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Looking For Wireless Router... Any Recommendations?

C

Caveman

Platinum Member
Not looking for the "best" but rather the "best for the money"... Planning a simple home wireless network using Win XP Home so I only need a minimum of ports (I'm assuming 4 is the smallest?)

My goal is to take the system in my sig and have it be the "primary" machine that has a physical cable attached to it from a router that is cloned to the primary desktop machines address... The Wireless part of the router is to serve a laptop (Centrino based) or other desktops in the house...

I live in a 2 story house and want to have coverage everywhere within the house... I think this has something to do with the G and/or b standard but I'm not sure...

Any recommendations for brand/model or good places to purchase?
 
You'll have to get someone else's opinion of D-Link. I've used their products before, but I've never used their wireless equipment, so who knows.

Anyway, if you are looking at getting a Centrino laptop up and running, you should be warned that it uses 802.11b, which isn't an issue as far as getting it working, because 802.11g networks work with b or g equipment. I can effect the security model you might want though. I'd highly discourage building a new wireless network that isn't WPA approved/ready.

Before I go to far, do you need a quick primer on wireless networking, and setting up secure networks?

Also, do you even care about security?
 
Originally posted by: Caveman
Not sure I know enough about networking to answer your question intelligently...

What about the router at the link below? Good choice?


http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=252417
Click to expand...


I have this router and am currently using it with 2 PCs, one connected directly and one wireless. I am using the Proxim ORiNOCO 8482-WD PCI adapter and most of the time I am connected at 54Mbps. I havent had any issues with this router yet and during the 2 weeks I've had it I've been very pleased with its performance.
 
buleyb: I need all the primers I can get regarding networking... I'm not too concerned about security... But... are you saying that I can't have a secure network with the 802b standard that comes with my Centrino???

tbooth: Sounds like the router in my link might be the way to go...? Have you had any problems with getting a signal around your place? I have no idea if 54 Mbps is good or bad... All I know is that on a good server, I can get approx 300 kbps with my Desktop cable connection...

Thank you both for your input...
 
As far as security goes, I recommend you try to create a secure network, so at a minimum, people don't piggy-back on your connection to get online. If you live in the middle of nowhere, probably not a big deal.


** I should point out, wireless is insecure, and you should not assume its tough for people to break in. If you live in an area with people, they will be able to tell if you have a wireless network, and they will likely be able to break in. Do not take this lightly...**

Anyway, he's a brief run-through of wireless. There are 3 major types for WiFi networking (like you are looking to do). 802.11b, 802.11a, and 802.11g. `b` was the first to market, runs at speeds of 11Mbps. `a` was next to market, and runs at 54Mbps, but doesn't work with `b` devices, which was its big downfall. `g` runs at 54Mbps also, but works with both `g` and `b` clients, but not `a`.

Don't worry about the speeds if you are only doing this to get online, they are all faster than your broadband connection.

If you have a Centrino notebook, it is 802.11b, because thats all intel makes right now. But remember, you can mix `b` and `g` networks.
 
Okay, putting together what bulyb said and the router link that JackMDS provided, it looks like the D-Link Super G is the way to go for signal strength and speed for a *reasonable* price... Since my Centrino already has the 802.11b standard built in, I can just use the PCI card that comes with the Router for a second desktop or laptop, right?
 
You can use the PCMCIA Card with another laptop.

You would need a PCI Wireless adaptor to use it with DeskTop.

However take into consideration that you will have no advantage by having 802.11g Super if your main Wireless Client is an 802.11b unit.

I have a Belkin ($9.99 after rebate) Wireless Router that works very well with 802.11b.
 
Approx how much will the adapter for a desktop cost? Also, do you think there will be some kind of "adapter" that will be able to upgrade a Centrino at the 802.11b standard to "super G"??? If so, I may buy the "good" router now, and upgrade my laptop later to take advantage of the speed. In the meantime, I can use the extra range (assuming I get a good range in "b mode") that the D-Link G mode has to offer.
 
Using 802.11b with a 802.11g regular or Super will not offer more range.

I do not know about the adapter (did not use one for long time) look at the D-Link site they might have one.

A Centrino G should be available soon. Whether your unit will be upgradeable you have to check with the manufacturer.

 
I was going to get a Dlink router, but super G only works if your wireless router and adapters are the same brand. Which mean I have to replace all my 11b USB and PCMCIA adapters.
 
Originally posted by: Pocatello
I was going to get a Dlink router, but super G only works if your wireless router and adapters are the same brand. Which mean I have to replace all my 11b USB and PCMCIA adapters.
Click to expand...
No you do not have to replace them.

However with these Cards the Router will perform just like any other $9.99 to $19.99, Wireless Cable/DSL Router.

 
Originally posted by: JackMDS
Originally posted by: Pocatello
I was going to get a Dlink router, but super G only works if your wireless router and adapters are the same brand. Which mean I have to replace all my 11b USB and PCMCIA adapters.
Click to expand...
No you do not have to replace them.

However with these Cards the Router will perform just like any other $9.99 to $19.99, Wireless Cable/DSL Router.
Click to expand...

Which I already got 🙁
 
I just installed 2 houses with Dell TrueMobile 2300 wireless routers. It was a breeze! It has great reviews also.
 
buleyb said:
** I should point out, wireless is insecure, and you should not assume its tough for people to break in. If you live in an area with people, they will be able to tell if you have a wireless network, and they will likely be able to break in. Do not take this lightly...**
Click to expand...

Sorry I'm new to wireless networking, and I'm about to get my first wireless router soon. So does this mean there is no way to build a secure wireless network? So for example to do online banking or shopping I will have to disconnect the wireless router to be sure no one steals my bank acct/ credit card info? What about WPA? It's not secure?
 
disappoint said:
Sorry I'm new to wireless networking, and I'm about to get my first wireless router soon. So does this mean there is no way to build a secure wireless network? So for example to do online banking or shopping I will have to disconnect the wireless router to be sure no one steals my bank acct/ credit card info? What about WPA? It's not secure?
Click to expand...

If you use WPA2, you will be fine. I have used that for years and not had any issues.
 
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