WRT54G users

[Smooth*{MEOW}*]

For those that use the WRT54G router, what modem are you guys using?  Also, Kat you posted this in another post:

The first four digits of the serial number will indicate the packaged hardware version. If
unit is outside of the box, the version is indicated on the silver stick on the bottom
front of the router.
WRT54G
CDF0 = WRT54G v1.0
CDF1 = WRT54G v1.0
CDF2 = WRT54G v1.1
CDF3 = WRT54G v1.1
CDF5 = WRT54G v2.0
CDF7 = WRT54G v2.2
CDF8 = WRT54G v3.0
CDF9 = WRT54G v3.1
CDFA = WRT54G v4.0
CDFB = WRT54G v5.0 VxWorks based not compatible

If I were to order this stuff from Newegg, how would I be able to determine that?  Also, concerning the modem, the cable company said I need "DOC SYS 1.1 or higher".

[KitKat]

I use that router with a toshiba pcx2500 cable modem. I had nothing but troubles witht his router. I can't get it set up just right to host anything!!I went online with their live tech support and did what they said and still no luck. I have to constantly reset it too. In order for me to play lockdown or falcon 4.0 I have to disconnect from the router and go direct to the modem.

[Kat*{MEOW}*]

Smooth, you can't determine which one it is till you have it in hand.  You need to see the serial number.  Mine is version 2.2 and works just fine.  The later version 5 does not use the same hardware and has less memory in it.  This causes some significant connection problems.   It is my understanding that the unit marketed as the WRT54GS is actual the earlier version of the WRT54G.  I would suggest that is the one to get.  You can check DSL reports for full details. (See links in earlier thread)

I use a Motorola SB5100 modem on my current cable connection.  My speed is normaly 13/2.

[Smooth*{MEOW}*]

You think if I called Newegg they could check the serial # for me?  Still lost on the modem, I think I'll call the cable company and ask if they have a list of known modems they have problems with.

[THEKATZ*{MEOW}*]

Smooth, you would probably be better off going to a Bestbuy or some electronics place to buy this.  Same day in your hands and you can verify the information.  I would almost bet that most any Linksys setting on the shelf would be up to date.  Just look at the Manufacture date.  Anything pre - June 05 would  be one I would not buy.

[Smooth*{MEOW}*]

I just want to avoid getting the bad v5.0 one.  Also it's cheaper online.

[Smooth*{MEOW}*]

I will probably get the router from a retail place and everything else online.  What do you think of this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16825122106

[THEKATZ*{MEOW}*]

Exactly what I have.  No issues yet.  Had it for 3 years.

[Smooth*{MEOW}*]

Got the router today.  I was able to get the v4.0 WRT54G.  Also got the card for my brother's laptop.  Just waiting to see if the modem goes on sale this Sunday, then all I have to do is set up an installation date.

[Smooth*{MEOW}*]

OK here's a question.  Do I have to set up a network?  I don't really have a need for one.

[THEKATZ*{MEOW}*]

OK here's a question.  Do I have to set up a network?  I don't really have a need for one.

Well, you mentioned your brothers laptop, is that laptop going to ever use that routers wireless?  If so, that is a network.  Actually, you might be able to get around setting your computer up as a network, though that  router is a network so to speak.  So setting up Windows out side the network might be possible with a static IP and let Windows assume it is connecting to the internet directly rather than through a network gateway.   
The easiest, is to set it up as the instructions say.  After you are all set up, there will b no other computers except yours on that network, so you wont be able to map to any other computer is all.
Smooth, you will be safer through that router than directly to the cable modem.  That router is a perfect hardware firewall. 

[Smooth*{MEOW}*]

I'd rather just set it up so each computer is seperate from each other.  I don't need each computer having access to the other computer's resources.

[THE PEARL]

ROGER THAT SMOOTH, NOTHING WORSE THAN HAVING CROSSPORNCONTAMINATION. HUH FASTY?

  THE PEARL-MEOW-

[THEKATZ*{MEOW}*]

Well, maybe I should explain a little more about routers and networking here.
First, the internet is a network.  You connect via a modem (dial up or cable) from your computer to other computers on the internet (network).  This is done by port settings, and the open ports on your computer that allow other computers to communicate with yours. For instance MSN messenger, Team Speak and so on. This is known as a WAN or Wide Area Network or Internet.  NAT (Network Address Translation) is used to address each computer and it’s proper use such as Home user, small business and corporations.

As a home/small business user, a router is a perfect firewall and is just that!  It is the protection between your computer and the WAN.  Adding a router turns your computer into a private network known as a LAN (Local Area Network) in which one to 255 other computers can be a part of.  Whether those computers are allowed internet access is solely up to the settings put in to the router and Windows.  Do not get Hubs/switches mixed up with routers.  This is a very common mistake.  Hubs and switches are for LAN connections more for big business and corporations with many computers on a network –if they have an internet connection a Hub/switch will ultimately end up talking with a router at some point.

A router is the intermediary for your internet connection.  Your ISP (Internet Service Provider) has issued you an IP either Static or Dynamic.  The router in turn will now be the host and issue each computer in that LAN a new IP and and the router now becomes the DHCP server (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) rather than your ISP.  Though your real IP address is what is given to you by your ISP.  With out that IP, you have no internet connection.

Now, as a gamer and home computer user, having a router makes good sense in many ways.  You now have control over your connection and you have a firewall protecting your computer.  You also have the ability to share that connection to the internet and can control all connections to the internet.  So, if you have one computer or 255 computers, you are on a network.  If other computers on that network need access to the internet, a few key strokes in the routers control panel will allow that.  File sharing and seeing other computers on the LAN is just as easy.  IMHO, setting up your computers as a network makes most sense.  One computer cannot access the other unless file sharing for each folder is allowed at the computer level.  Windows is very good about keeping stuff private.  Ever notice the folder called “Shared Folder”?  Look at C:/Documents and settings/yourname/  Look for the folder called “Shared”  It will have a hand holding it up as if offering it.  That folder is shared only locally and not to the internet unless you are running Windows as a Server, then it might show through that router to the internet but I think not.  Unless you jump through a few hoops to do this, that folder is only open to the LAN locally.  The basics are this – that “Shared Folder” in a LAN setting is perfect to allow another computer access.  Normally empty, one user can drop a file in that shared folder and another user on that same LAN can retrieve the contents of that foler only.  Not seeing anything else on either users computer.  You can share almost any folder you want with some exceptions such as system folders and folders that may contain system files.
To sum this all up, there are several ways to set up a LAN.  Follow the routers instructions and I highly recommend that you stay with that.  Other computers will do the same thing on that network.  Using the Windows settings as well as the router settings will make this set up as private and exclusive as you want.  No one except a very trained hacker will even know what computers are on the other side of that router. That is what it does, it hides all computers from the internet.

[Smooth*{MEOW}*]

I've got all the parts, aside from extra cable which I will have to measure out.  Looks like next Thursday for installation.  Got them to waive the installation fee.