would recommend the product to other buyers. the comments from buyers of the Motorola SBG6580 appreciated the stability of the internet connection, they also said that this Motorola device worked with Comcast cable and operated in a large home so the coverage was excellent.Other comments were from buyers that were happy that this device was reliable and had a very fast connection time. Several buyers remarked that they used the Motorola cable modem instead of leasing from their network company and as a result had saved money.
On the downside some people commented that the set up was technically challenging, but an almost equal number of people said that they had no problem setting it up. I personally did not have any problems with the set up. It is true there were a couple of directions that I did not understand so I called Motorola who helped me set it up perfectly. I have had the device for three months without any problem and I would recommend it to anyone who wants fast internet speeds.
Techdad Review » TRENDnet 450 Mbps Dual Band Wireless N USB Adapter TEW-684UB
314 days
by TwiddleGeek
in 10100 Mbps
The TRENDnet TEW-684UB dual band wireless adapter is one of the first USB adapters to support the new 450 Mbps wireless speeds. Unless you have an Intel 6300 Ultimate card (rare) in your laptop, you likely won’t be able to take full advantage of the 450 Mbps wireless routers that are out now. That’s where the TEW-684UB comes in.
PROS
- Great performance
- Good range
- Powered completely by USB
- Easy installation
CONS
- Unique shape hinders mounting on laptop lid
INSTALLATIONInstalling the TRENDnet TEW-684UB was as painless as could be. I installed the drivers from the included CD-ROM and was good to go. I thought the TRENDnet software was useful as well and provided some nice customization options. I mainly stuck with the Wi-Fi utility in Windows 7 during my tests, however.
BUILD & DESIGNThe TRENDnet TEW-684UB is an itty bitty thing, but you’ll notice that it’s not a USB “stick.” It looks like a miniature cable modem, that’s supposed to be placed in a vertical position. Due to the curved shape at the bottom, it makes mounting the adapter on a laptop lid a bit challenging. you could theoretically place velcro on the bottom of the base, but it’s not an ideal placement. Still, the adapter is small enough that you can just leave it on a surface right next to the USB port of your laptop. the glossy black plastic looks sharp, but attracts does attract dust.
The front of the adapter has three LEDs that indicate power, wireless link/activity, and WPS status.
The back has the micro-USB port, where you’ll plug your USB cable in to.
The top of the adapter has the WPS button for easy connectivity to a router that supports WPS authentication.
PERFORMANCEThe TRENDnet TEW-684UB performed very well in my tests. Paired with a NETGEAR WNDR4500 router, range and throughput were excellent. to test the adapter, I used a network testing utility called iperf, and compared the TRENDnet TEW-684UB with an integrated Intel Wi-Fi adapter in a Dell Inspiron laptop.
The TEW-684UB outperformed the integrated adapter at every distance. I was able to reach a maximum throughput of 128 Mbps on the 5GHz band and 60 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. Keep in mind that the area I tested in was flooded with 2.4GHz wireless networks.
Using the TRENDnet TEW-684UB, I was able to easily stream HD videos and high-quality music files. the connection was reliable as well –– never dropping a connection during the course of my testing.
CONCLUSIONIf you have one of the new 450 Mbps wireless routers, you’re probably looking for the best speed you can get. the TRENDnet TEW-684UB is a great little wireless adapter to pair it with. Its unique shape is hard to physically mount on a laptop, but if you can overlook that, you’ll get a reasonably priced wireless adapter that will take you to top speeds.
Available from Amazon.com.
* Review unit provided by TRENDnet
Linksys Incorporat – Linksys Etherfast Dsl/Cable Router – BEFSR41
315 days
Rating: Amazon Price: N/A (as of July 14, 2012 1:00 pm – Details). Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Amazon site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Think of the EtherFastCable/DSL Router with 4-Port Switch as a kind of splitter for your Internet connection. just connect your DSL or Cable Modem to the Router, and all the computers in your household can share the Internet — all at the same time. the built-in 4-port switch lets you attach four local PCs directly, or daisy-chain out to more hubs and switches as your network grows. once your computers are connected to the Internet through the Router, they can communicate with each other too, sharing resources and files. all your computers can print on a shared printer connected anywhere in the house. And you can share all kinds of files between computers -music, digital pictures, and other documents. keep all your digital music on one computer, and listen to it anywhere in the house. Organize all of your familys digital pictures in one place, to simplify finding the ones you want, and ease backup to CD-R. Play head-to-head computer games within the household, or against Internet opponents. Utilize extra free space on one computer when anothers hard drive starts to fill up.
