Which wireless router and NIC?

[Necrolezbeast]

I have been looking the Microsoft MN-500 and the USB NIC to go along with it...I have cable internet and am trying to allow my sister, a floor above and opposite side of the house, to have connection through wireless as there is no way I can get wires through the walls. It isn't very distant, but as usual I would like an opinion. I am also not sure if the Microsoft Router has any sort of NAT Firewall or anything, I would really like this as a feature, the only one that I know of is the Linksys that does. There will only be one person using the wireless, but I see that an Access point alone is as much as the wireless router. Thanks for the help

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

Microsoft and hardware don't jell in my mind.

I'd suggest you look at D-Link or LinkSys, and I've seen rebate deals on some of them for very low cost. If they're still in stock, OfficeDepot had a D-Link DI-614+ for $79.74, and $50 in rebates can be applied to it. If you cruise over to www.morestuff4less.com, you can also get a coupon code for $15 off $75 on the deal, making your cost about $15 + tax, no shipping charge.

 

[ITJunkie]

I couldn't say whether Microsoft makes a good or bad wireless product but I think gunrunner is right. Stick with a brand that makes network equipment and you will be better off. Netgear also makes some fine products to add to what he has already listed.

 

[JackMDS]

Micrsoft's Network Hardware is a regular OEM Overpriced for the honor of the Name.

Just get the cheapest you can get.

 

[dnuggett]

I bought a Netgear router and card yesterday after talking with several people. I am very happy (where is some wood?) with its performance so far.

 

[Necrolezbeast]

heh Jack...that is why I am asking, I can get the router for $39 AR and the USB NIC for $49 AR...better than any other deal I can find locally. What model of netgear did you get, and is it just a pci NIC? I would prefer a USB as it is mobile and can be placed for better reception and all. I'm a n00b to this new fangled wireless stuff and just need some advice from the gurus.

 

[JackMDS]

CompUSA has this week, D-Link Wireless Router for $29, and D-Link USB for $29.

That is $30 less than you MS deal, and it is the b+ units. I.e. the 22Mb/sec. scheme.

Both involve rebates.

 

[Necrolezbeast]

hehe...thanks Jack, you respond too fast and are very scary! Looks like a good deal and I will probably go pick it up tomorrow, and I get my cable net installed on the 27th so I should have everything setup nicely when it gets here. Anyway, 1 question for you, do the D-Link products really have bad range/reception like I see a lot of people around here saying? The distance I have is probably around 35 - 50ft, over-estimating a little, and I don't care if it is a little slow (as my sister will enver notice the difference) I just don't want to deal with her whining about it dropping the connection all the time.

 

[JackMDS]

If you look through the threads you will find that all Entry Level Hardware have their share of complains.

In general this type hardware is not bad, but the number of defected units that slips the so called "QA" within each brand is staggering.

Test it when you get it. If you set it correctly, and it does not work return it.

You do not need the Internet installation to set it and test it. Establish a Wireless Network between the computers and see how it works. The Router?s Internet aspect is rarely a problem.

 

[Necrolezbeast]

yup, that was the plan...I was just stating that I should be able to work out any/all kinks before I even get the internet hooked up to the thing. Is there anything special needed to install the wireless NIC on a Windows ME system? I will upgrade her comp to XP when I get the time, but ME might have to stay for a week or so.

 

[peterskm]

I recommend Netgear. I got a Linksys 802.11b router and notebook card and had nothing but problems. I returned it and got a 802.11g Netgear setup for about $20 bucks more and it works flawlessly.

 

[Necrolezbeast]

I got the D-Link and am very happy with it, file transfers seem pretty quick and signal quality is excellent despite about 5 walls and 1 floor between it. Now my cable net is being installed on the 27th and I already have everything configured. Thanks a lot for the help

 

[xSauronx]

Originally posted by: ITJunkie
I couldn't say whether Microsoft makes a good or bad wireless product but I think gunrunner is right. Stick with a brand that makes network equipment and you will be better off. Netgear also makes some fine products to add to what he has already listed.

i have 2 mn-500s running a wireless network...getting the two to work together with wireless is a pain, but using just one standalone is very simple and reliable.

has NAT firewall, and good signal output. easy to configure.

 

[sep]

I was just getting ready to post how happy I am with my Netgear Products (WGR614 Wireless Router & 2-M101A USB NIC's). The two wireless connections are on the opossite side of the house and up a floor. I don't get the best connection, Excellent connection. These two computers get the good connection. That's right below the Excellent. Never see a problem with internet access. File Sharing I don't do on these computers. It's SPI, DoS, Content Filtering, ext.

So with that said, I'd recommend this router. For a NIC you might want to got with the Internal PCI (see it a SVC or Newegg for $10) or the USB. I like the usb version because I can put it on any computer pretty easy and it's flexible (movable for better reception). The only downfall right now is that Netgear doesn't make a PCI or USB 11g adapter. Only a PCMCIA so I just set my network to 11b only and haven't had one problem. Beta firmware is out with 11g standard and should allow other 11g adapters to work with this router as long as both us the standard.

Good Luck!
-JC

 

[AngryKid]

I'd also recommend D-Link. Linksys sucks (I've owned two different Linksys routers that have flaked out over time, not to mention they're owned by Cisco which is bad in itself). D-Link gives good bang for the buck and their wireless routers with built in print server are invaluable. Also, if you stick with D-Link hardware, you can get a compressed theoretical 22 Mbit instead of 11 MBit. Who doesn't need extra speed?

I have the 714P+ and it's a beautiful piece of equipment. Amazingly, although the printer server only comes with Windows drivers, it works flawlessly with Linux and CUPS.

Good features, good price, good speed, and reliable...

 

[InlineFive]

I like Netgear the most but Linksys is my second best. I have a Netgear MR814 and a MA401 (got them during the Amazon sale) right now and they work wonderfully.

-Por