Wifi router

[dodojojo]

I'm going to visit family over the holidays.  Unfortunately I'll also have to work.

My brother uses an ethernet cable to go online.  Can I bring my wifi router and install it so I have wifi access?  Or will I need to use a router that is compatible with the cable company my brother uses? My router is a Verizon router that I receive when I signed up many, many years ago. 

As much as a wifi connection would be convenient, I'd really like to avoid buying one--but I'm tempted.

[Daley]

So long as the Verizon router is either a stand-alone model (no DSL modem integrated) or an integrated DSL modem/router that includes an additional ethernet WAN port, you should be set to go. You'll just need to set the router to DHCP and disable any DSL account authentication if configured. If there's no wired router between your brother's computer and his modem, be sure to power cycle his cable modem and/or clone his computer's MAC address on your router's WAN port to get it working.

If you still feel compelled to buy some sort of travel WiFi router and he's at least operating a basic wired router/firewall (which he really should be), consider the TP-Link TL-WR702N. Amazon has it for $20 currently, and Small Wart sells it for $25. Otherwise, you'll need something a bit beefier like the Asus RT-N10p at the very least.

[eyePod]

IP had a lot of technical jargon, but why don't you bring your router with you and if it doesn't work, get him a router for Christmas?

[dodojojo]

IP, sorry, most of your post is way over my computer literacy level...Perhaps buying a router as a gift for him is the way to go.

With your second suggestion, can I add plug the travel wifi router into my brother's current router?  Or does the travel wifi router replace the current one?  I would prefer the addition setup as I don't want to mess with my brother's setup.  I found the following and it seems to be a good one also.

http://www.amazon.com/ZyXEL-Wireless-Pocket-Ethernet-MWR102/dp/B005WKIKA0/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1387732127&sr=8-4&keywords=wifi+travel

eyePod, the gift idea is good...but going back to my original question, will any wifi router do?  Or do I have to buy one that is compatible or approved by my brother's cable company?  I think he's with Time Warner in L.A.

Sorry for the repeating basic questions, I have never purchased a wifi router. The one I received from Verizon 7 years ago is the only one I have ever used.  Since it's from the company, I may be under the misguided impression the equipment must be compatible with the internet provider.

[geekette]

We're with TWC and there are no oddball requirements that I know of. We have a $20 router we have taken with us to several hotels that only offer wired Ethernet (I know!). It's set up, ready to go, and has always worked fine.

I'm shocked you have a router that's lasted 7 years. Even hooked up to a UPS they seem to get flakey every couple years.

[dodojojo]

I'm shocked you have a router that's lasted 7 years. Even hooked up to a UPS they seem to get flakey every couple years.

Yeah, I moved here over 7 years ago.  Perhaps it's been replaced once during that time--but honestly, I can't remember that happening.  It's a Westell model.

[Jamesqf]

IP had a lot of technical jargon, but why don't you bring your router with you and if it doesn't work, get him a router for Christmas?

Maybe he doesn't want a wireless router?  FTM, a lot of consumer routers are, like mine, both wireless and wired.  I turned the wireless part off because I don't want all my internet traffic broadcast for the world to sniff.

For the OP, why not just buy or borrow a cable for your visit?

[bacchi]

Buy a cheap switch and an ethernet cable and install it after your brother's cable/dsl modem.

Wall -> Modem -> Switch -> Computers

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833704026

The travel router would work too. Just plug it in after the modem and your brother's ethernet can plug in the back. (Don't forget to wifi set the password.)

[dodojojo]

IP had a lot of technical jargon, but why don't you bring your router with you and if it doesn't work, get him a router for Christmas?

Maybe he doesn't want a wireless router?  FTM, a lot of consumer routers are, like mine, both wireless and wired.  I turned the wireless part off because I don't want all my internet traffic broadcast for the world to sniff.

For the OP, why not just buy or borrow a cable for your visit?

It's not a matter of wanting since he's broke...he's the poster boy for anti-mustachian living....I've put off buying a router for him because I've cut him off financially in a direct way.  I help my mom out with whom he lives--so I do support him indirectly. 

I have been using a cable for the last couple of visits.  The router is in my brother's bedroom--he sleeps in late, I work on a east coast schedule, etc.  Having a 50 foot cable snaking out to the living room in a hoarder type apartment works but isn't ideal.  I also want my phone to work on wifi as the apartment is in a dead spot for my phone company. 

