Netgear DG834G

[Gramps]

I ordered a Netgear DG834G modem router from Idnet yesterday about 4pm, it was delivered this morning at 9am. How's that for excellent service.
Before I rush into setting it up I would appreciate any advice, I also got a Netgear wireless adapter (WG111v2) and my OS is XP.

[DorsetBoy]

Hi Gramps,

First find the CD.........and put it in a drawer.DONT use it unless IDnet tell you to.

The router will come with all the settings pre-configured so you should really be able to connect up and use it straight off.

Mains lead/adapter,ethernet lead and lead from router to adsl filter is all you need and they are supplied in the box.

Sometimes XP will need help with the ethernet connection,this is set up from the start menu>control panel>Network and Internet connections.

[Rik]

Service is what IDNet is all about. You should be able to do what Dorset says, but just in case you need to do any setting up, and because there may be a few things you want to change, here's my quick guide.

Connect the router to the computer using the supplied ethernet cable, blue from memory. Connect the router to the phone line using the supplied RJ11 cable. Connect the power brick and plug it in.

You will see the power light come on, and the test light will flash amber for a few seconds. Next, you should see one of the 'number' lights turn green, and Windows should report the network connection at 100mbps.

The DSL light will start to flash (third from left) initially amber, then green (iirc). Once it goes steady green, the router has established synchronisation with the exchange.

Avoid using the supplied setup CD, you shouldn't need it.

Instead, go to your browser and type http://192.168.0.1 in the address bar. Hit Enter and you should be presented with the login for the router, this defaults to Admin and password from memory.

Once into the router interface, select Set Password on the left and change the default (but make sure you remember it).

Select 'Setup wizard' at the top left of the screen. This will auto-detect the type of connection (PPPoA) and then ask for your IDNet login and password. Enter these and you should be online.

Check your basic settings (just below the wizard). The 'Does you connection require a login' radio button should be selected, below that the connection should show as PPPoA (PPP over ATM). The you will see your login name and the password will be represented by stars or blobs. Make sure the Idle Timeout is set to 0, and that you have 'Get Dynamically from ISP' selected for Internet IP Address, and 'Get automatically from ISP' selected for DNS address, with NAT set to 'Enable'. Although you have a static ISP, these are the recommended settings for IDNet, and all this will probably have been done before the router was sent to you.

Next, checked ADSL settings. These should be VC-based, VPI 0, VCI 38, DSL mode Auto.

Now check your wireless settings. Unless you need it, uncheck, or leave unchecked, the 'Enable wireless access point'. While you are there, it's worth setting up the wireless side, so you can just turn it on if required. Change the SSID, the region should be Europe, channel 11 is a good place to start (only alter if you encounter interference) and set the mode to 'g & b'. See my post here for more on security, but basically I advise broadcast of SSID and WPA or WPA2 security with a strong key. Don't forget to hit apply on any pages where you alter things.

Next, go to the Logs page, and select the items which you want recorded. I usually don't bother to have reports of connections to the web-based interface logged - I know when I've been there.

Now, move to Schedule, and select 'Every day', 'All day', GMT as the timezone, and check 'Adjust for DST' and 'Use this NTP server'. Against that, enter 158.43.128.66, I find this more reliable than Netgear's own NTP servers. Remember to adjust the DST switch when clocks go forwrd or back!

Next, go to Email, and enter your email address and SMTP server. If you're using an idnet.com address, that's smtp.idnet.com. Check 'Turn email notification on', check the three boxes under 'Send email alerts immediately' and finally, set a time for the routine log to be sent to you, I recommend this is done daily.

Go to WAN setup and check that 'Connect automatically as required' is checked. Then choose backup settings on the left, and save your configuration to file. This saves having to enter it all again.

Logout, and enjoy the connection.

[Gramps]

Thanks fellas, just one thing that's puzzling me at the moment is ,do I need the ethernet lead for a wireless connection?

[Rik]

No, but you need to set up the wireless side first, using the ethernet connection - you can't set up wireless, wirelessly.

