Buying WiFi LAN equip on 6/30, need suggestions

[JamesM3M5]

I need a wireless router, one PCMCIA card, and one or two PCI cards to connect a wireless LAN in my home/home office. I was looking at DLink on Newegg.com, but I want some suggestions for price/reliability, and connectivity.

I need wireless connectivity for couple of PCs and a laptop to connect together and to the internet now. Running cables through the house will be a PITA. The house is wood, no brick walls. One PC is in the basement and one is on the main floor, and the laptop wherever (even outside). The PCs will be within 20 feet (50ft max) of each other but on different floors. I probably don't need speeds over 22Mbps, and I can't imagine having connectivity issues with everything so close together. However, I do want reliable equipment, and I'd rather spend 20%-30% more for quality.

I have selected the DLink DI-614+ router, D-Link DWL-650+ AirPlus Enhanced 2.4GHz Wireless PCMCIA card, and Dlink DWL-520+ AirPlus Enhanced 2.4GHz Wireless PCI Adapter. I went with the DLink because most other cards have no reviews or poor reviews. The entire range of DLink routers have favorable reviews on Newegg. How do these stack up against other mid-grade WiFi components? Any other recommendations in that price range? The DLink PCI and PCMCIA cards are $52-$53 and the router is $69 after rebate.

I currently have a Linksys cable modem (BEFCMU10) with Cox Internet service. I also have a Linksys BEFVP41 4-port router with VPN capability. With both connected, the connectivity to the Internet works 10% of the time and VERY slowly. I have heard that interference between the cable modem and the router wil bring the internet connection to its knees. Anyone else have the same trouble? They were right next to each other, and I hadn't tried moving them more than a few feet apart.

Will the DLink wireless router interfere with the cable modem if I place them side-by-side? This will save me some $$ by directly connecting one PC to the router.

Thanks
JamesM

 

[StricJux]

I own Dlink 614+ wireless router, conected to a cable modem. Everything works like a charm. I am actually pleasantly supprised over the range of wirless network, we have a big house with large concrete walls and there is only one room where the wireless signal is low (using a no name wireless card in the notebook). Conectivity via Ipaq H49xx series is extremly good, im able to use windows messsenger in a circle of 50 meters around the house.

But if i were you id buy Dlink 624+, the same software as 614, but suports 54G (supposed to be upgradable to 802.11g when standard is ratified) since the speed troughput is five times the speed of 802.11b network. And believe me, you want that! Do not forget to buy 54G wireless cards.

 

[AEB]

well G will only apply if youre doing a lot of local stuff most broadband cant go over 4mbps and the 11b does 11mbps powerline offers 14mbps, and siemens makes a router that does both wireless and powerline

 

[StricJux]

@AEB
Yes, it applys localy, but if one can buy faster equipment for such a small difference in price, why one wouldn't? As for net access, it shure is enough to have a 802.11b router, but as for file sharing, anything bigger than a word document is a pain in the ass. Try copying a movie over wireless 802.11b, it feels like you were downloading it from internet.

In the end i'd really go for 54g equipment, since it offers so much more for so little cash. Provided, that you can use it.

PS: i checked a few 54g reviews, and 624+ has ranked highly, especialy when compared to same price range (ie. Linksys 54g router).

@jamesM3M5
My setup involving cable modem goes as follows:

---cable--->[cable_modem]--->[614+]

[614+]----utp100--->3 computers
[614+]----802.11b-->laptop

Since most cable internet providers lock your cable modem to a certain lan card (MAC Address lock) you can emulate the MAC Address (of the lan card) on the router, for a hassle free setup.

And i havent heard of interference between two enclosed devices in such a way. It seems like you have some problems with the configuration of the network, not with "interference".

 

[pilgrim2u]

Originally posted by: AEB
well G will only apply if youre doing a lot of local stuff most broadband cant go over 4mbps and the 11b does 11mbps powerline offers 14mbps, and siemens makes a router that does both wireless and powerline

Wow !!

Is this true, the speeds mentioned above? 4mbps?

thanks all

 

[JackMDS]

Link: Wireless What Should I Get?

 

[JamesM3M5]

Thanks for the help, guys. I don't think I will need the G spec 54Mb throughput. I mainly need connectivty for the second PC for internet and to transfer simple CAD files. When my business partnet stops by, he will also be able to connect without plugging in.

I also saw a deal yesterday at Costco (like Price Club, Sams club, etc) for a DLink 914 wireless WITH a DWL650+ PCMCIA card for $109.99 - $20 rebate. Not bad, eh?? This was at the Costco in Sterling, VA in case anyone is interested.

 

[JamesM3M5]

Originally posted by: StricJux


@jamesM3M5
My setup involving cable modem goes as follows:

---cable--->[cable_modem]--->[614+]

[614+]----utp100--->3 computers
[614+]----802.11b-->laptop

Since most cable internet providers lock your cable modem to a certain lan card (MAC Address lock) you can emulate the MAC Address (of the lan card) on the router, for a hassle free setup.

And i havent heard of interference between two enclosed devices in such a way. It seems like you have some problems with the configuration of the network, not with "interference".

The router would work for a couple of minutes before slowing to a crawl. I don't konw what was happening, but it wasn't a MAC address lock. The cable modem MAC Address is the only thing that Cox cares about. I can set up MAC address emulation, but it is unnecesary. I can connect any card, any PC directly to the cable modem and run 100% fine. As soon as I stick the router in the circuit, the line runs slowly or not at all. I have tried changing cables, but I don't think that's the problem.

Anyone want to buy a Linksys router with VPN capability?