• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Good router and wireless card?

P

pcgamer321

Member
After using wired for so long, I now must use wireless because of the new configuration of my house. And I have no clue where to start, what routers to look at and such.
I do game a lot, and the connection would be important for lan(and the internet)
So any recommendations?

I don't really have a specific price range. It depends on how much I need to spend.
 
Welcome to Wireless world, Pcgamer321.... Linksys and Dlink wireless routers are the only two I have used so far so good. I thik it is worth for you to try them out.
 
Originally posted by: pcgamer321
Is the D-Link DGL-4500 good, or is it overkill?
Click to expand...

I'd be a little leery of Draft-N hardware at the moment. Since it's "Draft-N" the spec hasn't been finalized yet. Buying N gear now may become problematic when the spec is finalized later this year. There may be incompatibilities with your existing hardware and what the final spec requires. I'm not trying to scare you away from N class gear by any means, just letting you know it's pitfalls. If you stick to all N class gear from the same manufacturer the chances of there being problems will be minimized.

Now, in terms of that particular router being overkill, maybe. Since you want QoS for gaming, that router will do just fine. However check a few other brands and see if their gear offers QoS also. Just remember, if going with N class gear, keep it all to the same manufacturer. 🙂
 
Originally posted by: pcgamer321
Is the D-Link DGL-4500 good, or is it overkill?
Click to expand...


http://www.newegg.com/Product/...6833127215&Tpk=DIR-655

This is your better bet. It's a fantastic router. I got one last spring and have been extremely happy with it. The primary difference from the one you linked and this one is there is no fancy "gamer fuel" which is more flash than substance and the DIR-655 doesn't have .11a which shouldn't be much of a problem unless you really need a.

Both use the same QoS engine, which is highly rated.

There are some that are wary of the draft N stuff, but honestly, I don't think it will prove to be much of an issue. According to Wikipedia the estimated release date for .11n is june 2009. Draft N cards are going to be available for some time to come and absolutely worse case, Draft N routers are 100% compatible with .11g.

Mixed cards are not an issue either. I, personally, run a d-link Draft N card in my laptop and a linksys draft N on my desktop, Linksys Wireless G on another desktop and a netgear .11g printserver. All play together extremely well. What you should avoid are 3rd party cards that have "super duper, super speedy speed boost!" Don't pay extra for those since they are manufacturer specific. A plain Draft N board will do nicely and you will get excellent speeds from them. Much faster than .11g.


 
i have 2 of the dir 655's running with no issues in 2 different configuration situations (liked mine so much i bought one for my daughter and her house). what i like about the dir 655

- it's in my basement and i have 3 other computers using it's wireless on 3 other floors. connection ranges between 95 and 100% continuously on all.

-range- furthest one away is 4 floors up and gets a consistent 97% to 100% connection.

-speed- i share movies on my computer's hd to the other 3 computers (shared folder in winxp) and the transfer speed on my internal network is plenty for doing so without any choppy video or audio. i've found it takes about 45 megs per sec minimum to do so..my computers are getting between 176 and 300 mb/sec transfer speed from the network. plenty fast.

- no dropouts!

the only issue i've experienced is when i switched to a higher speed ip and my modem changed to a motorola surfboard and i could not get a connection when the router was hooked up. turns out it was an incompatiblity issue with the dir 655 and the surfboard which d-link fixed with a firmware update.

in terms of draft N and such, i read the other day that the dir-655's are going to be compatible with the final N spec when it's released. it would obviously be in d-link's interest for it to be so as they've sold a ton of these and could sell a ton more if they can do it.
 
I'm not a networking guru or anything, but, to me it just makes sense to go 802.11n Draft 2.0 at this point. The Draft 2.0 stuff stands a good chance to be upgradable to the final spec, and, even if it isn't, you can sell your Draft 2.0 stuff used and pay a nominal cost to get finalized stuff when 802.11n is eventually finalized (whenever that magical date really is).

Check out Wi-Fi.org's Advanced Search and make sure to check "IEEE 802.11m draft 2.0" and then choose whatever type of equipment you're looking for in the Filter Products by Primary Category dropdown.

If you stick to that stuff, plus stay within the same manufacturer as previously said, I but you have a fairly positive experience...

Chuck
 
Originally posted by: pcgamer321
I'm still a little iffy about these Draft Ns, but I will look into it anyway!

Any differences between N and G? Any advantages?
Click to expand...

G is shorter range and lower bandwidth.

According to the IEEE Specs

G has a range of 38m (indoors) to 140m (Outdoors) and a max data rate of 54Mbit/s
N has a range of 70m (indoors) to 250m (Outdoors) and a max data rate of 248Mbit/s

In practical use G tends to get closer to 10Mbit/s. N tends to get 100Mbit/s At least in my house.

Again, keep in mind that Wireless N (even the draft versions) are backwards compatible with G devices.

For me, G just doesn't cut it for two reasons. I do a lot of large file transfers over my wireless network, and N is significantly faster. More importantly my ISP is Verizon using a 20/5 FiOS connection. G's speed isn't reliable enough to match my 20Mbit Internet service.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top