| Broadband & Wireless Help |
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High Definition TV
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| High definition is the latest and best screen standard for television. It comes in three different flavors: 720p, 1080i and 1080p. This can be confusing.
What do these standards actually mean?
High definition programs are encoded with a type of r... |
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Wireless Booster
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| A wireless booster can be used to extend the range of an existing wireless network. This can be done in a number of different ways and can at first be confusing. The Belkin F5D7132 and Linksys WRE54G both claim to work as universal boosters, but we h... |
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What is the difference between the Slingbox and Slingbox Pro?
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| The main difference between the Slingbox and Slingbox PRO (their latest product release for the UK), is that the Slingbox PRO supports multiple devices at the same time.
The Slingbox PRO allows you to watch and control up to four video sources—inc... |
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How does wireless broadband work?
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I have recently got Virgin Media Broadband and i am wanting to turn it into a wireless connection and have at least 2 users on it. Please can you advise me on the best router.
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| Depending on the size of the wireless network you wish to create there are different routers you could go for.
The first, offering average performance at a low cost is the Linksys WRT54G. I personally use this router in my two-up-two-down house an... |
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My BT Home Hub only has 2 ethernet ports and I need to connect 2 desktop computers, an Xbox 360 and a Network Printer all by cable. What can I do?
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| You can increase the amount of ethernet ports you have by connecting a switch into your Home Hub. A 5-Port Switch will give you 4 free ports plus leave you with one free port on the Home Hub. Now you can connect more devices to your network! Switches... |
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I have just bought a new wireless N router and want to use my Linksys WRE54G range extender with it, will it work?
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| No, N spec routers don't have WDS which is normally required for the range extender. You can extend the wireless range via your power supply using the devolo wireless extender. This sends your broadband via your power circuit and re-transmits it in a... |
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How do I transfer calls using the Elmeg IP290 or Snom 360 on the Orbtalk Business Phone System?
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| Place the call on hold (Hold or R button), call the second caller to introduce the call, then press xfer on the screen to join the calls (This is also known as a consultative transfer) |
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I want to use my 3G USB Modem at home with more than one computer. Can I do this with a wireless router?
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| Using a Draytek Vigor 2800G (with built in ADSL modem) or 2910VG (no modem, but two internet ports) you can plug your 3G USB Modem into the USB port on the router and it will allow you to turn your 3G connection into a secure wireless network for you... |
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I want to use Gigabit on my laptop to speed up the transfer of large files to my Terastation,how can I achieve Gigabit speed?
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| You need to use a Gigabit cardbus adapter on you laptop. I would suggest the Netgear GA511 and a Gigabit switch such as the GS605 |
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I'm about to install Windows Vista Home Premium and am interested in a Media Center Extender so that I can watch video etc on my TV as well as the pc screen. Do you stock any of these that are tried and tested?
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| The only Certified Media Center Extender is currently the XBOX 360. There are other solutions available that use DLNA and work on the same sort of technology. |
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How does the Terratec iVinyl work?
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The Benefits of 802.11n Technology
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How can I extend the range of my Netgear DG834G?
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| There are two ways of extending the range of your DG834G Wireless Modem Router. The first would be the Netgear WGXB102 Wall-Plugged Range Extender Kit which uses Powerline technology to give you wireless access through your electricals (see powerline... |
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Powerline
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| Powerline is a term used to describe technology which sends digital information from one device to another using the electrical wiring. |
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Print Server
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| A Print Server is a piece of software designed to manage printing requests made by users on a network, and forward them to the printer when it has finished it's current task. |
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MP3
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| MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3, more commonly referred to as MP3, is a popular audio encoding format. It uses a lossy compression algorithm that is designed to greatly reduce the amount of data required to represent the audio recording, yet still sound like a ... |
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How can I find my IP Address or the IP Address of my router?
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Accessing Media stored on a Linkstation Live with a Playstation 3
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How does a Slingbox work?
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| The Slingbox allows you to watch your favourite tv channels over the internet by drawing the video signal from your Set Top Box or Sky+ box and converting it into a digital stream on the internet, which you can log into and watch anywhere you have an... |
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My VoIP calls suffer from interference when someone is downloading on my network. What can I do?
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| This is caused by there not being enough bandwidth for the download and your call at the same time. A router with Quality of Service (QoS) such as the Billion 7300G is designed to prioritise VoIP calls and limits the speed of the download so you have... |
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IP Cameras
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| IP Cameras are cameras which connect to a network to allow viewing and recording from computers on the network and also over the internet. We supply wired and wireless cameras from Panasonic, Axis and Linksys. |
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Home Automation
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| Home Automation is a term used to describe hardware that is designed to automate tasks around the house, such as controlling the lighting, the curtains or even the kettle. Home Entertainment Systems are often integrated into a Home Automation solutio... |
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Quality of Service (QoS)
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| Quality of Service is a system designed to manage internet traffic to prioritise certain applications to ensure they have enough bandwidth when the internet connection is under heavy load. It's primary use is for internet telephony but it can be used... |
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MP3 Streamer
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| An MP3 Streamer is a device which connects to your sound system and allows you to listen to music stored on your network and on the internet.
Devices like the Squeezebox are fantastic additions to an existing sound system in your living room. |
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Media Streamer
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| A media streamer is a device designed to allow the user to listen to music, view photos or watch videos that are stored on a computer or NAS Drive (See NAS in Glossary) through a Stereo or TV. |
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DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance)
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| The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), (formerly: Digital Home Working Group), is an international, cross-industry collaboration of consumer electronics, computing industry and mobile device companies. |
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I want to use VoIP for cheaper calls, but don't want loads of phones. Is there a 2-in-1 phone?
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| We have a selection of cordless phones which supply both VoIP and regular landline calls both incoming and outgoing. With the push of a button you can switch between lines and receive calls from both lines, with different ringtones to distinguish bet... |
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Why does my WiFi card turn off every time I unplug my laptop from the mains?
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| Power settings on laptops are often set to turn off certain functions when going mobile, to conserve battery power. Open your laptop's power settings and disable the turning off of the card slot when mobile and this should fix the problem. |
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Can my Philips HTS9800W play Region 1 DVDs?
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| With a simple code, you can enable Multi-Region compatibility on the HTS9800W. Simply power on the DVD player, eject any DVDs in the unit and press 9999 on the remote. Then press 0 (Zero) on the remote and the words "Region: 0" should appear on the s... |
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X10
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| X10 is an international and open industry standard for communication among devices used for home automation. It primarily uses existing electrical wiring for signalling and control, where the signals involve brief radio frequency bursts representing ... |
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How can I use one of your security cameras to view my house while at work?
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| If you have an existing router at home and wish to keep an eye on things while at work you can send the video feed from one of our IP Security Cameras over the internet, allowing you to view the images on your computer. All the cameras from Axis, Pan... |
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Network Attached Storage (NAS)
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| Network Attached Storage is a term used for a device which is used to provide storage for multiple computers on a network. This data can then be accessed by computers, media players and other devices. Product's such as the Buffalo Linkstation Live in... |
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Is there a device which can replace all my current and future remote controls? I have too many!
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| The Logitech Harmony 1000 Universal remote is the perfect replacement for your individual remote controls. It has a smart learning function whereby you simply point the remote control you wish to replace at the Harmony 1000 and add the functions of y... |
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WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access)
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| Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA and WPA2) is a class of systems to secure wireless (Wi-Fi) computer networks. It was created in response to several serious weaknesses researchers had found in the previous system, Wireless Encryption Protocol (WEP). WPA i... |
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I have a Rega Planet CD player with a Rega Amp and I'm looking to purchase a device to play mp3's on my wireless network at home. I need something that will look good alongside my existing setup.
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| The Slim Devices Squeezebox Transporter is designed to work with high end audio equipment and can be connected directly to your Rega Amp. The Transporter is available in black or silver, so you can match it to the colour of your rega system, the unit... |
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Does the Roomba iRobot actually work!?
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| Everybody who has had the Roomba product demonstrated has been very impressed and has ended up purchasing the product. Until you see how effective it is its hard to imagine that this type of device could replace an existing Vacuum. In our office it h... |
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Whats the difference between the Devolo 200 AV and the AV desk?
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| The 200 av product is a plug style unit that plugs directly into a power socket, the desk unit has a normal power lead that connects to a box. In some case the desk unit is easier to position as it does stick out anumore than a normal power plug. Bot... |
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Can I use Microsoft's Vista version of Windows with my Netgear router?
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| Windows Vista will work with any router as routers do not usually require driver software, drivers can be required for wireless adapter cards. Please follow the link below for information on Netgear products and vista use. |
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My new games console has WiFi, how can I connect it to the internet when all I have is a USB modem?
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| You could use a wireless adapter on your PC to create an Ad-Hoc type connection and allow your console (such as a Wii, Playstation 3 or Xbox 360 with wireless adapter) access to the internet, however this method can be a little tricky to set up and w... |
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Can I use my Linksys router with Vista (The latest version of Windows)?
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| Linksys have a detailed page that gives information about linksys products and Vista, this can be found at: |
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What hardware can I use with BT Broadband Talk?
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| BT's Broadband Talk service does not use the regular SIP standard in internet telephony which means the vast majority of VoIP hardware is incompatible with their service. Currently only the BT Broadband Hub and handset are compatible with the service... |
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I've just started using Windows Vista. Will I need to change my hardware?
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| Vista may be new, but the networking standards it uses have been around for years, and all routers are compatible with the new operating system. Certain compatibility issues can arise with the CD that comes with the router not being recognised by Win... |
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How can I stream media files to my Pinnacle Soundbridge without my PC being on?
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| The Buffalo Homeserver range of Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices have server software built in that allows them to do this. The NAS devices can be left on allowing any device to access media files. |
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IP PBX
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| An IP PBX is a Private Branch eXchange that works over an IP network. The PBX could also be described as a Hosted PBX as the telephony could be provided from a server located in a data centre. The IP PBX provides telephone services to users in remote... |
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Hosted PBX
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| A hosted PBX is a Private Branch exchange that is installed on a server, usually located in a data centre. The hosted PBX could also be described as an IP PBX as the telephony is provided over an IP network. The hosted IP PBX provides telephone servi... |
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What Router can I use with the TalkTalk Free broadband offer?
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| We sell a range of Routers that can be used with the TalkTalk Free broadband service. click here for details. You should get a letter from TalkTalk that will include your Username and Pasword for your broadband connection. These settings can be used ... |
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Whats the best MTU setting for my router?
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| If you have problems browsing certain websites it is likely that your have the incorrect MTU setting in your router. As a high percentage of UK broadband is provided via BT lines it is a good idea using the BT setting (even if BT are not your ISP). B... |
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VPN (Virtual Private Network)
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| A virtual private network (VPN) is a private communications network often used within a company, or by several different companies or organizations, to communicate confidentially over a publicly accessible network.
VPN involves two parts: the prote... |
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What is Powerline Technology?
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I want to watch the world cup on my laptop, what do I need?
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| I want to watch football matches (The world cup!) on my laptop, what do I need? |
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I'm interested in multi-room hifi, what products do you sell?
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| I'm interested in multi-room hifi, what products do you sell? |
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Netgear RangeMax Next
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Using the WGXB102 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Wireless Range Extender Kit
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Netgear RangeMax Technology Explained.
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VoIP Technology and benefits
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What is VoIP? Basic Knowledge about the technology
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Do any of your music streamers support streaming BBC Radio Stations?
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| BBC Music stations are streamed in Real Audio format which is not generally supported by music streamers. However there is a plugin for the Squeezebox 3 called AlienBBC that will allow you to stream the majority of the BBC internet radio stations as ... |
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Can I use the Netgear Rangemax WPN311 with the Rangemax 240 WPNT834?
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| The standard Netgear Rangemax equipment (WPN111, WPN311 and WPN511) will work with the Netgear Rangemax 240 router and will benefit from the extended range offered by the router.
They will not however be able to benefit from the extra speed offere... |
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How can I listen to Internet Radio?
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| To listen to Internet Radio without using your computer you need a media player. A media player (wired/ethernet or wireless) is needed. These devices access the internet through your broadband connection (best done using a router) and deliver Interne... |
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What is the difference between a 3G Data card and a wireless networking adaptor?
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| A 3G Data card is a PCMCIA card that fits into your laptop, allowing it to connect to 3G mobile phone / data networks.
A wireless network adaptor enables connection to wireless networks that are within range (Generally within 30 meters or so betwe... |
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Why are the Draytek routers so expensive?
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| The Draytek range are very popular with Business customers who require a comprehensive feature set and who can afford to pay a higher premium. Some home users also prefer the features found on Draytek products. They are very popular with customers wh... |
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What is the Slim Devices Squeezebox SqueezeNetwork?
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| The Squeezebox can connect to a centrally hosted web interface that can be used to controls elements of the Squeezbox. The Squeezebox can be turned on/off, the volume adjusted or favorite radio stations added. The SqueezeNetwork is a unique feature o... |
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MIMO Wireless Router
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| Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) wireless routers use an array of external or internal antennas to offer an increase in both speed and range when compared with standard 802.11g and 802.11b wireless products. |
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Are you selling the new Roku M1001 Soundbridge?
