Want wireless CPU but stay hardwired for XBOX LIVE

Posts: 5 · New Forum Member Joined: Apr 22, 2007 Posts: 5

Currently I'm using the Linksys RT31P2 that Vonage sent me and I have 1 computer and Xbox 360 hooked up to it, no problems at all.

BUT I want my computer to be able to have a wireless connection and KEEP my Xbox 360 hardwired (as I play alot of games with that online).

My questions are:

1 - are there any wireless routers with phone ports BESIDES the Linksys/Vonage WRTP54G? I seem to read an awful lot of bad reviews about that product.

2 - Is it correct to assume that "piggy backing" routers is a bad thing and could cause conflicts and slowdown in your connection speeds?

3 - I know someone who uses a Buffalo router, flashed it with some firmware and has a "adapter" that Vonage sent him that would hook into a router that doesn't have phone ports, which enables him to have the exact setup that I want (wireless computer, hardwired Xbox).

So what should I do? Will Vonage send me the adapter if I request it even though they sent me a router free of charge over 2 years ago?

Any specific routers I should look into or avoid?

Thanks for your help Smile

Posts: 1179 · Member of the Week Joined: Feb 28, 2005 Posts: 1179

These are very good questions. Let me try to address them individually.

Quote:

1 - are there any wireless routers with phone ports BESIDES the Linksys/Vonage WRTP54G? I seem to read an awful lot of bad reviews about that product.

Yes, there are several wireless systems, Dlink VWR and the new Motorola vt2542. Go to the website www.vonage.com and choose Products at the menu.

Quote:

2 - Is it correct to assume that "piggy backing" routers is a bad thing and could cause conflicts and slowdown in your connection speeds?

Absolutely not! There is nothing wrong with piggy backing so long as you configure them to work together. In my case, I have the rt31p2 connected right after the modem and then I have a dlink DI-524 wireless router that connects my laptop wirelessly to the internet. Absolutely no issues to report since I joined in 2/05.

Quote:

3 - I know someone who uses a Buffalo router, flashed it with some firmware and has a "adapter" that Vonage sent him that would hook into a router that doesn't have phone ports, which enables him to have the exact setup that I want (wireless computer, hardwired Xbox).

That's right. The main reason why someone would purchase a high quality wireless router is b/c of QoS (Quality of Service) capabilities which higher end routers will have so that you can give priority to your phone conversation above all else. The Vonage routers will have them, I have the rt31p2 and I know it works. You could what you friend did.

Quote:

Will Vonage send me the adapter if I request it even though they sent me a router free of charge over 2 years ago?

The answer here unfortunately is no. They only do this for new customers. The motorola vt2542 is an additional charge. They ship only the wired adapters for free.

What you need to consider is how much bandwidth do you need? If your xbox360 requires heavy amounts of bandwidth, I would recommend getting a high quality wireless router and put in aftermark firmware and control your QoS settings for optimal usage. If you are like me and have only normal surfing requirements, then you can get the cheapest wireless router and use it like I do.

By placing the wireless router after your rt31p2, it gives the control of the bandwidth to your rt31p2 which will automatically favor your phone conversation over any other internet requests.

hope this clarifies for you.

Posts: 5 · New Forum Member Joined: Apr 22, 2007 Posts: 5

Thanks for your help. Much appreciated Very Happy

Posts: 187 · Vonage Forum Master Joined: Feb 14, 2007 Posts: 187

Stay away from the VWR - lots of problems. Search these forums for details.

One option to add wireless is a simple wireless access point (not a wireless router)

If you want to use a wireless router (actually a wireless access point, router and switch in one box) behind your existing router, you should consider consider running it as an access point / switch. Detailed instructions have been posted elsewhere in this forum, but basically you turn off nat and dhcp, don't use the wan/internet port.

Mark