What router do I need

[sleedeane]

I have new internet service.
They supply the modem, but not the router (I didn't know I needed both).
I am told the "2Wire" router I have won't work (it's from my CenturLink service).

It's 30mb service, so the Charter dude said I need a "3.0" router(?).
So I call Wally World to price a router. I told them about the router needing to be a "3.0" because my internet service is supposed to be 30mbps.
They said, "Oh. Then you need the dual band (2.4 and 5.0 I guess GHz) more expensive one " ($80 as opposed to $50).
Ouch.
So I go there and see that they have all kinds. Cheap ($30) to expensive ($199).
2.4GHz (or is it Mhz?) and the dual band.
And they all say they handle up to 300mbps. Even the cheap 2.4 one.

I just want my phone to work.
What router do I need?

And now I read on the router box that it includes a disc to stick into a computer.
I don't have a computer. Just this phone.
Do I really need to download some software on a computer? I guess to program the router for a password?

I'm thinking about calling Charter back and having them take their stupid little modem back, but they probably won't hook me back up to my old Century Link service right (10mb, sometimes. Usually about 5).

Thanx guys.

 

[Crashdamage]

Very simply, any recent WiFi router should work ok. A multitude of options and features adds complexity you don't need. Sounds like for you simpler is better anyway so get a inexpensive, simple unit.

Should not need to download or install any software. Modern routers can be setup via a web browser interface. Read the manual for details.

 

[Rachel A]

Don't forget when you set it up to change both the admin password and any default that may be set up for the WiFi connection.

You'd be surprised how many people don't then end up with folk hopping on to their connection and doing stuff on your dime.

 

[nnickn]

Number one, please do not shop at Wal-Mart. There are far to many negatives of the store to list here, but more relevant to the thread, is how they don't know what they are talking about, as evidenced by your call. To start, a modem is essentially a translator. It translates the DSL or Cable "language" into the "language" used by Ethernet for networking. A router "splits" the signal from the modem, and distributes it to multiple devices. In addition, though a firewall, a router typically protects you from harmful connections while the modem proves a straight and unsecure pipe to the net. Next, there is no 3.0 router. You said the connection is 30mbps. so that is what you need to focus on. There are different Wi-Fi standards, 802.11 A/B/G/N/and AC. The absolute cheapest on the market is currently wireless G, which offers a max theoretical download stream of 54mbps, more than your connection. For slightly more, a wireless N router can be purchased, which typically offers downloads streams of at least 300mbps+. As such I would recommended them as you get way better performance for literally dollars more. A dual band router can be purchased, but speaking of download speeds alone, it wont help you. A dual band router, which has radios in the 2.4Ghz and 5.XGhz band really would only help you with interference reduction, as the 5Ghz band has way more frequencies, versus the congested 2.4Ghz band. Take note though that physics dictates the use of the 5Ghz band will always mean reduced range, which is not so good with an already small antenna. Since you don't seem very technically inclined in the networking department, sorry lol, I would suggest you just go with a cheaper single band router, as you likely wont notice a difference. I realize this is refurbished, but I have bought and installed many Netgear refurbished products all of which worked as advertised. Netgear WNR2000 RB-WNR2000-100NAR Wireless N Router - 300Mbps, 802.11n, 4-Port, Recertified at TigerDirect.com As for the CD, you don't need to use it, as you can configure any device on your phone, but it will be difficult. Perhaps do a search for your router and how to enable WPA2 for a guide. WPA2 is the best wireless password to set BTW.

 

[persim]

I am not completely familiar with the latest in networking but I'm pretty sure you still need a hardwired computer to set the router up for the first time. The OP says there is no computer, just a phone. This could be a problem no matter what router the OP chooses.

 

[nnickn]

I am not completely familiar with the latest in networking but I'm pretty sure you still need a hardwired computer to set the router up for the first time. The OP says there is no computer, just a phone. This could be a problem no matter what router the OP chooses.

Besides the extremely POS new Cisco routers, every "smart" network device can be configured using any web browser. Networking professionals do not want to use CD's to install or configure everything. For most pre 2012 Cisco/Linksys routers, and recent Netgear equipment, the device can be configured by typing 192.168.1.1 into any web browser.

 

[persim]

Besides the extremely POS new Cisco routers, every "smart" network device can be configured using any web browser. Networking professionals do not want to use CD's to install or configure everything. For most pre 2012 Cisco/Linksys routers, and recent Netgear equipment, the device can be configured by typing 192.168.1.1 into any web browser.

