Router query

[Callan]

> they have already told me the usual, don't support Linux, so will need 
> to know a bit myself.  what features should I be looking for, I won't be 
> using the wireless feature?  Can't remember the last time I actually 
> used an ISP help desk, for that reason. May get router warranty  
> honoured, but that's about all, but that doesn't bother me, only has to 
> last around 20 years :-)   Most even back away if Firefox is used.


Hi Winton,


Yep - it's a battle ... I'm battling with my management at the moment as 
all the official applications etc that I created are in Open Office, and 
they want to convert to Microsoft for some unknown reason.

Anyway about your router ... pretty much a router will have a 
username/password for your ISP stored inside it. The router will connect 
to your ISP even if no computers are connected.

Then, the router would offer an IP Address to your computer(s) via a 
DHCP lease - this means you just leave your Windows/Mac/Linux network 
settings on 'auto' and let the system handle the rest.

So you'd want to be asking :

1. Does the router handle the connection to the ISP even if no computers 
are plugged in?

2. Do I need a 'driver' to use the router or will the router just offer 
a DHCP IP Address to any device I plug in?

3. Do I have access to the router's control panel interface to change 
settings if required?

4. Is the router locked to that ISP's network, or can you use it on any 
network?

5. What brand and model number is it?


If they can answer those questions properly, it's all good. If they 
can't, ask for someone else in the organisation to talk to as those 
questions aren't really all that technical.

If they complain, just tell them that you've just bought an Asus eeePC 
or similar from Dick Smith, and it runs a custom operating system :)

Feel free to ask more Qs if you need.

Cheers
Callan