Looking for a good wireless AP

[slowpogo]

I'm fed up with my PCI wireless card, and from what I hear USB adapters aren't so hot either. Can someone recommend a good wireless AP w/ ethernet interface? Preferably, something cheaper than the $80 Linksys, but with 54mbps support.

edit: I'm using a Linksys router if that helps.

 

[JackMDS]

Since you mention $80 and bellow you restrict yourself to the Entry Level Wireless.

Almost all of these units (including Router?s, Access Points, USB, PCMCIA, PCI. Etc.) are using OEM Radio units that are yielding 30-33mW and manufactured by few OEM providers. In other words the inside of most units is around the same Radio.

Speaking of the Brand names, there might be some differences in driver?s stability and quality of Antenna.

It is impossible to direct you to a specific precise product since low QA deem it so that even within specific model number it is a matter of luck, and there might be a good or bad units.

So what a person should do.

In a general sense, of the Entry level Wireless devices, the Wireless line of BuffaloTech. Seem to offer good solutions. ( http://www.buffalotech.com/products/wireless.php ).

Buffalo seems to pay attention to QA and Windows compatibility; many of their units offer a replaceable external, Antenna and High Power RF output. However it comes with a price, the hardware is slightly more expensive than the average entry level Wireless, and it is not available at heavy discounts.

Might be that your specific card is bad, so borrow, get, buy returnable and try another.

Otherwise.

The best Method to Extend Wireless Coverage depends heavily on the Specific Environment.

Look at these pages they describe most of the options that are within the means of Entry Level users, and choose the one that fits you environment best.

Link to: Extending the Distance of Entry Level Wireless Network.

Link to: Wirelessly Bridging Home / Network.

Link to: Hi Gain Antenna for Entry Level Wireless.

In general, the best Method involves using multiple units connected with wire to the source.

Or WDS ( Wireless Network - Configuration Modes. ) system using Hardware of one Brand across the board.

:sun:

 

[slowpogo]

Thanks for the info Jack. Would purchasing a high-gain antenna in the $30-40 range be a cost-effective way to improve the situation, or would it be best to spring for something like a BuffaloTech AP for a few $ more?

 

[JackMDS]

If you are using the default ?stick? and it stuck behind the case, a higher gain Directional Antenna (around 5-8dbi) with a pigtail that would put the Antenna above the system might be the solution.

As an example, this is 6dbi and comes with 56? cable, and two RF plugs . However if you need another RF plug you would have to buy a pigtail as well.

http://www.wirelessnetworkproducts.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=783

Unfortunately when it comes to Wireless it is a tough call since upgrades, and after market devices, are relatively expensive as compare to the cost of discounted mainstream Wireless devices.

:sun:

 

[JackBurton]

Dump the Linksys router and get this one. I've had just about every model Linksys router and I'd highly recommend the D-Link router. GREAT range and extremely stable. I think you'll like it much more than your Linksys router. And I really don't think you'll need high gain antennas (unless you really are pretty dang far from the AP). Like I said, the D-Link has a pretty damn good range all by itself.