Help with choosing internet suppliers on BT line and router help.

[noodles]

Sorry to do this and im sure there’s been lots of threads like this but I need to sort this out ASAP.

I have two main things I need help with.

My self and my flat mate are moving into a flat in a new complex that’s just been built and we want an internet connection. The only option we have is using the telephone line as there’s no cable allowed.

I don’t want to go with them for internet as my dad has it at home and I hate it and has the 2GB limit and you need to pay line rental.

So I need to know is there a cheap broadband supplier that I can use through the BT line which gives me more freedom and download limits?

My second problem is hooking two pc’s and my Xbox 360 so they can all get the signal but I don’t have a clue how. I have heard of routers but have no real knowledge of using or hooking them up to the hardware or the costs.

[Chris Locke]

You mentioned paying line rental, but you're going to need to do that, regardless of what Broadband supplier you use. I'm sure you knew that, but just in case... ;)

Check adslguide.co.uk for a who's hot and who's not on Broadband suppliers. Zen (http://www.zen.co.uk/) and Eclipse (http://www.eclipse.net.uk/) would be who I'd recommend, but there are several 'Which Broadband Suppliers?' threads not far under yours. e7even (http://e7even.com/) aren't too bad, but for the best benefit, you do have to pay in advance (eg, a year in advance).

As for the router, then you can't really go wrong with something like the Netgear Wireless ADSL Modem and Firewall Router (http://beta.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?rb=17190594105&action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=52244) for £57 (exc. VAT). if you're in a new complex, you'd have to encrypt the connection though, otherwise people will be using it and nicking all your bandwidth!

[ian turner]

With respect to connections you need a router modem either wireless or wired depending on the distribution of your computers. Consider going for a wireless router modem with wired ports as well and plug the xbox360 straight in with a wire as the wireless connector seems to be somewhat expensive then pick up a couple of wireless ethernet pci cards for your pcs.
As to provider I don't know as though there are a number of uncapped providers at the moment you have to consider whether they have a 1 year contract and exactly how long before comedians downloading 95 gb a month (theres another thread somewhere about someone doing that, hmm mebbe it was a week) cause them to apply caps.
Line rental ? You have a phone connection via line rather than cable then you pay BT a line rental or you do not have a phone connection.

[noodles]

Thanks for the help guys this has helped and will be suggesting eclipse to my flat mate as an alternative to BT. Is it easy to set up a router? and to encrypt the connection? Will this software come with the router?

Which one of these would you recommend for the wireless cards? Plus since my Xbox is in the living room do I need to buy that official wireless adaptor or can I get a cheaper one to work?

Wireless Cards (http://www.thedvdforums.com/jump2.php?url=http://tracker.tradedoubler.com/pan/TrackerServlet?p=1078&a=60823&g=19560)

Thanks again guys for the great help.