posted
If I understand correctly, I can use a wireless router so I don't have to be hardwired to the modem in the RV. What router (used or refurbished) would you suggest? I have been reading reviews at Amazon.com, and apparently some of the more reliable ones have changed so the new ones aren't as good as the old ones, but it's a little over my head. What do you folks think, and what else do I need to know or do other than buy the router?
Keep your explanations as basic as possible as I'm very new to this and have a lot to learn still.
posted
Good question! I was recently looking at routers for some family members and have read the less than favorable reviews of some of the new wireless routers. I did take a chance and tried the Belkin - N+ Wireless-N Router. Like some of the reviews I had seen on it, I couldn't get the darn thing configured to work. I had scoffed at the config complaints - I mean how hard could it be? Well, even getting their support on the line we could not get it going. This was frustrating because of all the Linksys routers I have ever worked with, you pretty much plug them in and they work!
So, I reverted back to the familiar Linksys routers, but rather than give the new technology with bad customer reviews a try, I stayed with the older Linksys WRT54G. Not as sexy as the newer ones, but they work!
posted
If you have a Datastorm antenna I would recommend sticking with the Linksys router family of routers. I am with TK in that all most folks need is the basic WRT54G or G2 which costs about $50. Everyone here knows how to support it and if you call MotoSAT for help with some other router and are having problems they will likely have you get a Linksys so they can move past that particular issue. It's unlikely that this will help with the issue, but that's how universal the Linksys router is in the Datastorm community.
-------------------- Bill Adams Winegard Company Posts: 15775 | From: Traveling the Western US | Registered: May 2003
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quote:Originally posted by TK: So, I reverted back to the familiar Linksys routers, but rather than give the new technology with bad customer reviews a try, I stayed with the older Linksys WRT54G. Not as sexy as the newer ones, but they work!
If your tech savy at all, you can install the DD-WRT firmware and it will have alot of the 'sexy' options as the higher dollar ones. More options than 99% of users will ever need or even know what to do with.
-------------------- 1977 MCI Bus Conversion
Real Men Love Jesus! A little about me...Faith Ministries At the moment, we are Here F1 Datastorm|D3|HN7000S|83W 1390|Linksys WRT54G w/DD-WRT Firmware|2 wireless laptops|Netgear SPH200W WiFi Skype Phone Posts: 494 | From: CONUS | Registered: Jun 2008
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posted
I have gone with the DD-WRT as well. BUT for most people it would be problematic as Motosat will stop helping mid stream when they find out you are not using a linksys. I had to help a customer that replaced a linksys with a Belkin N as Motosat refused to help them. I understand where Motosat is coming from. Each tech would have to know every wireless router out there and that is just impossible.
-------------------- Steve O'Bosky Dealer/Installer Datastorm/MotoSat TV 559-901-9044 sro54 at yahoo.com F1 DataStorm |D4|7000S|99W/1370|Linksys WRT54GC Windows 7 premiumSee our location Posts: 1086 | From: Visalia, CA | Registered: May 2003
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posted
Just starting to read about Sat internet.....with great interest for our upcoming retirement.
Is the Sat and Modem totally or partially dependent to the Router in used?
I always taught about my Router as just a transmission mean within my walls and I have never required any help setting them up...I have had many Linksys router for the longest time...but they just kept breaking, now with Apple it's very reliable and easy to set-up...even with PC notebook.
For that reason since I'm a MAC user I would used the Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station if I it would work...with a SAT Internet??
Posts: 2 | Registered: Sep 2010
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posted
The router is the central hub for communications and is essential.
The Apple Airport Extreme works just fine with the MotoSat system. You will need to configure it to function properly with the system.
-------------------- Don Marr WWW.OREGONRV.NET 541-683-5361 See where I am Country Coach Concept 40' F1 - D3|7000s|99W|LinkSys wireless with 1000mw WiFi amp & Ext. antenna Posts: 3411 | From: Eugene, OR | Registered: Jun 2004
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posted
Actually, there is no router required at all for the Hughes internet service. If, any only if, you have a MotoSAT Datastorm antenna, then either a router or a switch is required for proper operation. If you are not using a Datastorm you can just run an Ethernet cable from the modem to your (one) computer and you are done.
-------------------- Bill Adams Winegard Company Posts: 15775 | From: Traveling the Western US | Registered: May 2003
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posted
Also, with any network that has everything go through one gateway to the net (including satellite and DSL), the speed is set by the slowest pipe. How fast is your download speed?
A "B" router (11 MBPS) that you find at a garage sale for $5 or $10 will be just as fast as the latest "N" router (100 MBPS) since virtually all traffic is net traffic. (assuming you are not moving much between computers or streaming from computers to TV's and things).
The new technology works better over distances and around obstacles, but for most mobile users it's a bit like buying an 18 wheeler to go grocery shopping. It does the job, but it's way more than you need.
-------------------- Terrestrial Wireless (finally found an alternative!) Posts: 233 | Registered: May 2007
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posted
I like your analogy of the "18 wheeler to go grocery shopping".
-------------------- Don Marr WWW.OREGONRV.NET 541-683-5361 See where I am Country Coach Concept 40' F1 - D3|7000s|99W|LinkSys wireless with 1000mw WiFi amp & Ext. antenna Posts: 3411 | From: Eugene, OR | Registered: Jun 2004
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posted
Our original router (Linksys WRT54GC) recently gave up the ghost. Nearest store was Best Buy and they only carried Netgear (and Belkin). So we got Netgear WPN824N-100NAS, an "N" type which was probably unnecessary but oh well.
A bit of a challenge inputting the info it required to work, plus setting up the security for it. It couldn't set up "automatically" because it detected our "static" address. Finally I got all the info needed to set it up. Then named the network & secured it. Even though it was not a Linksys, MotoSat tech was as helpful as they could be.
What was NOT helpful AT ALL was Netgear. There is NO way to get ANY free phone tech support from Netgear. They won't talk with you unless you give them your credit card # and the clock starts ticking and $'s start flying out the window. Thankfully I did not have to go that route, but you'd think there would be a minimum of help when you buy their product.... Best Buy's GEEK SQUAD guys were also fairly helpful, both locally as well as their central toll-free GEEK SQUAD line.
We have a D2/ DW6000
-------------------- B & T Wood and Foxy Cat 2001 Safari Cheetah D2/D6000 Posts: 21 | From: full time USA | Registered: Aug 2009
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