Do I need to replace old g router?

buildingacomputer

Senior member
Oct 24, 2000
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Current Setting: Brighthouse 40Mbps, Brighthouse modem/router (renting).
Goal: bring my own modem and router, and save on rent (modem $4, wireless $5)

I am buying used Motorola 6121 modem, local craigslist, $35
I have US Robotics G router. DO I NEED TO REPLACE IT? If needs to be replaced, which? N150, N300, etc.

3 desktops, 1 voip wired. Wireless is for occasional cell phone and tablet for apps, and occasional laptops when children visit.

Thanks.
 
Last edited:

John Connor

Lifer
Nov 30, 2012
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If your not doing any file sharing on the network and the router still works I don't see why you would have to upgrade. If you do transfer files over the network than a Gigabit router would be nice.
 

JackMDS

Elite Member
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Oct 25, 1999
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Once you get the Modem try it with the Old Router if it does waht you need there is No reason to spend more money.

If if it Does Not what you need, post again with the issue that it has.


:cool:
 

buildingacomputer

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Oct 24, 2000
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Good to know the old g router may still be adequate for occasional web browsing.

No file transfer. But I wish I knew how to, because once in a while I move a video file to a thumb drive to watch the video on a different screen. So for now, the old g may be enough, but soon I will need to upgrade. Thanks for the info.
 

JackMDS

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 25, 1999
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Good to know the old g router may still be adequate for occasional web browsing.

No file transfer. But I wish I knew how to, because once in a while I move a video file to a thumb drive to watch the video on a different screen. So for now, the old g may be enough, but soon I will need to upgrade. Thanks for the info.

The following looks like a long story (it is only 600 words). I do not know what the user's overall knowledge is, and what exactly was already done. Thus the info goes through the motions of configuring and checking most of the common aspects of Windows OS' LAN features.

All aspects should be checked, stating that it "worked before" , or persevering on"I did Not do any thing ", is not a way to deal with current Sharing problems.
----------------------
Win7 when configured on peer-to-peer Network has three types of Sharing configurations.

HomeGroup = Works only between Win 7 computers. This type of configuration makes it very easy to Entry Level Users to start Network sharing.

Home Network or Work Network = Basically similar(and better) to the previous methods of Work Group sharing that let you control what, how, and to whom folders would be shared with.

Public Sharing
= Public Network (like Internet cafe) to reduce security risks.

For best results log to each computer's System Screen and set all the computers to be on a with the same Work Group name while each computer has its own unique name.

http://www.ezlan.net/Win7/net_name.jpg

-------------------------------
Make sure that the Software Firewall, AV, or other components of Security allow free local traffic on all Networked computers. If you use 3rd party Security On, Vista/XP Native Firewall should be Off, and the active Firewall has to adjusted to your Network IP numbers on what is some time called the Trusted Zone (consult your 3rd Party Firewall instructions

General example, http://www.ezlan.net/faq.html#trusted

Please Note that some 3rd party Software Firewalls/AV/Security suits keep blocking aspects of Local Traffic even it they are turned Off (disabled).
If possible configure the Firewall correctly, or totally uninstall it to allow clean flow of local network traffic.
If end up with the 3rd party software uninstalled or disabled, make sure that Windows native Firewall is On .

------------------------------
If your network is comprised of Win 7 only and you want a simple Network, use this.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/help/videos/sharing-files-with-homegroup
After configuring the Homegroup scroll down to the Permission/Security section.
-----------------------------

Networking Win 7 with other version of Windows as Work Network (
works very well if all computers are Win 7 too).
In the Network Center, clicking on the Network type opens the window to the right.
Choose your type of Network. Notice the check mark at the bottom, and check/uncheck it according to your needs.
http://www.ezlan.net/Win7/net_type.jpg

Win 7 - http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Networking-home-computers-running-different-versions-of-Windows

Win 7 Work Network specific folder sharing - http://www.onecomputerguy.com/windows7/windows7_sharing.htm

Vista File and Printer Sharing- http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb727037.aspx

Windows XP File Sharing - http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;304040

In Win XP Pro with simple sharing Off, you can Visually see the Permission/Security setting , and configure them to your liking.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/security/learnmore/accesscontrol.mspx#securityTab
Printer Sharing XP - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/expert/honeycutt_july2.mspx

Windows Native Firewall setting for Sharing XP - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/875357

Windows XP patch for Sharing with Vista (Not need for XP-SP3) - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/922120

When finished with the setting of the system it is advisable to Reboot all the hardware including the Router and all computers involved.
-------------
If you have Permission and Security issues with Vista/Win7, check the following settings.
Point to the a Folder that meant to to be share. Right click and choose properties.
In the properties

Click on the Security tab shown in the pic bellow to the right) and check that the users and their permission (shown in the pic bellow center and left) are correctly configured. Then do the same to the Permission tab.

This screen shot is from Win 7, Vista's menus are similar.
http://www.ezlan.net/Win7/Permission-Security.jpg
In both the Security panel, and the Permission panel you have to highlight each User/Group and examine that the Permission Controls are checked correctly.

When everything is OK, Reboot the Network (Router, and computer).

* Note
. The Groups and Users shown in the screen-shoot are just an example. Your list will look the way your system is configured.

**Note
. All users that are allowed to share need to have account onall the computers that they are allowed to connect to.

Everyone
is an account, it means a group of all of the users that already have an account and been established as users. It is available to avoid the need of configuring permission to each on its own, it does not mean Everyone that feel that they would like to login.



:cool:
 

buildingacomputer

Senior member
Oct 24, 2000
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Thanks for the detailed instruction. When I get all the components, I will follow the instruction one by one.

While studying the instruction, I learned about gigabit switch. I suppose I can keep my old g wireless router and attach a gigabit switch (all desktops are wired to the switch) to it.
 

JackMDS

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 25, 1999
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mammador

Platinum Member
Dec 9, 2010
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Not for a few years perhaps.

Though by then, most computers won't have g capable wifi NICs.