Do I need both DSL modem and wireless router to set up home network?

[linq936]

Hi,
I am to order QWest DSL and construct home network, I have 2 laptop
computers at home and I want the network to be wireless.

I was thinking I need to buy DSL modem for DSL interface and a
wireless router for the whole home wireless coverage.

But I just realize that actually I can just use one wireless DSL
modem, that should do the job, right? Maybe a seperate router have
enhanced security benifit, but I may not need it anyway.

One laptop is of Intel Centrino chip and for the other I will use a
Cisco wireless PCI card. Both run Windows XP.

QWest promotion has $50 rebate on modem/router, I think I can just
order their wireless modem, that should be good enough. Am I right?

Thanks.

 

[gem]

Hi,
I am to order QWest DSL and construct home network, I have 2 laptop
computers at home and I want the network to be wireless.

I was thinking I need to buy DSL modem for DSL interface and a
wireless router for the whole home wireless coverage.

But I just realize that actually I can just use one wireless DSL
modem, that should do the job, right? Maybe a seperate router have
enhanced security benifit, but I may not need it anyway.

One laptop is of Intel Centrino chip and for the other I will use a
Cisco wireless PCI card. Both run Windows XP.

QWest promotion has $50 rebate on modem/router, I think I can just
order their wireless modem, that should be good enough. Am I right?

Thanks.

I got Qwest DSL some 3 months ago and am not happy with the service.
I wouldn't recommend their modem as they have no support and I did not
receive a single piece of paper with the modem (like a manual or
such). You can buy your own. Qwest DSL probably means MSN if you
don't mind that shoved down your throat, As for your home network,
wireless is a great way to go but remember there is some chance of
somebody tapping into your system and stealing personal info. Be
sure everything is password protected. (It usually is by default on
wireless, but it can still be broken into. How are your neighbors?
Any bets this won't get posted? All hail microsoft.

 

[Richard G. Harper]

There's no significant security benefit - in fact, no significant benefit at
all - in using a DSL modem plus a wireless router instead of an all-in-one
device.

--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Shell/User] (e-mail address removed)
* NEW! Catch my blog ... http://msmvps.com/blogs/rgharper/
* PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
* The Website - http://rgharper.mvps.org/
* HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm

 

[Chuck]

Hi,
I am to order QWest DSL and construct home network, I have 2 laptop
computers at home and I want the network to be wireless.

I was thinking I need to buy DSL modem for DSL interface and a
wireless router for the whole home wireless coverage.

But I just realize that actually I can just use one wireless DSL
modem, that should do the job, right? Maybe a seperate router have
enhanced security benifit, but I may not need it anyway.

One laptop is of Intel Centrino chip and for the other I will use a
Cisco wireless PCI card. Both run Windows XP.

QWest promotion has $50 rebate on modem/router, I think I can just
order their wireless modem, that should be good enough. Am I right?

Thanks.

A "wireless modem" is, hopefully, a one unit modem / router / WiFi access point.
A modem, by itself, allows you to connect only 1 computer, and provides no
security. Hopefully, you wouldn't be getting one of those. You absolutely need
a router, especially if you have more than 1 computer.

The advantage of getting separate units is versatility. There are dozens of
models of different routers and modems, because there are dozens of different
ideas of what features are needed. As long as a combined unit offers you the
features that you want, it's good enough. As long as it's a combined unit, and
not just a modem, that is.

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

Hi,
I am to order QWest DSL and construct home network, I have 2 laptop
computers at home and I want the network to be wireless.

I was thinking I need to buy DSL modem for DSL interface and a
wireless router for the whole home wireless coverage.

But I just realize that actually I can just use one wireless DSL
modem, that should do the job, right? Maybe a seperate router have
enhanced security benifit, but I may not need it anyway.

One laptop is of Intel Centrino chip and for the other I will use a
Cisco wireless PCI card. Both run Windows XP.

QWest promotion has $50 rebate on modem/router, I think I can just
order their wireless modem, that should be good enough. Am I right?

Thanks.

All you need is a wireless DSL modem/router. Many of my consulting
clients use the Actiontec GT701 or GT704 with Qwest DSL. They're
wonderful devices -- reliable, and easy to set up and use.

I recommend using a small local Internet service provider with Qwest
DSL instead of using MSN.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

 

[John Bartley K7AAY]

I got Qwest DSL some 3 months ago and am not happy with the service.
I wouldn't recommend their modem as they have no support and I did not
receive a single piece of paper with the modem (like a manual or
such). You can buy your own. Qwest DSL probably means MSN if you
don't mind that shoved down your throat

I use an independent ISP and never had a problem with Qworst.

, As for your home network,
wireless is a great way to go but remember there is some chance of
somebody tapping into your system and stealing personal info. Be
sure everything is password protected. (It usually is by default on
wireless, but it can still be broken into.

There's not been any proof that WPA-PSK security's been broken.
WEP security, however, is a bad joke.

<snip>