[HALP] Interwebz and Routers

Discussion in 'Unrelated Discussion' started by Geers, March 28, 2014.

  1. Geers

    Geers Post Master General

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    My router/WAP/modem thing comes from the age when broadband was new. So I need a more modern one. A key feature I'm looking for is one that can punch through interference from neighbours and electronic devices, since currently I have to run around hitting the main power switch for everything and connecting my phone/ipod through my laptop to get an actual signal in my room. Recommendations? Nothing too expensive, I don't have an asteroid mining company.

    I currently have a Billion 7300g.

    Secondly, my desktop has an odd habit of not connecting to the internet every now and then when booted up. A reboot usually fixes this, two will get me connected for sure. It's not too much of a hassle but I'd really like to know why it's doing this and how to make it stop. I'm pretty sure it's my PC doing something since my other devices don't have any issues.
    Last edited: April 4, 2014
  2. LavaSnake

    LavaSnake Post Master General

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    Well is it a router or modem? Your modem (usually) comes from your ISP and they have to upgrade it. Also, who's your ISP and what's their policy on/compatibility with third party routers? Some ISPs (hint, hint, verizon) make it a massive pain to set up a third party router so you need to check and make sure it's possible.
  3. Geers

    Geers Post Master General

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    I'm with iinet. It's a thing that plugs into the wall and gives me wireless interwebz and a fibre cable connection. No, I don't know what the difference is.

    Ok now I do. I guess it's technically both.
    Last edited: March 31, 2014
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  4. LavaSnake

    LavaSnake Post Master General

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    Well you need to go to their website and find the instructions for setting up a third party router. You could also call their tech support line and ask but that usually includes a free year's worth of waiting on hold.
    Geers likes this.
  5. trialq

    trialq Post Master General

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    Alternatively, snake a 20 metre cable from the router to your computer, preferably detouring through as many other rooms as possible. Trust me, signal is greatly improved ;)
    LavaSnake likes this.
  6. Geers

    Geers Post Master General

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    Yes ok, BUT WHICH ROUTER!?

    Oh boy! I love tripping hazards! Extra fun when guests sue!
  7. LavaSnake

    LavaSnake Post Master General

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    So you have both a router and a modem!? Could you just take pictures of all your interwebs boxes and post them here? That would make my life a lot easier.
  8. Geers

    Geers Post Master General

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    [​IMG]

    That thing.
  9. LavaSnake

    LavaSnake Post Master General

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    and is that your only box?
  10. Geers

    Geers Post Master General

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    Yes.
  11. LavaSnake

    LavaSnake Post Master General

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    That means that your modem is probably integrated into the router and that means it's probably best to just call your ISP and ask them how to change your router to a third party one or get an upgrade from them.
  12. Geers

    Geers Post Master General

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    Yes, BUT WHICH ROUTER DO I GET!? THERE'S MORE THAN ONE ON THE MARKET! THE ENTIRE POINT OF THIS THREAD WAS TO GET A SECOND OPINION ON WHICH ROUTER TO GET! GAAAAHHH.
  13. LavaSnake

    LavaSnake Post Master General

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    Well you first need to know if 1. your ISP is compatible with third party routers and 2. which ones they are compatible with. Once those two questions are answered we can help you find a good router to buy.
  14. Geers

    Geers Post Master General

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    How about my PC not connecting to the internet? Can you fix that?
  15. stormingkiwi

    stormingkiwi Post Master General

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    Have you tried turning it off and on again?


    The Internet, I mean.

    I sometimes have an issue. Sometimes it is because the plug needs fiddling with or windows 8 troubleshooter running

    Today, for no conceivable reason, Skype, Spotify and Internet Explorer maintained access to the Internet. However Google Chrome lost it. Oddly the problem started when I started up PA, and PA also had no Internet connection.

    Required a reboot to fix.
  16. Geers

    Geers Post Master General

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    Yeah, resetting the router usually fixes it. But I'd prefer to avoid the issue altogether. Is there a way to prioritize the cable connection?
  17. LavaSnake

    LavaSnake Post Master General

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    Could you recap a little? I'm a little confused about what your problem is now.
  18. Geers

    Geers Post Master General

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    Computer turns on > I log in > Internet doesn't work (tries to connect wirelessly despite the existence of a cable) > Turning off router for 10 sec and then back on again sometimes fixes connection issue > If not, restart.

    I want the PC to prioritize the wired connection and I to not fail at connecting.
  19. LavaSnake

    LavaSnake Post Master General

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    That's really odd. Windows should use the wired connection first. Can you just disable your WiFi card?
  20. stormingkiwi

    stormingkiwi Post Master General

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    It shouldn't matter - the wired connection should already be present, and so the connection to wifi should be a nice extra, but should have little effect otherwise.

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