which one do i need to connect my virgin cable box to my computer and my freesat box , i need 2x ethernet connections so which is the best cheap option (noob to this lol) ?

Quick answer pretty much any router that is not a DSL router, I assume you have an old virgin modem? rather than the new virgin router modems (both built in to the same box).

Might even be worth phoning virgin to say you haven't got a router? You should have one? How long you had Virgin for?

i opted for the self install that did not include one and virgin wants £60 for one

Quote from: chaotic_uk on February 07, 2011, 22:38:39 PM
i opted for the self install that did not include one and virgin wants £60 for one

In that case, as Xentity asked, do you have one of the old virgin modems. If not you need to get hold of one, the cable routers that are sold all seem to require you to plug them into an old ntl/telewest/virgin modem. I think if you don't have that then you may be buying a router (with built in modem) direct from Virgin.

no idea if it is an old modem as i have had it about a year , it is a small black one sized about 4.5inch by 4.5inch by an inch or so high . on the bottom it says trade name : ambit

Buy any cable router you like. Plug the Modem into WAN1 and then your devices into LAN1 and LAN2.

Job done.

which are the best to get and which one's to avoid ?

I'm a bit out of the loop really, as most routers I buy are running custom firmware i.e. DD-WRT...

...Not sure how times have changed but netgear / linksys used to be good, I think the netgears slightly better, but I think even the cheaper D-Link routers were good enough!

I think unless you are going to be doing very advanced stuff most are much of the same at the moment?

It also depends on if you want wireless or not either, if you do want wireless then what type? Standard G, or wireless N? (Have I lost you yet) No idea on your technical knowledge? If you know of anything you specifically want it to do then let us know, or I'm sure someone here can recommend a well priced standard router.

no into the wireless stuff tbh , just need it to plug 2 ethernet cables into it and run it off of my cable modem

Anything will do then really, just make sure it's not a DSL router, it usually says cable router.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Belkin-Wireless-Router-Transfer-F5D7234uk4-H/dp/B003BIEOP0/ref=sr_1_67?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1297126775&sr=1-67

This one for example, but take a look round, have a look at reviews, and possibly post up here if you have any questions.

Edit: I know this one is wireless, but TBH most are, and price difference is tiny, and you can turn the wireless off!

Asus RT-12N

Job done

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/190028

in my experience unless you want a particular feature or spend a LOT of money, one cable router is pretty much the same as another.

Your other option if you've got an old box kicking about doing nothing is to throw two network cards into it and install smoothwall. That's only if there's a convinient PC shaped space to put it of course but it gives a bit more control than a cheapo router without paying premium prices.

I think these days the offset cost of electricity in leaving a smoothwall PC running 24x7 compared to a low power router is - over time - much worse. best off just bunging for an half decent all-in-one and saving a lot of hassle.

I've no ideas how good this is but its cheap and seems to have the main features anyone would need:
http://www.tekheads.co.uk/product/GetNet-GR-124W-4-Port-Wireless-DSL-Cable-Router_25453.html

Apparently GetNet is made by Edimax.

thx all for the help , i will be ordering one tomorrow

Quote from: Clock'd 0Ne on February 08, 2011, 15:05:06 PM
I think these days the offset cost of electricity in leaving a smoothwall PC running 24x7 compared to a low power router is - over time - much worse. best off just bunging for an half decent all-in-one and saving a lot of hassle.

I've no ideas how good this is but its cheap and seems to have the main features anyone would need:
http://www.tekheads.co.uk/product/GetNet-GR-124W-4-Port-Wireless-DSL-Cable-Router_25453.html

Apparently GetNet is made by Edimax.

The only issue I can see with that one is one of the features is a setup CD! I've not used a CD to setup a router in years, most now you plug in load up any page on your browser and it re-directs to the router config page Doesn't mean it's a bad router though!