How-To Geek Forums / Windows 7
Modem/Router Question
(17 posts)
Even if your ISP, like mine, REQUIRES you to use their combo modem/router, they will BRIDGE the router part so you can use your own router. Bridging essentially turns the combo modem/router into a modem, turning off the router parts wireless signal, DNS, and NAT functions.
Modem part is probably required, but some may allow you to have your own. Check with your ISP.
Irv S.
Usually you get a modem from your ISP. To that you can attach your PC with an ethernet cable (no router required). But if you want to have WiFi capability for other PCs in the house, then you need a router. Those you can buy for $40 and up.
There are also routers with integrated modems. I use one of those from netgear. The advantage is that you have only 1 box on the desk and that there are no compatibility problems. But those boxes are a bit more expensive. Mine cost $90.
A third possibility is to use a modem plus an ethernet switch. To the switch you can attach several PCs - but they will have to be all wired with an ethernet cable. A switch costs around $20 and is useful if all PCs in the house are close together (like in the same room).
Does the modem have a place to put in DNS addresses? If not, it is possible that there is a Tomato or DD-WRT flash for it that does have it. Most routers I've seen have that though?
You can also set your Internet properties to use a specific DNS and not have the router get them for you.
Irv S.
It seems that it does not have a place to put in DNS addresses. Also I tried the OpenDNS program for the computer, and got confused with it. Last year I had set that up to work with my old machine. I did get it to work on it for a short period of time, but I couldn't keep it working. Anyways after I switched internet providers, and got a new computer, I couldn't figure out where my settings are, or how to get the program to switch to a new IP address. It's a bit hard to explain. Anyways I don't want to go down that path, because sometimes I will be attaching other computers to my server, and if I can get it to work with openDNS then everything is will automatically work with it. At least that is how I understand it. o.O
I tried to create an openDNS entry, but as far as I can tell it doesn't do anything.
This Thread has become a continuation of my old thread:
I have an OpenDNS / Router Question
I feel like I need to apologize because it seems like I keep hitting road blocks. :(
I made a video expressing ... how sorry I am about how hard it's been to solve my question and other questions.
hello, quickstub here, i have a question i have a new frontier b90755044-15 mod-rou. and trying to get it to work on att dsl -can you configure it to work or is it impossible, i have tried everything and can't find any good news. i may have to buy a att 7550 from att. any help would be appreciated. quickstub
