Combination Modem/Router or both??? Please HELP!

beatdiva · 02-07-2009, 08:06 PM

Hello,
I recently purchased a new laptop. It is a Dell Studio with built in Wireless card. I will be getting dsl through att (basic) which inlcudes wifi. This will be my only computer (no desktop). I know I will need a modem to connect to the internet but do I need a router as well? If so should I get a combination modem/router. Also, any recommendations on which brand to buy because I know nothing about the hardware. I was thinking to purchase from Dell since I have credit with them. Att offers a modem for $50 or a modem/router for $79, but I held off on buying one with the purchase of my highspeed because I wanted some advice first. Thank you for your help in advance!

**johnwill** · 02-08-2009, 07:46 AM

If you are getting AT&T DSL with a wireless modem/router, you don't need anything but the laptop from Dell. Note that you'll need to use the wired connection to initially configure stuff like encryption on the wireless AT&T router, but then it will work wirelessly just fine.

beatdiva · 02-08-2009, 08:19 PM

Do you recommend a specific modem/router or should I just buy it from ATT?

clyde123 · 02-09-2009, 05:26 AM

"If you are getting AT&T DSL with a wireless modem/router, you don't need anything "

**johnwill** · 02-09-2009, 03:15 PM

I think you already bought it from AT&T.

beatdiva · 02-10-2009, 05:56 PM

Sorry, I guess I am not being clear

I purchased the DSL service from ATT but did not get any equipment. I wanted advice on which type/brand modem and router to purchase. I still need both. Any suggestions? Thank you.

**johnwill** · 02-12-2009, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beatdiva

Sorry, I guess I am not being clear

I purchased the DSL service from ATT but did not get any equipment.

That's a masterpiece of understatement! Previously you said:

Quote:

Originally Posted by beatdiva

Hello,
I recently purchased a new laptop. It is a Dell Studio with built in Wireless card. I will be getting dsl through att (basic) which inlcudes wifi.

If you just purchased the service, obviously it doesn't "include" WiFi, it's just a DSL pipe.

What level of service did you order from AT&T, and what are their recommendations (or stated requirements) for the equipment to connect?

beatdiva · 02-12-2009, 12:31 PM

[quote=johnwill;1966506]That's a masterpiece of understatement!

Sorry I guess I am using the wrong vocabulary. I am not too computer saavy which is why I thought I could come here for help. Originally I did say "I know I will need a modem to connect to the internet but do I need a router as well? If so should I get a combination modem/router. Also, any recommendations on which brand to buy because I know nothing about the hardware."

And the service that I purchased states "complimentary Wi-Fi access at thousands of hotspots nationwide, including U.S. company-operated Starbucks locations equipped with a hotspot". Thats why I said it inlcudes wifi. Sorry if I mispoke, but again not to saavy when it comes to wireless connectivity as this is my first laptop.

ATT gives you the option of buying a modem or a router with a built in modem. This is all the information they give you regarding the type of equipment...."AT&T Wireless Gateway or High-Speed Modem...Modem $49.99...Gateway $79.99 (one-time charge)".

Again, I did not purchase either the modem or gateway because I wanted advice on which brands out there were recommended. But if you think I should just buy through ATT I will.

clyde123 · 02-12-2009, 12:59 PM

Normally a modem will let you connect up one computer to it, by a cable (not wireless).
If you want to connect more than one computer you will need a router. Routers normally come with a built in modem.
If you want to use your computer wirelessly (wifi) you will need a wireless router.

I don't understand what you mean by "I will be getting dsl through att (basic) which inlcudes wifi." Because wifi means wireless connection to your router, or a router at a place where you're visiting. Presumably it's marketing-speak by ATT to make their offering sound great ???
I cannot comment on the two items or prices you quote, but really any ADSL type modem or router will do your job, a router preferably. Just make sure it's an ADSL type router (has built in modem).

beatdiva · 02-12-2009, 07:01 PM

Thank you! I appreciate the breakdown on modems vs routers. It sounds like I really only need a modem because I'll only have one computer (my new laptop) and I'll have access to routers at other places nearby my home for wireless (wifi) access. I am going out to buy an ADSL modem tomorrow!

**johnwill** · 02-13-2009, 05:18 PM

Actually, you will want a router! It's really not much more than the modem, and it will allow you to connect wirelessly, as well as connect a second computer if you desire.

beatdiva · 02-13-2009, 06:05 PM

Ok. I think I will go to fry's and buy an ADSL router then. Thanks!

02-07-2009, 08:06 PM	#1 (permalink)
beatdiva Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 7 OS: Vista	Combination Modem/Router or both??? Please HELP! Hello, I recently purchased a new laptop. It is a Dell Studio with built in Wireless card. I will be getting dsl through att (basic) which inlcudes wifi. This will be my only computer (no desktop). I know I will need a modem to connect to the internet but do I need a router as well? If so should I get a combination modem/router. Also, any recommendations on which brand to buy because I know nothing about the hardware. I was thinking to purchase from Dell since I have credit with them. Att offers a modem for $50 or a modem/router for $79, but I held off on buying one with the purchase of my highspeed because I wanted some advice first. Thank you for your help in advance!

02-08-2009, 07:46 AM	#2 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,685 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: Combination Modem/Router or both??? Please HELP! If you are getting AT&T DSL with a wireless modem/router, you don't need anything but the laptop from Dell. Note that you'll need to use the wired connection to initially configure stuff like encryption on the wireless AT&T router, but then it will work wirelessly just fine. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

02-08-2009, 08:19 PM	#3 (permalink)
beatdiva Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 7 OS: Vista	Re: Combination Modem/Router or both??? Please HELP! Do you recommend a specific modem/router or should I just buy it from ATT?

02-09-2009, 05:26 AM	#4 (permalink)
clyde123 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Glasgow Posts: 397 OS: xp sp2	Re: Combination Modem/Router or both??? Please HELP! "If you are getting AT&T DSL with a wireless modem/router, you don't need anything "

02-09-2009, 03:15 PM	#5 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,685 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: Combination Modem/Router or both??? Please HELP! I think you already bought it from AT&T. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

02-10-2009, 05:56 PM	#6 (permalink)
beatdiva Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 7 OS: Vista	Re: Combination Modem/Router or both??? Please HELP! Sorry, I guess I am not being clear I purchased the DSL service from ATT but did not get any equipment. I wanted advice on which type/brand modem and router to purchase. I still need both. Any suggestions? Thank you.

02-12-2009, 12:31 PM	#8 (permalink)
beatdiva Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 7 OS: Vista	Re: Combination Modem/Router or both??? Please HELP! [quote=johnwill;1966506]That's a masterpiece of understatement! Sorry I guess I am using the wrong vocabulary. I am not too computer saavy which is why I thought I could come here for help. Originally I did say "I know I will need a modem to connect to the internet but do I need a router as well? If so should I get a combination modem/router. Also, any recommendations on which brand to buy because I know nothing about the hardware." And the service that I purchased states "complimentary Wi-Fi access at thousands of hotspots nationwide, including U.S. company-operated Starbucks locations equipped with a hotspot". Thats why I said it inlcudes wifi. Sorry if I mispoke, but again not to saavy when it comes to wireless connectivity as this is my first laptop. ATT gives you the option of buying a modem or a router with a built in modem. This is all the information they give you regarding the type of equipment...."AT&T Wireless Gateway or High-Speed Modem...Modem $49.99...Gateway $79.99 (one-time charge)". Again, I did not purchase either the modem or gateway because I wanted advice on which brands out there were recommended. But if you think I should just buy through ATT I will.

02-12-2009, 12:59 PM	#9 (permalink)
clyde123 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Glasgow Posts: 397 OS: xp sp2	Re: Combination Modem/Router or both??? Please HELP! Normally a modem will let you connect up one computer to it, by a cable (not wireless). If you want to connect more than one computer you will need a router. Routers normally come with a built in modem. If you want to use your computer wirelessly (wifi) you will need a wireless router. I don't understand what you mean by "I will be getting dsl through att (basic) which inlcudes wifi." Because wifi means wireless connection to your router, or a router at a place where you're visiting. Presumably it's marketing-speak by ATT to make their offering sound great ??? I cannot comment on the two items or prices you quote, but really any ADSL type modem or router will do your job, a router preferably. Just make sure it's an ADSL type router (has built in modem).

02-12-2009, 07:01 PM	#10 (permalink)
beatdiva Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 7 OS: Vista	Re: Combination Modem/Router or both??? Please HELP! Thank you! I appreciate the breakdown on modems vs routers. It sounds like I really only need a modem because I'll only have one computer (my new laptop) and I'll have access to routers at other places nearby my home for wireless (wifi) access. I am going out to buy an ADSL modem tomorrow!

02-13-2009, 05:18 PM	#11 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,685 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: Combination Modem/Router or both??? Please HELP! Actually, you will want a router! It's really not much more than the modem, and it will allow you to connect wirelessly, as well as connect a second computer if you desire. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

02-13-2009, 06:05 PM	#12 (permalink)
beatdiva Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 7 OS: Vista	Re: Combination Modem/Router or both??? Please HELP! Ok. I think I will go to fry's and buy an ADSL router then. Thanks!