It's worth mentioning, btw, that the Netgear (and many routers) seem to work better with IE than other browsers. If you update the firmware, make sure you do it through IE. (Latest firmware is 4.01.20)

[Gramps]

My PC is at the far corner of the room away from the BT master socket so obviously the ethernet cable supplied is not long enough, I have ordered a 15 metre ethernet lead so it looks like I will have to wait till that arrives.

[Rik]

You could try using a telephone extension lead in the interim, but the long ethernet cable is definitely the best bet.

[Gramps]

That's one way Rik, another is to move my pc temporally next to the master socket for set up purposes, trouble is logic tells me to wait till I get the longer cable, But have I got the patience?

[Rik]

Patience is always a problem with me, too. It's why I have a 'stock' cupboard with all sorts of cables and connectors that I might just need one day.

When I was home sitting last year, clients would often offer their ADSL connection, but not provide me with the wireless key, so I took to carrying a 50m ethernet cable around with me.

[Gramps]

Hi Rik,Told you I had no patience 
I have got to the "presented with the login for the router" stage but I am not clear which username and password to use.

[Rik]

I don't know whether IDNet change the login from the default Admin/Password. Were there any instructions? If not try the default first and, if that doesn't work, try your IDNet username and password. If that doesn't work, try Admin with your IDNet password. If that doesn't work, I'm stumped! 

[Gramps]

I have managed to get in, it was admin/idnet password, I won't need to change that now ,will I?

[Gramps]

You will be pleased to hear I am up and running with my shiny new modem/router, A big thanks to Dorsetboy and Rik.
One more question   if I disconnect my router and move it to another electricity socket will I lose my settings ?

[Rik]

No, the settings are retained in non-volatile memory, but I do recommend backing them up in case you ever need to do a factory reset. Oh, and you don't need to change that password now.

[Gramps]

Thank You 

[Rik]

Pleasure, enjoy the connection. Let us know how you get on...

[stevie0573]

Im not sure if this is relevent but im using a netgear DG834g v2 with vista 32bit. Netgear are no longer supporting this router with driver updates but it can be used as a always on connection and does work fine, you are also able to change/check settings via the router log in webpage if theres any problems.

Sorry im not that clued up on routers just thought this maybe of some help.

steve

p.s i would check http://kbserver.netgear.com/kb_web_files/n101649.asp if you are planning either to get a netgear router or getting vista before you buy

[Rik]

Useful link, thanks Steve.

In practice, routers don't need drivers, the CDs which come with them merely contain installation wizards and manuals generally. Providing the network adaptor in the computer/on the motherboard are supported by Vista, there should be no problems.

At least that's the theory.

[Gramps]

Well I am up and running with my new router/modem, I am getting a good signal to my two computers but I am wondering if there is anything I should be doing about security as  I can't find anything about it in the instruction leaflet.

[Rik]

Glad it's working. Yes, you do need to secure the network. This has to be done from a wired connection, use IE as your browser, and follow the instruction in my post above, about 2/3rds of the way down.

[alcav]

Hi all....as you may remember I received lots of advice re-internet connection etc etc.I finally decided to go for a router which I was lucky enough to  get off Ebay(waiting for it to arrive).

I was surprised to learn that I have more or less the same problems as Gramps inasmuch that the distance to my pc (in bedroom) is 15m from the phone socket and is at  the moment connected by a very long phone extension lead (perhaps the cause of my disconnects etc . I too would rather have a wireless connection rather than a long ethernet cable,finding a way to permantly route such a cable would be difficult in my house for several reasons.

I would like to know which is the better in terms of performance, wireless, or direct connection via a cable?.
Also,if I go for wireless I realize that a card or a usb device is required in order that my pc can communicate with the router,so which is the better,card or usb device.

Hope you can understand my ramblings   TIA   regards  Alan

[Lance]

Hi Alan,

It could well be the long phone extension lead causing your problems as it could pick up a fair bit of noise along it.

