Author Topic: Router or ADSL Modem...? (Read 18368 times)

Sandra · « **Reply #60 on:** September 10, 2006, 11:24 »

You just tell it to allow the ports to open to the pcs IP address that you are using torrents or any other application that needs certain ports opening.

Just the same as you would do with a software firewall but by port numbering rather than by application name

Simon · « **Reply #61 on:** September 10, 2006, 11:28 »

Yes, that's what I did, Sandra, but what I don't get is that it says all incoming connections are blocked by default, so without altering anything, how come my mail, and everything else that requires an incoming connection, still works?

Sandra · « **Reply #62 on:** September 10, 2006, 11:32 »

As I said earlier Simon, I think that the usual ports for HTTP 80, FTP 21 and others that are always used are already open it will be the other ports that are blocked by default.

Simon · « **Reply #63 on:** September 10, 2006, 11:53 »

OK, well I still wish I could have got a USB powered one. :|

Sandra · « **Reply #64 on:** September 10, 2006, 12:07 »

Just think Simon, now you will never have to reinstall your modem and set up your internet connection again if you have to format your pc or get a new one.

You wont have any problems with iffy usb drivers or connections.

You will have a more secure internet connection.

You should have a more reliable interenet connection.

Should the need arise you can network extra pcs easily.

ADSL Modem/Routers are much better than USB modems all round

Delgado · « **Reply #65 on:** September 10, 2006, 12:25 »

Quote from: "Sandra"

You just tell it to allow the ports to open to the pcs IP address that you are using torrents or any other application that needs certain ports opening.

Just the same as you would do with a software firewall but by port numbering rather than by application name

Does this mean that if you are using we will say port 5687, just as an example, you can just tell it to open that number, and it will allow uploading and downloading connections on Bit torrent?

Simon · « **Reply #66 on:** September 10, 2006, 13:17 »

Quote from: "Sandra"

Just think Simon, now you will never have to reinstall your modem and set up your internet connection again if you have to format your pc or get a new one.

You wont have any problems with iffy usb drivers or connections.

You will have a more secure internet connection.

You should have a more reliable interenet connection.

Should the need arise you can network extra pcs easily.

ADSL Modem/Routers are much better than USB modems all round

Installing my ADSL modem took all of three minutes, including the reboot, and there was never really any 'setting up' of the internet connection, except for inputting a username and password.

Never had a problem with the drivers or connections.

The only time my internet connection was not reliable, was when Pipex themselves went down, which isn't anything to do with having a modem or a router. In fact, they went down the other night, and the router was just as useless as the ADSL modem would have been. As for security, I'd never had any problems using a software firewall.

Yes, I could connect extra PCs, but have no need to at this moment, and don't forsee the need in the future.

Why did I buy this router? Dunno.

Seemed like a good idea at the time.

Quote from: "Sandra"

You just tell it to allow the ports to open to the pcs IP address that you are using torrents or any other application that needs certain ports opening.

Just the same as you would do with a software firewall but by port numbering rather than by application name

Quote from: "Delgado"

Does this mean that if you are using we will say port 5687, just as an example, you can just tell it to open that number, and it will allow uploading and downloading connections on Bit torrent?

I think that's the idea, DG.

Delgado · « **Reply #67 on:** September 10, 2006, 14:41 »

Simon- I think you will be going back to your ADSL Modem. I can feel it in my water!

Think i will stick to mine-like you i cant see much point in wasting electric to gain nothing.

I did see the other day a hardware firewall, stand alone, that just connects between your ADSL Modem, and PC. Maybe thats the answer. Or maybe not!! :roll: :roll:

Sandra · « **Reply #68 on:** September 10, 2006, 15:05 »

Quote from: "Delgado"

Does this mean that if you are using we will say port 5687, just as an example, you can just tell it to open that number, and it will allow uploading and downloading connections on Bit torrent?

Different routers work in different ways, on mine I have to say which single port and whether its UDP or TCP or both.
Some allow you to put a range of port numbers in eg from 5685 to 5690.

I have always found that people whose pcs I look after seem to have less problems when using an ADSL Modem/Router than when they used USB modems

Simon · « **Reply #69 on:** September 10, 2006, 16:19 »

Quote from: "Sandra"

I have always found that people whose pcs I look after seem to have less problems when using an ADSL Modem/Router than when they used USB modems

So why do you have to look after them?

:grin:

But seriously, I can't really see how it would make a difference, other than the supposed extra security a router offers. I admit, I can see the advantage of having a router, if I had a more than one PC, or a laptop, and it possibly it might make things slightly more convenient if I am working on another PC, but it still means crawling round the back to swap the ethernet cable, which I had to do anyway, when swapping the ADSL modem connection, as well as the other wiring, of course.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying a router is bad - I'm just saying, that in my particular circumstances, to run a single PC, I really don't think it's worth the initial outlay, and additional long term running costs.

Lona · « **Reply #70 on:** September 10, 2006, 21:15 »

You wouldn't need to crawl round the back as you say.

You buy an extra ethernet cable, plug it into spare socket on router and network the pc you want to work on.

After you finish with other pc, leave one end connected to router for the next one you are likely to be working on and so on.

Simon · « **Reply #71 on:** September 10, 2006, 22:07 »

More expense!! :roll: The bloody thing's already cost me an arm and a leg, and I'm no better off than I was before! :grin: I see the point though, Lona, and I had actually thought of that, but I usually end up working on other people's PCs for nothing, so the buggers can buy their own ethernet cable!

What I was wondering is, could I use the Wireless facility with my Bluetooth phone? Not that there would really be much point, because if I use the web facility on my phone, it's always when I am away from home, but I'd be interested to see if I could connect to Pipex with my phone, thus potentially saving data charges if I want to download something to my phone.

Delgado · « **Reply #72 on:** September 11, 2006, 14:29 »

Quote from: "sam"

well it should work fine, I would check in your device settings that the ethernet card is installed correctly, probably comes under network devices. Then basically you need a network cable and a router and bobs your uncle. I'd hope.

and dont worry we are here for that reason!

Sam-In my network Connections I have Lan showing, but it is marked as Disabled. When I right click There is a choice to enable it. Does that mean the Ethernet Socket is installed and ready?

:roll: :roll:

sam · « **Reply #73 on:** September 11, 2006, 14:33 »

it should if you enable it

Delgado · « **Reply #74 on:** September 12, 2006, 15:35 »

Here we go again-this subject goes on and on, but interesting!

I have just purchased a BT Voyager 205 Modem/Router-thought Id have a go to keep Simon company. This is able to be connected either by USB or Ethernet.

The question is, in complete laymans terms, because Im really not up on Ethernet connections, what is the real difference if I connect one against the other? Ive never really had a problem with USB.

:roll: :roll: