I have an Alcatel ADSL modem provided free by Pipex.  I want to set up
a wireless network but I'm not sure whether to just buy a router or a
router with a built in modem (and therefore not use the Alacatel any
more).

What are the benefits of having my router and modem in one box?

Thanks,
Mark

One advantage of a separate router is you don't have a single point of
failure like you do with a combination device. For example if your router
fails you can connect directly to the modem with a PC and still get online.

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My perception of one problem, is the combo boxes are seldom updated. Because
both the ISP and the maker of the box must test and approve any firmware
changes, my experience is minor problems just don't get fixed. As wireless
features are constantly evolving and changing you're much more likely to
have the highest network speed, with greatest range with separate boxes.

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Hi

I think that buying a Combo Modem/Router is a No No.

1. The Router part of the All Combos is usually very mediocre unit (I.e.
bellow the state of the Art).
2. If either part (modem or Router) brakes, the whole thing has to go.
3. Modem technology is much slower to change than Routers.  Routers,
especially with Wireless, changed already two or three times, and would
change next year again, while the Modem stays the same.
However, on the positive side you save "Big" ;) on one plastic Box (instead
of having two plastic boxes).
What to do?
Get a Good Wireless Cable/DSL Router, if the current combo can be configured
as a Modem only, do so, and use the Router as a Wireless Router.

Otherwise, configure the New Wireless Router as an Access Point and connect
it to the current Modem/Router.

Here is how - http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html

Example for a Good Router for little money,
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833162173

Jack (MVP-Networking).

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