Quick and Easy Router Question

[boozie]

Ok so I'm looking to buy a cable modem and wireless router for the apartment I'm moving into and was wondering the difference between LINKSYS WRT54G and LINKSYS WRT54GL.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16833124010

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16833124190

I see one is more expensive than the other by like $20 but don't exactly see much difference between the products. About all I can pick out is the more expensive one is also an "access point" which I assume means it works like a booster for another wireless signal (which I wouldn't need). Does the more expensive one have better security features or something? As long as the connection/signal quality is the same between them I don't think I have reason to buy the more expensive one.

I'm hoping to buy one of these tonight so a quick answer would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Jamsan]

The "L" model can use third party linux based firmwares that enables alot more features than the normal G is capable of. It also has double the memory if I'm not mistaken. If you plan on using DD-WRT, OpenWRT or something similar, you'd want to get the L. There are also other routers that are a bit cheaper than the L that can also run the same 3rd party firmwares. You may want to check the appropriate wikis for which routers can support what.

If you don't know what the custom firmwares can do or have no intentions of running them, you'll be fine with the G.

After Linksys realized what people were using the original G routers for (at version 4), they changed the OS from a linux-based one to something else. They then released the L model at a higher premium for people who wanted the custom firmware options.

 

[JackMDS]

Get the G if you need for decoration purpose a Cobalt Blue Box. Otherwise buy a real Wirweless

Asus WL-520GU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16833320023

Inexpensive Flashable with DD-WRT*.
--------------------

Linksys WRT54GL

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16833124190

Very Solid with DD-WRT (Mediocre Wireless).

--------------------
Zyxel 550 -

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...181218&Tpk=zyxel%2b550

Not compatible with DD-WRT but as is features rich and Good Wireless.

------------------
*What is DD-WRT?

http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/ind...hat_is_%22DD-WRT%22%3F

===========

OK, but why Not 802.11n?

Because there is No 802.11n standard, there is only Draft-N pre/maybe hardware.

Almost all the manufacturers claim on the front page of the Data Sheets that it would be compatible with the 802.11n standard when it comes out.

Then put in small letters on the last page a Disclaimer that basically voids what was stated on the first page.

Quote from a top manufacturer Data Sheet (I Bold few words).

"This product is based on IEEE draft 802.11n specifications and is not guaranteed to be
forward compatible with future versions of IEEE 802.11n specifications. Compatibility
with draft 802.11n devices from other manufacturers is not guaranteed. All references
to speed and range are for comparison purposes only. Product specifications, size and
shape are subject to change without notice, and actual product appearance may differ
from that depicted herein".
End of Quote.

The standard is Not out because they are fighting over it. Therefore, it is implicit that at the end the Draft-N devices of the losers will not be compatible or upgradable.

To benefit from Draft-N the Router and the Wireless card have to be Draft-N.

The Hardware is currently about $80 +$80 for Router and a card for the first computer. and $80 for each additional one.

What you get for this money?

Technologically 802.11n improvea the transfer speed between Local computers (It does not improve Internet Speed).

Therefore, if someone really uses the Wireless for serious Wireless LANwork it might be a consideration to get a Draft-N, otherwise saving few seconds on casual transfer does not worth the investment.

Second advantage of N might be coverage. However, the expectations are really exaggerated. In most cases if the environment is highly unfriendly to Wireless, switching from g to N is Not going to yield dramatic improvement. The RF output of the N is the same as the g (about 33mW) the bandwidth gains are achieve by the additional MIMO arrangement of the Antennae.

Some Routers have a Giga byte switch. However, in most of them the switch is mediocre and bellow.

I find that if One uses a separate Giga switch for the Giga capable computers, and uses the Router's port for the 100Mb/sec. devices, the Giga part of the network works better.

In sum, buy a Draft-N if there is a real technological advantage for you specific Network, otherwise leave Trendy waste of money to others.

 

[boozie]

To be honest, I don't see a whole ton of benefits from anything better than the "g" for my apartment setup. My main computer will be hooked up directly, ill have one connected wirelessly and a wii connected wirelessly. I don't plan to do a whole lot of data transfer between computers really ever either. While it's not THAT much more money for the ones you listed, I hardly understand the features/benefits of getting the more expensive router. Possibly signal strength I guess but even that I don't know. Really the most important thing is a simple straight-forward setup.