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Network Configuration Help

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by markschu

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Hello. I'm hoping someone might be able to help me with some configuration help for my system. My current configuration is:

Dell XPS 200 (1394 net adapter,Intel 10/100 VE)
WISP (Air Advantage) w/WaveRider EUM 3005
Vonage w/Motorola VT2142-VC
XBox 360

Ok, so right now I am all wired and I might want to go wireless, not sure. I have the ethernet cable from the Waverider going to the Vonage and then to the computer, allowing me internet access and phone use at the same time. Then when I want to use XBox 360 LIVE, I have to run the ethernet cable from the Waverider straight into the 360 (not fast enough d/l's with the 360 live, I think the Motorola drops packets). So, I can't use the phone or surf the net without switching back to the original config. I would like to be able to have all 3 available at the same time. I have the option where I live of 2 ISP's: Air Advantage (my current WISP) or DSL with Charter. So, I can:

1) Switch from WISP to DSL (Charter) and be able to have the Intenet, Vonage, and 360 LIVE all hooked up wireless or wired so I don't have to remove and switch cables.

2) Keep my WISP, and have Internet, Vonage, and 360 LIVE all hooked up wireless or wired so I don't have to move/switch cables.

I have never had to configure settings for my Vonage or Waverider so I am pretty new to modem/router settings but I'm pretty tech savy.

I really would just like to know the best products to use with the easiest and fastest set-up and wether or not switching to DSL is worth the hassle to obtain faster speeds than my WISP (which is currently 1084 kb/s dl and 679 kb/s and Air Advantage said they don't know if/when they are going to upgrade). Also, if it's better to go wireless with my set-up or stay wired. I guess I really just don't know if I need to buy a router or another modem or what? If I DO switch to Charter I will lose the WaveRider and I think I have to rent a modem from them. I'm just confused on how to proceed to have the most efficient network! I'm sorry if I'm rambling or if I left any info out. Just ask and I'll provide it.

Thank so much for taking time to give me some direction with my system/network!

Mark Schu
Frankenmuth, MI

9 replies

by jellimonsta

Hi,
I just want to throw out that Charter Internet is not actually a DSL service (that runs over a standard phone line), but rather a 'Cable Internet' service that runs over coaxial copper (like cable TV).
Anyway, I understand the Motorola Vonage router to only have 1 Ethernet port. If you want to plug your 360LIVE and your PC into the Internet simultaneously, you will need to purchase a 5 port switch or switch/router combo. These are fairly inexpensive, so do not balk at this option immediately.
Also, if you did decide to purchase Charter Internet, you are looking at an approximate cost of $50 per month for 5Mbps down and about 512kbps upload speeds. You are correct in that you can 'rent' the modem from Charter. However, you can also purchase the modem for around $100 I believe.

If your Motorola router can only hand 1 IP address out to any device at a time, you may be better off just buying a router/switch combo (here for ~$40) http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=3906544&type=product&id=1051384171495

Also, I understand your WaveRiver wireless ISP to use 900MHz frequency. Please verify the frequency of your particular router via the manuals. Also, bear in mind, if you happen to have a cordless phone at home, you will want to ensure it is not running at 900Mhz also. Although you can potentially hardcode your wireless range, a cordless phone will use all ranges in the spectrum to communicate with a phone out of its base during an incoming call.

Anyway, good luck with the issues and keep at it! :)

Regards.

by markschu

Hey Jellimonsta, thanks so much for the help! I thought I might need something with a multiple port so this helps alot! Maybe you can help with my decision to swith ISP's. I am currently paying $38/mn with my WISP for the speeds I posted originaly. I recieved a flyer in the mail for Charter, which offers HSI at up to 10Mbps at just $34.99 (for 12 months) plus 1 month free (self-installation required). This sounds like a really good deal as it shows on speednet.com (where I did my speedtest) that Charter would offer (if my calculation are correct) 71% faster dl/s and ul/s. I have never had a problem with my WISP but I think I would really enjoy the faster speeds! When they say "self-installation required" do you know what they mean? Am I going to have to run the cable from the road myself? LOL! You never know, I guess! I think they just might mean, having your own modem and being able to configure it?
Also, with my Vonage, I do have a cordless (I think it's 900mhz) out in my garage but I have a corded phone by the computer inside and while I get some static with the cordless (I only really use it in my shop) it usually works ok, so that's good.
So, basically, I should just buy a router/switch combo with multiple ports (to connect the Vonage and 360 and a WAN port for the cable internet right?) that's Charter and 360 compatible and I should be ok? Thanks again Jellimonsta (love the name btw)!

by jellimonsta

You would be able to leave your Vonage router plugged into the cable/dsl/ wisp modem at the WAN, and plug the Linksys (or Netgear/ D-Link...) into the LAN port on the Motorolla from the WAN port of the Linksys.

BTW, you should not need to run any cables yourself for Charter. Self installation usually just means you are shipped a cable modem and you have to plug it all in yourself.

by markschu

Hey Jelli! Thanks again for your help! I have decided to go with Charter and take advantage of there 12 month offer. I called them and will have the technician here next Saturday. The installation is $49.99 and will give me 10mps. She "tried" to sneak 5mps by me when we confirmed the order but I'm familiar with companies giving you less than you pay for! Anyway, there is a $30.00 "deposit" as well which basically goes towards your first months price and the "Free" month of "self-installation". Whatever, I tihk nit's still a good deal to be able to get up to 10 TIMES the speed of my WISP. Of couse, I am now needing to purchase the components you advised me to buy, and I have it down to these 2 and would like your opinion on them. The modem is a Motorola SURFBoard SB5120 and the router is a D-Link EBR-2310. I studied features and reviews quite extensively over the last couple of days and I can purchase both of these for a total price of $68.00. Let me know what you think Jelli! Thanks!

Mark

by jellimonsta

I would also recommend you get a surge protector if you don't have one already (don't want the new equipment to fry in a storm). :)
You will hook the Surfboard up to your Coxial Cable (from Charter), your Motorolla (for Vonage) WAN port will hook up to your Surfboard LAN port, and the D-Link WAN port will hook up to the Motorolla LAN port.
You will then be able to hook your PC LAN and 360LIVE LAN ports up to the D-Link.
You may need to invest in a couple of new CAT5 cables too. :)
Good luck!

by markschu

Great! Looks like my shopping homework gets a "A"! Ok, before I DO connect anything, could you maybe go through the connections in your mind and tell me (if it matters) which ones to hook up first, power on/off first, etc. and if you can think of any computer settings that are necessary to change, things like that, I sure would appreciate it. I wouldn't want to fry anything! Speaking of frying, I DO have a power strip. A couple really, but I might need another one, they are quite full come to think of it! Thanks for reminding me of that as well : )

Mark

by jellimonsta

As long as you have your computer NIC and 360LIVE set for automatic IP (DHCP) you should be fine when the new router comes into play.
I would power on the Surfboard first, then the Motorolla (Vonage), then the D-Link. If you leave it 10-15 seconds between powering on the next device, you should be fine.

by boxfiddler

at 31.2 Kbps to a complete load of Print/View All. The ONLY way to read these threads without spending an entire night trying to read only 3 or 4 threads.

And you can?t reply until TR has finished loading the page. At least not at this speed. Brings up a 404 Page Not Found every time. (Discovered the hard way ? by repeated attempts and repeated receipts of 404!)

Note: twice as many posts as others I have marked, and a lot more actual text.

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