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I use my DSL modem for my router. sm

Posted By: MT and worn out on 2009-06-03
In Reply to: Best Router? - Margi

I would think it would depend on whether you have cable or DSL. I have TDS Metrocom for my phone and Internet. When I went home to work I called to find out what I needed to look for in a router. He told me my DSL is a router and all I needed was an ethernet cord. I went to Radio Shack and bought a 25 foot ethernet cord to run from the router to my new work computer. I ran the cord from the back of my DSL modem to the ethernet port on the work computer and haven't had a problem yet.


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Your PC doesn't have to be on, but your modem and router do.

I have both my computers connected to my DSL modem and no router
and both computers connected to the KVM switch, but maybe my DSL modem is a modem/router or some fancy thing like that.  It does have a bunch of plug-ins in the back.
not the modem..sm
it depends on what phone number you are dialing into, how many people are also on that phone number, and the capacity of the server to handle that amount of dial up phone calls. location, location, location. been there did that. and I was not knocking earthlink. it just depends on where you are and server capacity for that area. if you want to spend 45 minutes waiting for 20 files to download, I guess that is okay. just my experience.
modem on
I also turn my modem off. Just be sure to turn it back on. I unplug my computer from the surge protector.
Modem
What type of modem do people use?  I am on my third Linksys. Most of the time it works great (but not right now).  Is there a better one to use?  I have a cable internet connection (not wireless).  Thanks!     
Most likely the modem will be provided by (sm)
the phone company (at least it was for me by Verizon). 
Not only that, but for those with cable modem
connections, or high-speed cable, did you know that even when our computers are shut off, hackers can hack into our cable and access our computers? We don't even know it. That is per Comcast cable themselves, confirmed by my bank, etc. So just because the computer is turned off, unless you unplug the internet cable from the back, anyone with a laptop and computer knowledge can pull in front of your house and jump onto your ISP. Happens all the time where I live. Scary stuff.
only if you have an external modem
Most modems are internal and you have to plug the phone line directly into it.  If you have an external modem, it is possible but troublesome. 
Verizon USB modem
I have been using a Verizon Wireless with 5GB limit as a backup internet connection the past couple months and for traveling. I have successfully worked with it without using very many MB (that's MB, not GB) at all. On evenings when I work and don't surf, my usage comes up to less than 100 MB for about 3-4 hours of work. 5 GB translates to 5120 MB. The evening that I decided to watch a Netflix video in a hotel room, I used over 500 MB, so I really wouldn't recommend trying to watch videos very often if you want to stay under your 5 GB limit. However, Medquist's DocQScribe program doesn't use much at all.

Also, when I have to use it from home because of my cable internet being down (frustrating, but it seems to happen a lot!), the whole thing works slower because I only get 1 bar of service here. From home, I can't even watch Netflix at all on Verizon because the connection speed isn't fast enough. From the hotel with full bars of service on Verizon, Netflix worked as well as it does from home when my cable connection is working properly.

Good luck! But seriously, if you're only working and doing emails on your Verizon, it should be within your usage limits without any problems!
Does anyone have wireless using a USB modem? sm
Have you ever been rejected for a job because of it?  I just was.  Also does anyone know if there is a difference between a card and a USB modem as far as speed?  I just got rejected for a work at home hospital employee job because the supervisor was convinced my wireless would not be fast enough for their system.  They use Dolby.  I have the USB 727 modem from Verizon, use VPN on it and have never had a problem.  Must say I'm pretty bummed.  I really needed that job and the benefits. 
Yes. Have you looked on the back of your DSL modem to
see if it has both ethernet and USB ports?  If not, you can rent or buy one that does.  You should be able to hook both computers up and surf the 'Net on both at the same time without having to plug and unplug the modem.  I've actually got three going on my DSL now with a networked minihub hooking up my two office computers and a longer cable out to the family computer in the living room.
I am probably going to be changing from dialup to DSL - just exactly what do I need - new modem? nm
nm
Never heard of a PC-DART modem -sm
Where I work uses PD-DART player to play the voice files, but you don't have to be on line to work. I go to a FTP, download my work, get off-line. Do my work, and upload the finished work to the FTP site. Check and see if this is what you can do; or if you misunderstood anything, as I said I never heard of a PC-DART modem.
wireless modem from Verizon
As long as you have a relatively strong cell phone signal at home, a wireless modem should work fine, speed is a bit different from DSL or cable, so you might have problems with some of your larger downloads.

