New router or official Sky router?

[mariner2]

My router seems to have died - I get a really weak, intermittent signal.
Sky say I need a new one, but I don't really want to give them MORE money, so if I get myself another one, is it as easy to set up as the original was . . . . ie search for wireless networks then log into the sky one (assuming it will be there)?

[mrsweasley]

Depends how computer literate you are-I STUPIDLY had mine from Virgin, and now,despite being with them 8 years, I am on 12 month contract (don't remember agreeing to that) and will cost me £180 to leave early-not happy as didn't sign anything. They never offered me one at the start...

[mariner2]

Do you have to leave Sky though, will another router work?

[ChuckFickens]

Yes any "standard" ADSL router will work.

I'd suggest a netgear.

[ChuckFickens]

To answer a little more comprehensibly...

When you get a new router you'll need to plug it in, use a web browser to access the router setup pages and enter youre username and password for the sky internet (normally your email address and the password you use for that) then the router will connect to the internet. for wireless you'd then need to enter the name that you wish your network to be called, tell it the password you want to use for wireless and what level of security you want and away you go.

It's not hard and will be covered in the instructions. it would take me less than 5 minutes.

[Mattk]

Sounds to me like you need to change channel on the existing router to get a stronger signal.

[mariner2]

Thanks again, I was hoping you'd say that. Matt, I tried all 16 channels with no improvement and was on the phone with Sky for an hour trying various things that didn't work, hence them saying I needed a new router.

[gingejbee]

If my ISP thought I needed a new router.....they would send me one...free.

[Mattk]

The mere mention of phone calls to Sky to try and fix a problem sends shivers up my spine!

[ChuckFickens]

I prefer to have my own router anyhow (I have several ISP supplied ones in the cupboard)

Generally ISPs supply crappy cheap routers.

[mariner2]

To be fair to Sky, they did phone me back and the hour was on them. No free replacement thought - its nearly 5 years old and out of warranty

[mariner2]

Got a new router, a Netgear WGR614 but immediately stumped with the installation - the first instruction is . . . 'connect your modem'
Modem?? What modem? I haven't seen a modem for 15 years, we don't have them anymore do we?
Both my router at work and the old one at home just have the phone line going straight into them, have I bought the wrong thing?