wireless help

settopbox

this is complicated but i wont make it too long.
i have a new dell 1530 on the way in the next few days, has all the wirlesss stuff the usual modern stuff etc. but it does not have any modem (56k type)
i have a desktop also modem is broken.
am hoping to get broanband from amocom (cork) set up to my laptop and also my desktop if possible.
my questions are

1 can i get broadband on my laptop without any modem.

2 they say they dony provide a wireless router so how can i possibly make my laptop wireless.
i understand that i can buy a router but will the system that they give me come with a fixed router that can only be used by their line.
(is it impossible for me to connect their incoming line to another router)

3 if i need to buy a router can anyone recommend a good one.

4 should i connect the broadband to my desktop first and then just use the laptop for picking up the internet wirelessly.

is their anything else i should know or be aware of before i continue.

any advice will be appreciated.
thanks

jor el

First off, DSL broadband doesn't use the same modem as a dial up modem, so not having a modem (or having a broken one) is irrelevant as a DSL modem is different. I believe Amocom are a wireless operator anyway, therefore no modem is needed at all.

You're best off getting the broadband connection working on either the PC or laptop first, before setting up your own wireless network. When you're sure it's working, you can connect any broadband router to the Ethernet cable that Amocom have connected to your PC. You should also configure this router on either the Laptop or PC first. Just make sure the router is NOT a DSL modem/router.

settopbox

Just make sure the router is NOT a DSL modem/router.


what do you mean by this?
what difference does it make whether it is a DSL modem/router or not

jor el

You'll find there are two distinct types of wireless router. One will have an ADSL modem built in, the other will not. You need the one without the modem as the one with a modem will not work on your broadband. The WAN port of the router will be for a DSL input on the one with a modem, you want one with an Ethernet WAN port.

watty

Argos calls the non-DSL Modem included routers, Cable Routers, Others Komplett.ie, Maplin call them Routers or Ethernet routers or WAN routers (the product may mention DSL as they will work with a DSL modem ethernet port or a DSL modem/Router with Router in "Bridge" mode).

If it has a phone socket marked DSL or Line or WAN it's ONLY for DSL.

If it has an ethernet port coloured different or marked WAN, it works as a router on anything with an ethernet socket.

Cabaal

moving from broadband to wireless,

settopbox

nice one.
thanks for all the help