[Ham-Computers] RE: Router Question

[Hsu, Aaron (NBC Universal)]

Joe,

Sounds like your ISP is trying to squeeze some $$$ out of you.  There's no reason why you would need to buy a new router if your current one is "reset".  If anything, if you "reset" your router (to factory defaults), all you probably need to do is to re-configure the settings to work with your ISP.

In order to re-configure your router, you need to know several things.  Your router is probably connected to a modem - is it cable or DSL?  If it's cable, then the router might work "out of the box" using default settings.  If it's DSL, then you might need to configure it for PPPoE, if the modem isn't doing that for you.

It's fairly easy to configure most SOHO routers and configuration can be done via a phone call or even e-mail.  However, it takes quite a bit of time this way.  It would be best if you found someone knowledgable in your area to help you reconfigure your router.  If no one's around, then you might need to cave in to the ISP's "recommendation" to replace your router and then have them send someone to configure it for you.

If you have a general knowledge of your router's configuration interface, post some questions and we might be able to walk you through.


73 & GL,

  - Aaron Hsu, NN6O


-----Original Message-----
Sent: Tuesday, December 05, 2006 8:51 AM
Subject: [Ham-Computers] Router Question

I am using a D-Link DI-524 wireless router. (802.11g/2.4GHZ). Someone else installed my local network as I know very little about networks. Recently the router has had to be "reset" to continue internet service. My ISP says if this occurs often I will need to replace my router. My question: If I purchase a new router and plug all the cables into it will it start functioning on its own or do I have to know how to "program" (for lack of a better word) it to make it function properly? Thank for any help and 73 de Joe/W6RLL.