Best Wireless AP/Router

[CaptainKahuna]

I've decided to fork out for a wireless network at my house, and I need some recommendations as to which products to buy. I need a router with a built-in 4 port switch. I was looking at the D-links because of their AirPlus thing, 22mbps when your whole wireless network is Dlink stuff. Anyway, here's what I'm looking for:
---------------------------------
Exceptional range
As close to theoretical bandwdith as possible
NAT
DHCP
Web-based config
Built-in print server would be nice but not required
WEP
Easy configuration to allow things like mIRC, FTP server, Kazaa Lite, and other random applications easy access out and back in
----------------------------------
Also, what are my 5ghz options? I have 2.4ghz cordless phones, will it interfere? I'd like to go 5ghz anyway, because of increased range.

I was considering this one from D-Link:
http://www.dlink.com/products/wireless/di764/

But this one was also recommended:
http://www.linksys.com/Products/product.asp?grid=22&prid=452

Any experiences with either of these? With 5ghz 802.11a in general?

Thanks.

 

[JackMDS]

Given your stiff demands I would suggest that you should buy a Regular Wired Cable/DSL Router, and start with local Wire. (You may be have such a system already).

When you are happy with one or more computers on Wire, get a stand alone Access Point, and start the Wireless adventure.

Stand alone Wireless Access Point (WAP).

1. Easy to place in high location free of obstructions that would provide better connection, and longer distance.

Just imagine a Wireless Cable/DSL Router, with the Modem Wire, Power Wire, and 4 CAT5 Wired Computers plugged in. All of it has to be position somewhere high and visible.

WAP on the other end, only Power Cord, and one CAT5 (if you get a power injector, it is only one CAT5).

2. Many WAPs have removable Antenna (I yet to see one on an Entry Level Wireless Router).

3. Most WAPs have better configuration options then the A/P in a Wireless Router. A good WAP can be configured as Gateway, Bridge or Client.

4. The D-Link 900AP+ can even act as a repeater.

In the Entry Level category, I would look into the Linksys WAP11, or the D-Link900AP+.

A big selection here:

Look here:

Wireless Gateway Total: 33 entries.

Have a real good luck to find something that will meet your dream system.

 

[CaptainKahuna]

I actually wanted to go wireless because putting CAT5 in my walls would be a b****.

 

[Relayer]

I just switched from an old SMC to the Netgear FM114P and performance took a dump. I get 300 pings now in SOFII where I used to get 30. The print server craps out all the time too. It's going back and I am either going back to using the SMC (the print server in it craps out too) or going all seperate. The Linksys BEFSX41 got good reviews from PC Mag this month, so did the D-Link DI-604. Then you need aditional print server and access point, but JackMDS makes excellent points about seperates...

 

[Marauder-]

Get a Linksys WAP11 and hack it so it goes at 100Mw. That'll be super extra distance as compared to it's default of 24Mw, if I remember correctly. And if you still need a router, you could get any old 4 port router to hook that AP to.

 

[Agamar]

Aww, come on now, running cable thru the wall is a piece of cake with the right tools. It cost me a total of $70 with tools and supplies to run 2 drops in my home. It was about a 150ft run.

 

[CaptainKahuna]

but I would need to run cables and make jacks in almost every room of my 2 story house. It's just something I don't want to deal with.

 

[Workin']

Originally posted by: Marauder-
Get a Linksys WAP11 and hack it so it goes at 100Mw. That'll be super extra distance as compared to it's default of 24Mw, if I remember correctly. And if you still need a router, you could get any old 4 port router to hook that AP to.

That hack only works with the v1.1 WAP11 which has been out of production for quite a while now. It also is a sloppy hack (it spews RF energy across the entire spectrum allocated to WiFi instead of the channel space you select) and will interfere with any other wireless networks or amatuer radio operators in your neighborhood. It's crude, rude, and illegal.

The v2.x WAP11 works pretty well in my 2 story house, my laptop can connect at full speed anywhere in the house or in the yard.