- the Linksys EtherFast cable/DSL router connects multiple PCs to a high-speed broadband Internet connection or to an Ethernet backbone. Configurable as a DHCP server, the EtherFast router acts as the only externally recognized Internet device on your local area network (LAN). the router can also be configured to block internal users’ access to the Internet. a typical router relies on a hub or a switch to share its Internet connection, but the Linksys EtherFast router channels this connection through the full-duplex speed of its built-in EtherFast 10/100 four-port switch. this combination of router and switch technology eliminates the need to buy an additional hub or switch and serves your network as a completely dedicated, full-duplex backbone. Now your entire network can enjoy broadband Internet connections supported by its switched backbone. this unit requires an external cable or DSL modem with an Ethernet RJ-45 interface. this product comes with a one-year warranty.
- Product Dimensions: 6.1 x 7.3 x 1.8 inches ; 12.3 ounces
- Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds
- ASIN: B0000AG8II
- Item model number: BEFSR41-DE
Have That Hit Music Beat in Your Head – Create Beats On Your Computer and Share It With the World
Have a hit music beat in your head, now you can create it on your computer. If you've thought about taking a tab at a music career making beats and possibly selling them then the time to get started is now. In this article we'll discuss the software required to...
VoIP Phone Hardware – What Hardware Do I Need To Setup My VoIP phone?
318 days
Most VoIP companies sell all the hardware needed to set up and begin using a VoIP service from a home computer. in the event that you are buying separate components for setting up a home VoIP service there is some installation to be done and a minimum amount of VoIP hardware needed.
Depending on the service you are using there may be some small differences, but most hardware will be more similar than different.
* Router and/or phone adapter – This component is the essential part of the VoIp hardware, allowing information to be exchanged between your high-speed internet connection and your phone. There will be a minimum of three plug-in slots in the back of the unit, one for the LAN (computer) hook-up, one for the WAN (DSL or cable modem) hook-up, and at least one slot for the analog phone to plug into.
Advantages of Networking Your Home Computers
Computers have become an integral part of our life, not just at work but at home as well. It is not unusual for a household to have two or more computers. Just like an office, you can network your home computers together in order to share documents, photos, video, and...
There will also be a power supply cord. Depending on the phone adapter the number of slots on the back of the unit may differ but there will still be one slot for Ethernet cable and one for phone or fax line. some VoIp routers also work as a network router to enable up to four computers to share the high-speed broadband internet connection.
* Cables – an Ethernet cable will be need to hook the router or phone adapter to the computer or high speed internet gateway and a phone line will be needed to connect the phone to the router/phone adapter.
* Plug and play – most of the new devices require minimal set-up by the home user, rather they are plug and play devices for easy set-up and configuration. the devices will come with a simple, easy to follow step-by-step installation and configuration guide.
How would a wireless network which is getting signal from my wired LAN affect my computer/internet connection?
My next door neighbour would like to create a wireless network in order to access internet- through my wired LAN (DSL modem). How would that affect my computer? Could I be having difficulties when trying to access internet at the same time and -would it slow down my connection- speed?Sharing...
* Analog phone – a good quality analog phone is essential for good quality sound. the phone may be either standard or cordless and simply plugs into the phone jack located on the back of the VoIP router or phone adapter.
* PC Handsets – These devices are similar to telephones but they connect to the computer through USB or via sound card. Usually, they work with a softphone. If you are using an IP phone, these can also be plugged to allow many users to use the same phone.
* PC Headsets – This headset is a very commonly used to listen to listen to the audio from your PC while allowing you to speak through a microphone.
How Your Modem and Router Work – Know the Ways
360 days
by TwiddleGeek
in modems
With the rise of Internet technology and its number of consumers, modems and routers have become mostly a household word. Modem is a simple electronic device with a duty to convert digital signals to the analog form whereas a router selects the best route between any two networks to send the data to its destination point.
Work Process of a Modem. when a computer sends a signal in a digital form, a modem makes sure those signals are twirled into specific frequencies which travel over telephone or cable connections. after it reaches the target, it is the job of another modem to demodulate the frequencies to revert it to the digital form again. If you have a modem, you can connect to any number of friends using modem contained by a network.
Work Process of a Router. Router enhances the potential of Internet technology by effective routing and forwarding the information from one end to another. It can be a central computer system that acts as a router to bring all the computers of a company to a single network. Now the messages from the number of users connected to the network is sent by a router via thousands of diverse pathways. Any download or upload of files and web pages are also taken care of by a router.