[dodojojo]

Reading the posts here, I realize I've been mixing up modem with router.  I guess, my setup at home is an integrated modem/router?  I can use it with a cable and wifi.

My brother's setup is only a modem as we can connect only via cable.

[dodojojo]

The travel router would work too. Just plug it in after the modem and your brother's ethernet can plug in the back. (Don't forget to wifi set the password.)

Ok, so I would do the following if I were to buy a wifi router (regular or travel size)?

http://techchannel.radioshack.com/connect-cable-modem-wireless-router-1348.html

[Empire Business]

The travel router would work too. Just plug it in after the modem and your brother's ethernet can plug in the back. (Don't forget to wifi set the password.)

Ok, so I would do the following if I were to buy a wifi router (regular or travel size)?

http://techchannel.radioshack.com/connect-cable-modem-wireless-router-1348.html

Yes.  The router will probably have a port by itself labeled "Internet" or something, and then ports 1-4.  Plug the cable modem into the port by itself, and the brother's wired ethernet computer into one of the ports 1-4.  You may require one ethernet cable in addition to what is there now, one to go from the router to the cable modem and one to go from your brother's computer's ethernet card to port 1-4 of the router.  One more if you want to work wired.

[Rural]

I bought one of these at a home builders supply store because it was dirt cheap, on the off chance it would work, and live been quite pleasantly surprised. Sole home signal when we were in the trailer, and a repeater for travel.

http://www.amazon.com/CrystalView-Series-Instant-WiFi-Router/dp/B009W1ZEUO

[dodojojo]

Thanks to all for your advice and suggestions.  I placed an order for a cheapie router that has been widely reviewed. 

Curious--why the range in prices?  What can a $199 router do that a $19.99 can't?  Guess which one I bought?

[randymarsh]

Thanks to all for your advice and suggestions.  I placed an order for a cheapie router that has been widely reviewed. 

Curious--why the range in prices?  What can a $199 router do that a $19.99 can't?  Guess which one I bought?

The $199 router is probably using the new 802.11ac standard (faster) and the $19.99 one is probably 802.11n or even g. Higher priced routers also include stuff like a USB port you can plug a printer in and print wireless.

[eyePod]

IP, sorry, most of your post is way over my computer literacy level...Perhaps buying a router as a gift for him is the way to go.

With your second suggestion, can I add plug the travel wifi router into my brother's current router?  Or does the travel wifi router replace the current one?  I would prefer the addition setup as I don't want to mess with my brother's setup.  I found the following and it seems to be a good one also.

http://www.amazon.com/ZyXEL-Wireless-Pocket-Ethernet-MWR102/dp/B005WKIKA0/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1387732127&sr=8-4&keywords=wifi+travel

eyePod, the gift idea is good...but going back to my original question, will any wifi router do?  Or do I have to buy one that is compatible or approved by my brother's cable company?  I think he's with Time Warner in L.A.

Sorry for the repeating basic questions, I have never purchased a wifi router. The one I received from Verizon 7 years ago is the only one I have ever used.  Since it's from the company, I may be under the misguided impression the equipment must be compatible with the internet provider.

The router doesn't matter.  The modem is what (sometimes) need to have specific requirements by the cable company.  If your brother can already use the internet hardwired from the modem, then you can use any basic router as the next step.

[anotherAlias]

If he has windows 7 and a wireless network card, you don't need a router at all.  I just finished (about 15min ago) configuring my mom's windows 7 laptop to act as a wifi hotspot so I can use my ipad.  Try googling 'windows 7 virtual wifi'

[dodojojo]

No, he doesn't have Windows 7--I do though...

Working off the wifi now and it's a great $20 buy--really nice to not drag the 50 foot cable around.  Also great to have the phone on wifi as I can use wifi calling.  Again, thanks to all the replies.

It wasn't quite plug in and play as the router couldn't detect my brother's modem setup.  Eventually stumbled onto PPPoE setting and that got it up and running. Only issue--I used my laptop to set the wifi and I'm able to get online via wifi and cable.  My brother though now can't connect via cable.  Is there some tweak that I need to do with his broadband connection now that the cable is coming from the router and not the modem?

[bacchi]

Your brother's computer may now need to get a dynamic address from the router. Turn on DHCP if it's not on already. The gateway and DNS server may need to changed to the router IP as well.

[sleepyguy]

All routers are compatible with both DSL/Cable.  Something cheap and effective is an Asus N12/D1  I have 2 in my house and they are fantastic units... budget friendly and extremely stable and user friendly.