I've become my daughter's IT consultant!

[dudwell]

A contented (!) Demon subscriber, recently upgraded to ADSL2+, she is having problems with her G5 iMac which currently connects via a modem. At about 2km from the Maidenhead exchange she gets connection speeds of around 3.7 Mb/s with the usual non-BT speedtesters. I doubt whether she is able to obtain line stats.

Demon have offered a "free" Thomson router but from what I can make out it's a limited wired-only item and accepting it would lock her into Demon for a year.
               .
I've advised a couple of things I've learned on here (disconnecting Sky box from phone line, removing bell wire) but buying a wireless router would seem to be the obvious next step and I see that Netgear is IDNetters' favourite for lines of average length.

My question now is: which Netgear? Her internet usage is quite ordinary with a fair bit of iPlayer. She lives in a 2-bedroom Edwardian semi, soon to be modestly extended.

The wireless connectivity spec of her Mac states:-

Built-in AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi (802.11n)2; built-in Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)

So I was thinking to go for the DGN2000 Wireless-N Router with Built-in DSL Modem until I came across a clutch of  poor reviews and opinions that the older DG384G is easier to set up and more stable.

The Netgear WG111 Wireless 54Mbps USB 2.0 Adapter would not be needed I think?

Any opinions most gratefully received.

[Sebby]

A Netgear DG834Gv4 is a safe bet. Is the problem the modem or the connection itself, though? I'm a bit confused because you partly talk of doing things that would improve the connection, but also mention trouble with the Mac and modem.

[Steve]

I agree with Sebby the DG834Gv4 sounds the safest option. You won't need the WG111 if the airport's functioning. If she's feeling rich you could get the Apple Airport Extreme Base Station which has wired and wireless connectivity but you would need to use this in conjunction with the existing modem.

[dudwell]

Thanks Sebby and Steve.

It's hard for me to judge from a distance but I suspect the whole set-up is less than optimal. I reckon the modem is not well-suited to ADSL2+, that's why Demon offered a "free" router - but with strings. Additionally there are measures which could be tried to improve the connection itself - and, of course, a change of ISP might be a good idea. No prizes for guessing which one I suggested

She's definitely not feeling rich at the moment so I'll be advising the Netgear.

[Dopamine]

I use and recommend the Netgear DG834PN. Can be bought relatively cheaply (less than £25) on eBay and has a greater range than the 54Mbps DG834G. My experience of the DG834G is that its range, even in small homes, can sometimes be a problem, especially if the signal is having to go through thick walls/floors.

There are plenty on eBay. Here are a few:
eBay 1
eBay 2
eBay 3

[dudwell]

Oh dear! And just when I thought I'd reached a conclusion!

That's a very interesting opinion Dopamine and so economical too....

I'll pass all the views on and let daughter decide

[Lance]

Certainly worthwhile getting a router. Using a modem on a rate adaptive connection is just asking for problems!

[Rik]

Another Netgear vote here, unless you want to go hand-on, in which case it might be worth trying a 2700. 

[Dangerjunkie]

+1 for the 2700 here. Mine got me an extra 1.5 meg (3.5 mbps up to 5.0)

They're also very cheap on eBay, I hear.

Cheers,
Paul.