Working Nature of Different Modems. Modems come in varieties like cable modem which is the fastest of its kind, DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) modem, Dial up modem, wireless modem, etc.
Cable Modem. they are the fastest types and designed mainly to compete against DSL services provided by telephone companies. their working principle is the same as that of cable television where the same signals travel in the same lines of the television broadcasting.
The data gets into a compressed form of 6 Mhz electronic stream which occupies less space and travels through a cable line. Now it is the job of a cable modem to decode the signals and translate the electronic message to the data form which is read by your computer.
These types of modems have a huge advantage over DSL modems in terms of maximum available connection speed.
DSL Modem. they are faster than the dial-ups (at least 35 times) and can use regular telephone lines to travel through. a DSL modem connects the computer with the help of USB or Ethernet line. The computer information is sent and received by this modem via telephone line connection. The distance between you and the server determines the strength and speed of the signal you encounter with.
Wireless Modem. they operate on wireless networks instead of a telephone line system. these are connected directly to the wireless ISP (Internet Service Provider) of the user through satellite. a wireless router is needed to establish a wireless network.
Then the wireless modem sends and receives the signal to allow Internet access.
How does a Wireless Router Work? Accessing the Internet is possible by two different types of wireless routers meant for specific uses. The first type permits you to connect the computers inside a single household where all the computers fall within the range of a router. second type covers a wider range and is meant for office purposes.
A proper computer configuration consisting of IP Addresses like 192.168.2.1 or 192.168.1.2 along with subnet mask, default gateway, a chosen DNS server are necessary for tailoring of the task of routing and forwarding.
Installing the Westell Wireless With the Cable Modem
377 days
Installing the Westell wireless router is the straightforward process that the novice may complete. The wireless router will give you the ability in accessing the Internet from the computer with the wireless capabilities. This will be much helpful if you use the laptop and do not work at the fixed location. it will also make it possible for many people in accessing the single Internet connection at one time. Here is more information that you can read in installing the Westell wireless with the cable modem. You have to be careful in doing the following steps so that you will get what you really need.
For the first step, you can plug in the cable modem. You should plug the cable into the back of the slot of the back of the modem. there is only a location where it will fit; therefore there will be no change for doing an error.
For the second step, you need to plug in the DSL cable to the modem. it will generally be provided by the cable company once they provide the cable modem to you. then, plug another end of your DSL cable into the Westell router.
After that, plug the Westell router into the AC adapter. then, plug the AC adapter into the electrical outlet. it is important for you to insert the CD from the Westell router into the optical drive. You can follow the on-screen prompts in order to set up your router. if you want to secure the connection, you need to choose secured when it is prompted and also include the password.
For the last step, you can check for the Internet connection on the computers that contains the wireless card. due to the different operation systems, there can be slight modifications necessary and also the individual computer will also alert you which steps that you have to take. it will also consist of entering the password into the logon screen if you have chosen to get the secured connection. now you can enjoy exploring the Internet connection with your personal computer. Be sure that it will do well so that you can get the high speed connection to the Internet. This will be great fro your needs.
Finding A Reliable Cable Modem With Stable Connection
392 days
A reliable cable modem allows you to enjoy the internet with great speed data transfer, as well as uninterrupted and stable connection. Most modems can reach speeds from to 1.5 mbps to 3 mbps for personal internet plans. at this speed, it is much faster than dial up connections from your old modem, and there are other requirements including Ethernet cable that connects to the cable modem, and a network card.
The Americans are reputed to be the largest cable modem users in the world, and the modems primarily used for receiving signals from the cable television network, and at the same with providing high speed internet to homes. according to statistics, the Americans remain the largest users of internet modems, so there’s a lot to choose from, finding the right one is a challenge.
The internet has countless information about the modem which includes technical details like speed, compatibility, warranty, reviews, and the requirements. choose a reputable modem that is reliable and before you choose the modem you like make sure that you know the product’s specifications or you’ll end up spending some more if you’re wrong.
You need to consider the OS or your Operation system of your computer, so see if it is compatible, and check the speed of your modem while you are at it. the Ethernet is compatible with newer versions of Windows, Linux, UNIX, or Mac. You internet service provider or your internet plan also determines the speed of your internet connection.
Your Surfboard modem should pass the FCC regulation for the voltage requirements for safety reasons. Moderns allows you to send a fax message and also receive them so don’t bother purchasing a fax machine. the standard V.90 modems carries the latest features, but just to be sure, ask about the compatible cable modem for the service provider you intend to use.
