Broadband and laptops

**71-hour Ahmed** · 08-01-2005, 22:51

Morning all (or whatever).

I need a proper explanation from someone who knows what they are talking about...

Is it possible to use the standard broadband modems supplied by people like BT etc with laptops, or are they all PCI cards like 56K modems and so not suitable? And if they aren't suitable what I am needing to get my laptop going? I don't want to have to spend lots of money on wireless cards and router crap, just get it connected to a broadband connection at minimum cost.

I am asking as I have finally got a house of my own and am considering broadband, but can't get good answers from other people or the companies info. Everytime I say "laptop" people start talking wireless cards...

Thanks in advance to anyone who assists.

**Marcellus** · 08-01-2005, 22:57

I imagine that you would be able to. Most (if not all) broadband modems (in the UK at least) are external, so you should be able to connect a laptop to the modem via USB or Ethernet (if your laptop has an ethernet port). Of course, that limits the portability of your laptop when on the internet (you would get more portability with a wireless network).

I don't actually have a laptop, so this information is theoretic rather than based on experience.

I hope that helps a bit.

P.S. Morning? I thought it was late at night?

**discovery1** · 08-01-2005, 23:04

It should have a ethernet or USB port, although that will loose mobility. At least that's the way mine is.

**Big King Sanctaphrax** · 08-01-2005, 23:08

Yeah, the vast majority of Broadband modems are external. You should just be able to connect up-I favour ethernet.

WiFi is far more convenient, though...

**Al Khalifah** · 08-01-2005, 23:46

WiFi is far more convenient but much laggier. It almost negates the point of having broadband, since you will struggle to get ping rates less than 100 unless situated on top of the router.

**Big King Sanctaphrax** · 08-01-2005, 23:57

Originally Posted by Al Khalifah

WiFi is far more convenient but much laggier. It almost negates the point of having broadband, since you will struggle to get ping rates less than 100 unless situated on top of the router.

I'm using WiFi right now, and I get pings well under 100 when playing games. The router's downstairs from me.

**Al Khalifah** · 08-02-2005, 10:24

Wow. I never manage that.

When I want to play a game, I normally just plug a network cable straight from my PC to the router and ping rates go to a healthy 30-40 on local servers. Without it they normally are around 100-150. Too slow.

**Papewaio** · 08-02-2005, 12:42

Depends on router, walls and wi-fi pickup too.

But if your PC connected straight to the router gets 30 to 40, unless you have rebar walls you should be able to get a pretty decent throughput with a decent router -> pickup rig.