looking for wireless router

[QueBert]

I have an older Buffalo USB adapter that I love, been wanting to upgrade to Vista and this doesn't have Vista drivers, I can't exactly find info one way or another if there's any way to get it running under Vista with the XP drivers. I'm just assuming it's not going to be possible and need to look for a new solution.

This one has a good sized external antennaexternal antenna I bought. Right now I trade my computer services with a neighbor for free access to his wireless. But he's like 3 houses down so I'll need something with either a antenna like mine now, or a big built in antenna. I tried a few normal adapters and none of them picked up his signal. Right now I get a typical "low" connection, but it works fine *shrug*

Actually I would like something with the antenna built in, something that gives me good range and doesn't break the bank. I'd say my budget is $75'ish what around that price is going to give me good range, I'm not loyal to any brand I just want something that works. I don't care if it's an adapter, or a router set up with firmware to be used like an adapter.

ideas? thanks guys

 

[JackMDS]

WinXP Wireless drivers would not work on Vista.

You need a Good directional Antenna (Not Omni), and you have much better Chance to put it in a Windows facing the Signal source.

I addition Buffalo has an High Power USB drive with a directional Antenna, and it is Vista compatible.

http://www.buffalotech.com/pro...h-directional-antenna/

 

[QueBert]

thanks I will look at getting that Buffalo one, my Omnidirectional antenna is working fine now, the room I'm in has no window but my connection never drops, never tried a directional antenna but willing to give it a shot.

 

[QueBert]

in the original post I was looking for a wireless USB adapter, but have spent a few days thinking about it and thought maybe getting a router will be a better idea. Right now I just need something to use as an AP, but down the road if I get my own internet having a router will be nice.

my criteria:
can be flashed with the Tomato/DD-WRT firmware so I can use it as an AP
& has exceptional range, right now I'm using a Buffalo USB adapter with a 6.5dbi external antenna. The bigger the antenna the better, my neighbor lives 4 houses down so getting a signal wouldn't probably work at all with a regular Linksys or Dlink.

I'm looking at the new Wireless-N Nfiniti from Buffalo, looks like it has 3 good sized antennas on it, not sure if it can be flashed to be used as an AP. If any wireless people out there have a suggestion let me know, in the past I've been sucked in by units with big antennas that looked like they would kick ass but ended up being junk. My budget is open, I haven't seen what I would consider to be an expensive router. I want great range above all. If it costs $150 that's what I'll pay. And if it's something like buying a router and stripping off the antenna and hooking up a Cantenna (heard they rock) that's good too. I just want a solution that I don't have to hassle with, or worry about a connection that drops. I love my buffalo but it has no Vista drivers, and I get PRISMA02.SYS BSOD's a few times a week if not more in XP.

thanks for anyone who might respond and help me out, I'm really undecided with so many brands and models out there.

 

[JackMDS]

The size of the Antenna is irrelevant. Antenna?s capacity is measured by dbi.

The default Antennas? that comes with most Routers are 2dbi.

A good directional Antenna is 8dbi or more.

The three Antennae on the nfinity has to do with the MIMO working of pre802.11n it has No more dbi than regular Antenna, and it can not be replaced with any other type of Antenna.

The Buffalo nfinity is a preN expensive. and mediocre device that would be obsolete when the 802.11n standard comes out.

If you do not want a USB adapter your best bet is to get the Buffalo High Power (it is actually a better idea than using USB card). Flash it with DD-WRT and use it in Client Mode to receive the signal.

http://www.ezlan.net/buffalo.html

http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Modes.html

http://www.ezlan.net/bridging.html

 

[QueBert]

I just saw the Buffalo high power on froogle, I know you said size is irrelevant but that sucker has a huge one doesn't have any info on dbi but it should be suffice I have heard a few people talking about it in the past. Price isn't too bad either.

thanks for your help man I sure do appreciate it

 

[JackMDS]

The Router in the link is the same as the Regular High Power with 802.11a added.

I.e. it is a 802.11a/b/g if you do not use 802.11a it is the same as the, http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16833162134

 

[QueBert]

really? I have no need for A, damn I guess the big antenna doesn't make a difference, you just saved me 40 bucks thanks man

 

[JackMDS]

I am not sure, but since a and g are not working in the same frequency it is probably big because it has inside antenna for g and antenna for a.