Also, I found out recently that Sprint (my cell phone carrier), now offers a wireless modem/card that uses a USB port as well, so you could use it with either a desktop or a laptop.

Hope this helps.
Yes, DSL needs electricitym Modem plugs into outlet.
nn
ISP is DOWN!!! Dial up modem is too slow to operate

Well, this is really something.  For the first time since being at home, Comcast is down. 


Dial up modem is too slow to register my keystrokes and I get kicked off the hospital's system (which is 3,000 miles away).  


I do believe, after experiencing this, that technology is going to be the determining factor in outsourcing.  I used dial up modem for a clinic when with MQ but it was only a few hundred miles away from me and worked just fine.  Could it be that the farther away you are from your account, the less optimal dial up modem operation is?


Can you imagine what would happen if all accts were linked to a foreign country and the server went down? 


This event led to a 911 emergency as I was only MT on my acct scheduled to work today.  I am actually shaking as I know  how important it is to get the radiology work done in two hours.


Just had to share this with you guys. 


Thinking of trying a wireless modem from Verizon
was told it should work as long as I have cell phone service at my house, which I do.  All I have is dial-up at home and I'm so so so tired of the slow, slow, slow connection.   Plus I can use on my laptop too.  Hoping this will be faster.  Just wanted opions if you got'em.  Thx.
Cell phone & modem reception can be very different sm
I have very iffy cell phone service with Sprint but have been using a USB modem through them for the past month with an external antenna and amplifier. I get up to 1200 kbps download speeds without the antenna being installed outside yet (it's sitting in my window until we get a lightning protector). 3gstore.com is where I bought my equipment, and they can answer any questions you have. In fact, the tech person I spoke with has actually written transcription programs, so he definitely knows what is involved.
Cable will not work if your modem has to be plugged in.
When I had cable internet, it did not work during a power outage because the cable modem had to be plugged in, so no power meant no internet. Now I have wireless broadband that does not require power and I just keep my laptop always charged up. So if we lose power, I can easily just switch over to my laptop without losing too much time.
Okay, I guess I'm wondering about a cellular modem card for my laptop. SM

That would allow me to connect to the internet via a cellular network, right?  Maybe I just need to call Cingular and ask them if I can get that on my current plan.


 


Did you sell the Vonage modem to recoup some of your lost dollars?
k
you need a router
Get you a Linksys router. We have cable and have 5 computers on 1 router, all going at the same time. You plug the router into the modem and then you other line from the router to the computer.
Router
I don't know why they told you you can't use a router. I would and I do! You can get a switch that will switch the keyboard, mouse, and monitor for about 20.00
You definitely can use a router if the router itself has ... SM
places for more than one computer to plug into. I have a LinkSys series, and mine has places for up to 4 computers. I just had to buy an extra ethernet cable (I got a colored one to connect to my 2nd computer) and connected this from the router to the 2nd computer. No problem whatsoever.
router
Yes you need a router. How this works is the internet connects to the router and then it acts like an extension cord and you can hook in multiple computers. I would recommend Lynksys. We have 5 on one router.