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| Yes - Other people are describing the product as the M1001 on the web, however Roku labs have asked us to not do this as the official title is still the M1000, even though the current version is different from the old M1000 and the actual unit is mar... |
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How do I configure my Router to share my AOL Broadband?
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| In order to connect to AOL, we only recommend the DG834G, as it is officially supported by Netgear, and the DG834GT, which is a very similar product which can be set up to work with AOL... |
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What is Linksys SRX Technology?
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I have an existing ADSL Modem/Router (TrendNet TEW-435BRM) which suffers from persistant drop out of signal, which is a pain. It seems I need a more powerful solution to get the signal all around a large detched house. I have 2 PC's & a laptop
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| The product you currently have inculdes a built-in ADSL modem, which the WRT54GX does not. Linksys do however offer a similar product that has an ADSL modem built in. The product is called a WAG54GX2, which is currently the best Wireless Modem/Route... |
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I have tried using a software phone (xlite) on my PC for SIP calls with Orbtalk, but the sound quality is really poor. I would also like to use it when my PC is not turned on. What do I need? This is for a small business.
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| You will get much better call quality if you use a hardware phone. The best hardware VOIP telephones on the market are made by a german company called SNOM. We have some great offers on the Snom 320 and Snom 360 at the moment. These phones offer all ... |
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I have just got bulldog broadband on adsl, and not used to this having come from ntl cable. In the past I have used NTL with the linksys router wrt54g but this is incompatible ( i think) with the usb adsl modem they have given me so I am unable to share
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| You are correct in saying the WRT54G will not work with the FREE USB modem that you have been given. The fastest all in one Modem/Wireless Router is the Netgear DG834GT. The best deal we currently have for this unit is a bundle with the WG111T USB ad... |
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I have noticed that you have a "cable store", are they the same cables that I can buy from PCworld?
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| All the belkin cables are exactly the same units you would find in store, but our prices are a fraction of those charged by PCworld |
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I have tried to extend my wireless network to my office in the garden, however I am still not getting a reliable connection. What do you suggest?
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| If the power supply for your garden office is from the same fuse box (or consumer unit) you can use the devolo homeplug microlink units. These can be plugged into a spare power socket in your main house near your router and the other in the garden of... |
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Can the Linksys WRE54G range expander be used with the Linksys WAG54G?
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| If you have any version prior to version 2.0, Yes it can! The following are instructions on how to set the 2 units up to work together:
1. You need the latest drivers for the WAG54G. These aren't available on the Linksys UK website but drop ... |
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Can I use my USB modem with a wired or wireless router?
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| The simple answer is no. USB modems aren't suitable for networking so you have 2 options instead. Firstly, you can buy an all in one wireless
router such as ... |
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Can you give me instructions on how to set up the Netgear DG632 with the Netgear WGT624?
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| I can give you step by step details of how to configure the DM602/DG632 to work to a firewall / router. You start these instructions with the DM602/DG632 connected directly to your PC via ethernet, with the firewall / router disconnected.
Part 1 ... |
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Can you confirm that the LinkSys WAP54G Wireless Access Point is exactly the same model as the LinkSys WAP54G-UK Wireless Access Point sold by PC World?
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| Yes, the WAP54G that we sell is the WAP54G-UK model, exactly the same as you would find in PC World. We only stock UK products, so its not just the Linksys WAP54G that is the same. This applies to all products. |
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I'm looking to set up a wireless network in my flat so I can share my ADSL. I'm thinking of using the Linksys WAG54GX2 - am I correct in thinking that this will act as my modem, router and access point for the network?
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| Thanks for your enquiry, you are quite correct in suggesting that the WAG54GX2 will do the entire job. If you are purchasing new components though it is not necessary, we do recommend that you do use components from the same manufacturer just for eas... |
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I currently have NTL Broadband via a set top box. I would like to set up a wireless connection to enable me to access broadband all over the house.
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| I would recommend the Linksys WRT54GX for your wireless router, this plugs into the set top box via ethernet cable. Depending on your house you should have no problem with range, wall thickness can make a difference but an average to large house for ... |
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I need an "Idiots guide to networking!", where should I look?
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| Try our Beginners guide, we have tried to make this section easy to follow and understand. It offers a step by step guide through some elements of networking. |
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I want to access broadband via bluetooth on my PDA, but I dont want to do this through my PC as I dont want to have it turned on all the time. I have a modem/router connected to BT broadband. Can I do this?
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| You can easily do this if you use a D-link DBT-900AP bluetooth access point. It simply plugs into the router via a spare
ethernet port |
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