Your internet service provider should advice you top buy a specific model of a modem and make sure you get the right one. With all the requirements met, you can enjoy the high sped internet anytime you want. Lastly, know the specifications of the cable modem before the deciding. the modem’s compatibility to your system is an important thing to consider.
Motorola SBG6580 – The Wireless Cable Modem for Your Home and Office Needs
406 days
by TwiddleGeek
in modems
Wireless networking has been the trend these days in almost all offices and even in most homes. The Motorola SURFboard Gateway SBG6580 wireless cable modem is the perfect solution that enables you to meet your networking needs. This cable modem is basically an all-in one device that delivers high-speed file sharing feature and a bandwidth networking security.
The SBG6580 works 8x faster than any other cable modems that you can see in most electronic stores near your place. it comes with 300 mbps speed connectivity for faster and efficient online games, video calls, online shopping and more. it is also equipped with dual band access point capacities for a complete media experience at a fast internet speed. The modem is a fully integrated cable router with features of a DOCSIS/EuroDOCSIS 3.0 cable modem, 4 gigabit Ethernet ports and a Wi-Fi access point of 802.11n.
This modem is specifically designed for mobility and the ideal solution for networking needs in small businesses, offices and in most homes allowing each users access to some data, information, applications and documents in a wired or Wi-Fi connectivity. The SBG6580 supports a multitude of services from gaming, music and movies downloads or streaming options. The cable modem is also compatible with Windows, Macintosh and UNIX software applications.
Sharing your digital photos, files, movies and other multimedia services to the internet or to another PC is now easy and simple with SBG6580. This is a cost-effective, efficient and secure router that enables all users to utilize the full potential of a cable wireless modem. it also comes with a built-in firewall so you can protect and secure your data from internet threats and malware attacks.
The slim design of the SBG6580 helps reduce wire clutter, energy consumption and office or desk space. Reboots seldom happens and it has enhanced WPA-PSK security to protect your important files from hackers so you don’t have to worry about that. The product is a good all-in-one combo that is fast and reliable and just what you need for games, downloads, Voip calls and file sharing activities.
If you want a router and modem combo that will pay off for years and years to come, get the Motorola SBG6580. Simply call your cable provider for the proper installation of the CD-ROM to access Wi-Fi connectivity. I highly recommend this router for anyone out there who needs network connection in one whole package. You can even find the product online where it is usually sold on sale. So what are you waiting for?
Setting Up Your D-Link Wireless Network – Simple Steps to Follow
421 days
by TwiddleGeek
in d-link
The Dlink wireless network setup is quite easy. All you need is a Dlink wireless router or a Wireless Access Point (WAP) and then you need the Dlink wireless adapter, one for each computer, which will connect to the router or the WAP. there are many components to a wireless network and it may include a broadband internet connection through a cable modem or DSL, an internet security option, wireless printers and faxes, wireless music and video players, wireless game consoles and controllers, and so on.
Dlink wireless network setup is easiest when all components are from Dlink because it ensures maximum hardware compatibility. All Dlink products come with a quick installation manual that makes it a snap to follow step-by-step instructions to get the network ready to go. there are also detailed user manuals that cover all the technical aspects of the router and adapter.
Wireless networks are quite convenient and neat because there is no mess of power wires and connecting cables but there are some things you proceed with the Dlink wireless network setup.
First thing to keep in mind is that no outsiders are able to connect to your network because by default the Dlink wireless network setup is open to everyone. you must replace all the default passwords with those of your own choice because the factory defaults are known to hackers. Default settings include the access point and adapters and passwords. there are many similar Dlink networks in the world and it must be expected that there is a high probability of your network being close to some adapter that is not part of your network. Hackers are constantly on the prowl looking for networks running on default settings because they are so easy to crack. All you need to do is create a new password and you are several times safer. Hackers are a constant threat to wireless networks so you must change the password before you open your network to the world.
During the first run of the Dlink wireless network setup you will be assisted by setup wizards. When you are answering the questions that will help you to configure the network you must make sure you change all the default values to customized ones. just make sure that you don’t go overboard in choosing something so complicated that you yourself cannot remember it. As long as you go in for a reasonably complicated personalized setup you will be fine. just do not choose common information like your family name, kids’ names, date of birth and so on.
If you have more than one computer you wish to include in your wireless network then make sure the WAP or router is located central to all computers.