Then you need the KVM switch. You can buy one online for about 20.00 that also lets you switch the keyboard and mouse at the same time.
Not sure if it's from your router...sm
I am by no means intelligent when it comes to this stuff, but I have a linksys router and have used both a VPN and Citrix to work with no problem. If you are able to connect to the internet, the cause may not be your router. I know that doesn't really help you though. I'm sorry! Maybe contact Citrix? and tech support for the VPN? They may know if it could be caused by your router.
I think is the router because...
I am having to take it out of the equation when I am working. Then I have no problem connecting. I may have to call Linksys again, I just thought there might be someone with a similar setup who could shed some light
router help
I need to get a new router. My 2-year-old Linksys router crashes at least twice a day. Customer service is no good, since they want $30 to open a service call (it's past the warranty period). What type of router should I get? Should I get a wireless or wired? What brand name do you like? Thanks - you guys are the best and I trust your opinions!
router
I was told by my provider that my main email could only be on one computer. Call your provider.
You would need a router.

Need a KVM plus router

K(eyboard)V(ideo)M(ouse) switch lets you share those three devices across 2 (or more) PCs, using a hotkey or a button on the KVM to toggle which one is active.  Best Buy* has them for $35 or so.


You need a router to share the DSL connection.  There are options for hardwired only or hardwired with wireless -- so if you want to have your primary work machines connected with an ethernet cable, but also have the ability to have your (your kids, your guests, etc.) laptops connect to the internet using wireless.


Again, Best Buy has routers -- price depends on options per above, also have tech support to help you configure for your DSL provider.


*Not endorsing Best Buy specifically;  any local computer store or national electronics chain should be able to provide.  You could probably shout out "Anybody here a hardcore gamer?" in a local mall and get help configuring the router from the first teenager who replies....


Best Router?

I need to get a new router (not wireless).  Does anyone know of a good one?  I don't want to spend any more than I need to but would rather spend a bit more if it makes a big difference in the quality.


Thanks! 


It could be a router if you have one. Mine went bad. sm
I also have Comcast. I use a broadband router also. If you do also, you might have to unplug a few times and if it still goes on and off, you need a new one.

I got a new one and it has been fine ever since.

wireless.. do you have a router
I have wireless in my house too, but I work off of the main computer where the router or hub is connected to the cable. I have tried working on the other computers in the house connected to wireless and it is tramendously slower, obviously because takes time for the signal. I would try to connect your work computer directly to the router. DQS downloads superfast normally. I have found a delay in sound and keyboard with wireless.
phones through router
I have Vonage (see above) and I have a C-phone connected to my phone line on the Vonage router box, but I still have regular phone lines connecting my home phone, so basically 2 different phone numbers, 2 different services.
it would still have to recognize your router
somehow. It cannot be a "mind reader" so to speak. I still think it would need to have access to your router to work. sorry. just my opinion.
Wireless router

When you use a laptop or desktop computer for that matter, and a "wireless" router is involved, you still have to hook up an ethernet cable from your computer to the router in order to be able to get a signal.


On a laptop computer, there is a slot for a wireless PC card, which you can get through Sprint and Verizon and possiby other cellular carriers. The card works in much the same way and has the same type of signal as a cell phone does and since I am out in the country for the time being, that is what I use.


Hope this helps.


 


 


wireless router
Not sure about that I do have a laptop, and have DSL with wireless router. Works good.
need advice on router

Does anyone use 2 different computers for two different jobs and have a router to connect both to cable internet?  What do I need to get and is it easy to hook up?  Brands?  Computers are right next to each other if that matters.  Thanks for any and all help.


Router problem - sm
I had a similar problem when my two PCs were connected to the Internet by a router. The problem was the VPN - it required that I have a single separate connection, not a shared one. I had to get and pay for a separate IP address for that work PC.
Might need a more powerful router, but I don't know
another computer on a family network is downloading movies, games, and music, they will cause the router to knock the connection out, too. This happened to us all the time here, so kiddos are not allowed to download except when I'm not working. But at some point, I was told that we need a more powerful router to handle all the puter action here. NM
router problem, what I did.sm

We have a Netgear wireless router.  I hook my computer directly to the router but we have two computers upstairs on the wireless plus my husband has a laptop.  It worked fine for a while but then kept losing the signal.  We tried lots of fixes.  Finally I went to Best Buy and purchased these plug in signal boosters,  It plugs into an outlet on the wall and then into the computer.  You plug one in by the router, and into the router, the other one goes upstairs plugged into an outlet and into my son's computer and my other son is still on the wireless but has not had a problem since the booster is making the signal stronger.  It works great and there is no more of the maybe it will work, maybe it won't that seems to happen with wireless.  I love it.  Came two in a box for like 80.00.


