Wireless Router

[#1]

Hi,
I was wondering if you could help me.
I have just signed up for Plus Net option 2 but as I did not want to commit myself for 12 months I did not sign up for the wireless router provided by Plus Net themselves.
Could someone please recommend a router I could purchase that would work well with Plus Net. I am using a desktop pc so am currently not set up for wireless and therefore will need a USB adapter included.
Many thanks in advance
🙂

[#2]

Hiya,
I think you might have misunderstood our deferred contracts a touch.  It isn't a 12 month contract, but you would have had to pay £29.99 for the router if you left before the 12 months had completed.
You wouldn't have to buy out your contract.  It's not too late for us to send you a router

[#3]

Ah.
I could not find out how much I would have to pay if I did leave before the 12 months. If it is only £29.99 I may as well order one.
Does it come with a USB adapter though if my desktop not does not have a wireless connection installed?

[#4]

It doesn't I'm afraid.
You should be able to pick one up from any old computer store for £10-15.
Let me know if you want me to order you one and I'll get it sorted.

[#5]

Does any USB adapter work with any router?
(Sorry for basic questions!)

[#6]

Any USB Wireless Adaptor should, yes

[#7]

Are you sure that your PC doesn't have a network port.
If it doesn't than the easiest thing is to add a cheap network card and then any router will work

[#8]

Or a USB to LAN adapter. These are cheaper and better than a wireless adapter if you don't need to be wireless and definitely don't have a LAN (RJ45) port.

[#9]

Virtually all PCs (desktop and laptop) built in the last 6-7 years (possibly longer) will have an RJ-45 Ethernet port. If your desktop machine is close to your router you will find that connecting it with a simple cable will be easier and cheaper than wireless, and will give a faster more reliable connection.
Wireless is fine in its place, but there are advantages to a wired connection too.

[#10]

It has a network port as I had virgin broadband at my old house using the speedtouch modem.
I was under the impression that I needed a wireless enabled network card (is that the right word) installed (I have checked for this under 'My Devices') to go wireless? Or use a usb adapter?

[#11]

Much better to use a pci card such as this as it has a flexible connector so you can use move the aerial about

[#12]

@chrisandnic
I think you're confusing network port with USB socket.
The speedtouch modem supplied by Virgin works with a USB port.
You'll find the network port round the back of the PC, generally next to another set of USB sockets.  It looks like a bigger version of the socket on the microfilter that you plug your modem into - see picture (it should also have the symbol shown in the picture adjacent to it).
If you don't  have a socket, a PCI network card for a wired connection will cost about a fiver!

[#13]

Firstly thanks for all the feedback.
I am 99.99% sure I will have a network port as shown in the picture. But is this all that is required when using a wireless router (with built in ADSL modem)?

[#14]

You don't *have* to use the wireless!
If the router is sited near the PC you can use a wired connection (all wireless routers come with standard wired ports too!) and you won't need a wireless dongle (just the RJ45 socket and the cable supplied with the router).
If your PC is some distance away then you could look at buying a wireless dongle or a PCI card but I'd only do that if connecting with a wire isn't an option.

[#15]

I think I am getting there now with understanding now thanks.
One more question, will the speedtouch work to get me connected when my Plus Net connection is active?
Thanks again. Much appreciated