In terms of performance a cable is better. Firstly, this is because the speed is higher in most cases (normally 100mb) then wireless (54mb is most common at the moment). However, if the connection is only used for the internet and not sharing data between machines on a network then this is of no relevance. A second reason is that the transmission of packets takes approx 0.5 milliseconds longer over wireless, due to the encryption I believe. In practice, this too creates no evident problem and therefore can be ignored.

Unless you are desperate for a cable connection (in which case could you lay the cable in place of the telephone entension lead?), it is much neater to use wireless.

For your second question, I have only ever used a usb connected device but again, a card would be a little bit neater. It is one less cable connected after all! I would assume that performance is the same.

Hope this helps.

Lance

[alcav]

Hi Lance.....many thanks for your prompt reply.

I would like to keep the existing extension for my bedroom telephone only, and have a wireless connection thru the router,as you say,much neater.I do however from reading Riks post to Gramps have to set up the connection via an ethernet cable first,so it appears I have to get one anyway unless you can suggest an alternative.

Can you recommend any particular usb device for the computer end of things re-wireless.It seems a bit of a minefield out there and very confusing to a 70 yr old rookie .

Thanks again Lance,regards......Alan

[Lance]

Alan,

For setting up you could use a short ethernet cable, do the settings for the router, including the wireless settings, and then once they are done move the router to the final resting point. Although it doesn't replace using a cable, it saves having to use a long one.

For the computer side of things i would recommend that whatever one you buy, you match to the make of your router, eg both netgear. As i don't know much about netgear stuff, i will have to leave it to someone else to make a recommendation, but as long as it is 'g' i don't think you can go far wrong!

Lance

[Gramps]

Hi Alan, I set my router up using the telephone extension lead and that worked fine, one word of warning, if you use a netgear adapter it changes the settings on windows start up to RtlGina2.dll and you have to sign in every time you start up windows, I find the Belkin adapter better as it doesn't change any registry settings.
As a back up for if my wireless connection ever fails I have since bought a 15m ethernet cable.
My problem now is setting up the security system, Rik posted the instructions above but I am a bit confused with it all at the moment.
Bye the way I am a 72 year old rookie.

[Lance]

My problem now is setting up the security system, Rik posted the instructions above but I am a bit confused with it all at the moment.

Hi need any further help or clarification, just shout!

By the way I am a 72 year old rookie.

Is this turning into a competition?! I feel a little out of place being only 21!

[alcav]

Hi again,

many thanks Lance and Gramps for your very informative posts,I think I should have enough info to get me into the swing of things.

Just one thing Gramps,you said I find the Belkin adapter better as it doesn't change any registry settings.

Is this the wireless adapter at the comp end?perhaps you would kindly let me have the part/model number .What is a Dongle?would one of these be ok,it would save me messing about inside my tower fitting a card
Oh to have a young agile brain again     Regards......Alan

[Rik]

Can you recommend any particular usb device for the computer end of things re-wireless.It seems a bit of a minefield out there and very confusing to a 70 yr old rookie .

If you've got a spare PCI slot, Alan, and are happy to put a card in, go down that route. Not only is it neater, but it places less demand on the CPU than a USB device.

[Rik]

My problem now is setting up the security system, Rik posted the instructions above but I am a bit confused with it all at the moment.

Just yell for clarification...

[Rik]

In terms of performance a cable is better. Firstly, this is because the speed is higher in most cases (normally 100mb) then wireless (54mb is most common at the moment). However, if the connection is only used for the internet and not sharing data between machines on a network then this is of no relevance. A second reason is that the transmission of packets takes approx 0.5 milliseconds longer over wireless, due to the encryption I believe. In practice, this too creates no evident problem and therefore can be ignored.

Great answer, Lance. Couple of things I would add. Cable is not only faster, but inherently more secure. Wireless is a duplex device, and as such cannot actually sustain it's quoted speed. As you say, this is only really relevant when using LAN transmission, it's always fast enough for current broadband speeds - though speed does depend upon reception quality and lack of interference.

[Lance]

Great answer, Lance.

Thanks!

I could have expanded my answer but I was studing for my exams at the same time!

[Rik]

I could have expanded my answer but I was studing for my exams at the same time!

Nice to see you have your priorities right! How's the cramming going?