 


 


wireless vs router

Any suggestions for anyone out there that uses more than one computer that is either wireless vs plug into a router.  I have three computers in my house that run off a plug into a router.  I am going to be starting for a local hospital from home and will need the internet and I have to use their computer.  I have so many wires going everywhere that I thought it might be easier to go wireless with all the computers or maybe just put the hospital computer on a plug in and the other three wireless.  I also have to have another computer that I do my two other Docs on the side, but cannot use the hospital computer to do this work, so I have to have that computer in the same room.  Any suggestions on the easiest plan for all four computers. Two of the computers are in different rooms and then I need the hospital computer and my other work computer in one room.  There are also only two outlets in this room, which makes it a little tricky when you have to plug all this stuff in.  I cannot use the hospital computer for any of my side work.


 


Thanks for any comments.


wireless vs router
I use a KVM switch for two of my computers, so 2 CPUs run off the same keyboard, monitor and mouse. Two KVMs on 2 computers each would help a lot. I also have another computer upstairs that I have connected to a wireless printer and my home PC is the server for the printer, and my linksys router is hooked to my DSL connection. Hope this helps.
I need to get a router - any suggestions?
I can't have my work computer wireless, but I also have a laptop that I would like to have wireless.  Don't know what to do.  If I get a wireless router is it possible to "plug in" my work computer directly and then have my laptop be wireless? Also don't know which brand to buy, Linksys, Netgear, etc. Any help or opinions would be appreciated.
router setup

i set up a router on my main computer to my son's computer.  i then set up the e-mail account on his to match the ones on mine.  now, my son's computer is getting all the e-mails and mine gets none.  How can i set it up so both computers get all the e-mails.


thanks


I use Sprint & have it through a router sm

My Sprint USB card is in my husband's PC, connected to a Linksys router and then to mine with Ethernet cables. You just have to run the internet connection sharing wizard on XP. I've been using this for almost 2 weeks now and absolutely love it. Also, Verizon has a cap on how much bandwidth you can use each month (5 GB) and you have to pay for overages. Sprint has unlimited usage for the same amount per month ($60). If you have any questions about it, I can give you the website where I purchased my equipment. My e-mail is pixie.chick@earthlink.net.


Absolutely....do it yourself. I have two on the router
nm
i have kvm and router if anyone is interested.
you can e/m me. I'm wireless now and don't need them.
Regarding the router if your laptop is

WiFi compatible all you do is connect to the existing network.


There are lots of ways to connect with traveling.  As far as I know there are two air cards, Verizon and Sprint.  Neither card will always give you coverage.  Just like with a cell phone they each have their own coverage areas.  If you travel in the larger cities you should be good, but if you get in the mountains or in the out of the way places you might have limited to no service.


With an air card there is a one time charge, sometimes $200+ and then there is a monthly fee of about $60/mo.  They frequently offer deals with a free or discounted air card, but you have to sign up for a service plan, much like a 2-year committment on a cell phone plan. 


I've traveled extensively over the past 7 years and I always have a plan B as far as internet goes.  If you are able to download work and then work off-line then you might could do with finding a Starbucks, but if you have to work on-line and need broadband then you may be limited in your travels.  If you are staying in hotels you shouldn't have an issue, as most chains now have WiFi service.  If you are camping then things can get tricky.  Most campgrounds will have some type of service, but it may only be dial-up or WiFi restricted to a certain area, so it takes some planning. 


Sorry I meant router
xx