Good to know. Guess I always just thought as a safety measure you would need to actually plug into the router to access the setup menu. Just tried from my phone and got in no problem, kind of surprised me.

 

[sleedeane]

Number one, please do not shop at Wal-Mart. There are far to many negatives of the store to list here, but more relevant to the thread, is how they don't know what they are talking about, as evidenced by your call. To start, a modem is essentially a translator. It translates the DSL or Cable "language" into the "language" used by Ethernet for networking. A router "splits" the signal from the modem, and distributes it to multiple devices. In addition, though a firewall, a router typically protects you from harmful connections while the modem proves a straight and unsecure pipe to the net. Next, there is no 3.0 router. You said the connection is 30mbps. so that is what you need to focus on. There are different Wi-Fi standards, 802.11 A/B/G/N/and AC. The absolute cheapest on the market is currently wireless G, which offers a max theoretical download stream of 54mbps, more than your connection. For slightly more, a wireless N router can be purchased, which typically offers downloads streams of at least 300mbps+. As such I would recommended them as you get way better performance for literally dollars more. A dual band router can be purchased, but speaking of download speeds alone, it wont help you. A dual band router, which has radios in the 2.4Ghz and 5.XGhz band really would only help you with interference reduction, as the 5Ghz band has way more frequencies, versus the congested 2.4Ghz band. Take note though that physics dictates the use of the 5Ghz band will always mean reduced range, which is not so good with an already small antenna. Since you don't seem very technically inclined in the networking department, sorry lol, I would suggest you just go with a cheaper single band router, as you likely wont notice a difference. I realize this is refurbished, but I have bought and installed many Netgear refurbished products all of which worked as advertised. Netgear WNR2000 RB-WNR2000-100NAR Wireless N Router - 300Mbps, 802.11n, 4-Port, Recertified at TigerDirect.com As for the CD, you don't need to use it, as you can configure any device on your phone, but it will be difficult. Perhaps do a search for your router and how to enable WPA2 for a guide. WPA2 is the best wireless password to set BTW.

Thank you for the detailed explanation. I learned a lot.

 

[sleedeane]

Okay. I went with the cheapest. A belkin N150.
I plugged it into the modem and the power outlet.
My phone recognizes and connects to it after I put in a password that's on the bottom of the router, but I am getting no wifi service.
I am told two things in this thread:
1) I can just type in the 192 number.
2) I don't have to "configure" it with the disc that it came with (since I don't have a PC); I can do this just by getting on the internet, though I am told it's difficult.

How?

Thank you very much.

 

[Crashdamage]

First, you don't configure it via an internet connection, you do it via direct connection using a web browser interface. It's not difficult. Many routers (but not all) are accessed by typing 192.168.1.1 in the address bar of your browser.

Second, if you don't have WiFi, how is your phone connecting?

Third, as I said before, read the manual. It will explain everything better and in far more detail than we can here.

 

[sleedeane]

First, you don't configure it via an internet connection, you do it via direct connection using a web browser interface. It's not difficult. Many routers (but not all) are accessed by typing 192.168.1.1 in the address bar of your browser.

I understand this would only work with a direct ethernet connection, obviously impossible with a smartphone.
And I don't know what a Web browser interface is.


[QUOTE/]Second, if you don't have WiFi, how is your phone connecting?[/QUOTE]



I don't know. I just know in wifi settings it says I'm connected with an excellent signal, but my phone is so slow Speedtest.net won't even register a connection to wifi.



[QUOTE/]Third, as I said before, read the manual. It will explain everything better and in far more detail than we can here.[/QUOTE]



There is no manual. Just a piece of paper that says to plug it in and configure it with the disc.

Thank you.

 

[Crashdamage]

I understand this would only work with a direct ethernet connection, obviously impossible with a smartphone.

Most routers will allow a 'default' WiFi connection for initial setup. BUT, once your password and security is setup, don't lose it or access will be by ethernet only.

And I don't know what a Web browser interface is.

Think of it as a regular website.

I don't know (how the phone is connecting). I just know in wifi settings it says I'm connected with an excellent signal, but my phone is so slow Speedtest.net won't even register a connection to wifi.

Type 192.168.1.1 in the address bar, hit enter and see what happens.

There is no manual. Just a piece of paper that says to plug it in and configure it with the disc.

Arrrggghhhh...Belkin! Try the Belkin website.

 

[nnickn]

Did you get it set up? I can try and help if needed.

 

[sleedeane]

Did you get it set up? I can try and help if needed.

No. I'm just going to rent a laptop next Thursday.
Thank you.