[Lance]

Not to bad, just so much material to get through!

[Rik]

Those were the days. Think of it as prospective money!

[Gramps]

Alan, It's the "Belkin High-Speed Mode Wireless G USB Network Adapter" part number, F5D7051.

Rik and Lance, I will have a go at securing my network later and I will definitely be shouting out for assistance.

[Rik]

Nae bother, we'll be around (depending on the time of day ).

[alcav]

Hi all...if I decide to wireless rather tha cable,are these the things I need to get?sorry to be so thick but I don't want to buy the wrong thing ......regards   Alan

[attachment deleted by admin]

[alcav]

or this 

[attachment deleted by admin]

[Lance]

Hi Alan,

The first one of these is the pci card we have mentioned while the second one is a USB dongle.

Ultimately, they should both be fine for you, but bare in mind what Rik said about USB devices placing extra strain on the processor.

[alcav]

Many thanks Lance,I think I shall most likely go for the card. regards...Alan

[Rik]

The card is definitely the better option, Alan, but be aware that you might need to get hold of a high-gain antenna if you are very unlucky and positioning/screening, weakens the signal.

[alcav]

The card is definitely the better option, Alan, but be aware that you might need to get hold of a high-gain antenna if you are very unlucky and positioning/screening, weakens the signal.

Thanks Rik....I live in a Park Home which is 90% timber,so there is no rf screening of any sort so I would think things should be ok on that score.All I hope for now is a spare slot in my pc

Regards ...Alan

[Rik]

A spare slot would definitely be helpful.

[Ardua]

If you want to see your Netgear DG834 router stats with ease then download RouterStats from www.vwlowen.co.uk. The programme works like a dream.

[Rik]

Agreed - it's very useful for monitoring a connection with intermittent problems.

[Gramps]

Good afternoon one and all, I have been running two computers wirelessly from my new Netgear DG834G since I set it up, I now want to run one computer via a ethernet cable, do I just unplug the wireless adapter from the usb socket and connect the ethernet cable to it's sockets on the router and PC ?
Thanks.

[Rik]

Indeed, it's that simple (same to reverse the process). If you have the 'modem icons' in the system tray, one will tell you it's not connected, one will tell you it's now connected at 100Mbps.

I tend to disable the interface I'm not using in Device Manager. Saves a bit of huff and puff for the machine.

[alcav]

Hi all,

I too am up and running with my E/Bay aquired router,and thanks to all your superb info the set up was easy.

I am as I type this post connected via the router,however I did notice a minute or so ago the centre (candlestick) type light go momentarily Orange,does this mean I had disconnect?the light I refer to plus the number one light appear to flicker quite a lot,is this due to that I am still connected via the original long phone line.(still waiting for a card and cable to arrive).

These are my stats for this afternoon using the router

IP profile for your line is - 3500 kbps
    DSL connection rate: 448 kbps(UP-STREAM)  4096 kbps(DOWN-STREAM)
    Actual IP throughput achieved during the test was - 2284 kbps

BTW how do I get the icons into my system tray


Would welcome your comments...regards      Alan

[alcav]

Hi again...forgot to include these

ADSL Link     Downstream     Upstream
Connection Speed    3264 kbps    448 kbps
Line Attenuation    50 db    14 db
Noise Margin    9 db    24 db


Alan

[Rik]

Hi Alan

It sounds like you lost sync briefly - if you log in to the router and check the logs, it will show that disconnection.

To get the 'modem' icons in the system tray, Start > Settings > Network Connections > Local Area Connection > Properties. That will bring up a dialogue showing the various elements of network software involved on the general tab. Beneath that, there is a checkbox marked "Show icon in notification area when connected". Check that box, and you'll have your icons.

[alcav]

Many thanks Rik.....Alan

[Rik]

My pleasure.

[Gramps]

Well I grasped the nettle and had a go at encrypting my network and surprise,surprise I have been successful, had a few confused moments though but thanks to Riks detailed instructions I am now secure. Phew 

[Rik]

There's nothing like a bit of wireless security to give you a warm glow, Wilf. Congratulations.