Wireless-N routers?

[absinthe]

I'm on my second wireless router in 5 years, and its performance is really getting pathetic. The first was a Linksys wireless B, which worked great for several years, the router being downstairs and my personal system being upstairs with a USB card attached. I ran into some problems a couple of years ago and never could fix them (it's been so long I can't really remember what the problem was), so I got a good deal on a bundled D-Link wireless router and card. (Interestingly, I passed the old Linksys model to my mom, and she's used it for over a year now with no problems).

The D-Link (DI-624) worked well for some time. It's a wireless G, and for a long time I just used it with my old wireless-B Linksys USB card. Things worked so well, I really didn't see a reason to upgrade. Several months ago, things began moving slowly, so I figured I would upgrade the access point to a D-Link brand with the built-in "AirPlus Extreme G" technology to hopefully get some better throughput. I got an internal PCI version and even bought the extra external antenna (gotta love mail-in rebates).

Performance is still less than desireable, no matter how I position the antenna. My computer is almost always connected to my neighbor's network, and his house is on the opposite side of my house from my computer! Even when I am connected to my own network, it's always either "very low" or "low" signal.

The cable company recently rewired some things (I got digital phone, and consequently a new modem), and now MY computer (upstairs) is hard-wired and the downstairs computer is relying on the wireless network. My wife uses that computer for school work for her master's program, and the neighbor's network still comes through considerably stronger. I have tried many configurations, including hard-resetting the router.

And BTW, I've never been able to successfully secure the network. It just slows down way too much or doesn't work altogether. I'm simply broadcasting to the whole neighborhood.

So I've turned my thoughts to possibly a new router altogether. I've been waiting (and waiting) for the wireless-N specs to be finalized. Are the wireless-N routers out there now worth the investment? Will they be upgradeable when the specs are "finalized." Has anyone had good experiences with these? With what models? I'm really more interested in broadcast range (and securability) than in speed.

Thanks,

-abs

 

[JackMDS]

They can not be ready since they are Not an exsistance.

The preN or the draftN is expensive (To benefit from the N you need o buy a set of Router and client at a cost of about $200, and $100 for each additional computer). Most of it will not be upgradeable to 802.11n when it comes out.

So, as long as the system somewhat functional brace yourself and wait.

Or if you are desperate, try this Router it probably would provide much better service than the Lame SuperG.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16833162134

 

[absinthe]

Well, I guess that answers that. Is there any timetable on when the N spec will be ready?

Thanks.

-abs

 

[Old Hippie]

My routers only seem to last @ 3 yrs. Linksys, D-Link, Netgear, it just doesn't matter.
If you haven't already, login to the router, try changing channels and change the B/G transmission mode to G only. I think that "Extreme G" stuff is only avaliable on channel 6, but you gotta have more signal strength.
If you've already tried it, just get another cup of coffee.

 

[absinthe]

This thing is just weird. After years of being wirelessly "connected," my box is now wired directed to the router. The icon in the tray constantly goes from "a network cable is unplugged" to "local area connection is now connected." And I do mean constantly. Not a couple of times a minute, but every few seconds. It's so fast that I probably wouldn't notice much of a performance hit if I were to turn off the icon/messages, but the constant popup is annoying as heck.

Maybe it's just time for another new router. Any Recommendations?

-abs

 

[JackMDS]

It might be also time to try first another cable, or, and static IP, before buying a new Router.

 

[absinthe]

I actually have two IPs through Time-Warner Cable. One is for work and is paid for by my employer. I have no such problems through that line.

I eliminated the problematic D-Link router and hooked the telephony modem directly to my computer's ethernet port. The problem of the on-again/off-again connection went away. There's got to be something kooky with that router.

I've decided to go with the Buffalo model linked above. I've been reading great things about it all day.

THANKS!

-abs

 

[spyordie007]

Originally posted by: JackMDSMost of it will not be upgradeable to 802.11n when it comes out.

Actually from what I've seen it's possible that some of the Draft 2.0 equipment will be firmware upgradable; Draft 2.0 is much better than the earlier gear.

We very well may see ratification by the end of this year.

Not that it does the OP much good today

 

[RadiclDreamer]

There is a draft N device on woot.com today only for $50

Most ARE upgradable to the final N standard when it comes out (or so they claim) However you will not be a popular guy with your neighbors since it does not tend ot play nice with 802.11b/g

Warranty: 90 days

Features:

* Avanced Wireless-N technology delivers exceptional range and speed
* Experience the Next generation ? up to 270Mbps networking
* Surf, email, stream HD video, on-line game, make Internet phone calls?simultaneously
* Simple and secure way to share your high-speed Internet connection throughout the home
* Up to 15x the speed and 10x the coverage of Wireless-G technology
* High-performance wireless perfect for multiple users and multimedia streaming
* Maximum range for large homes and small offices
* Double Firewall protection from external hacker attacks
* Touchless WiFi Security makes securing your network easy
* Supports Windows® Vista?
* Maximum performance requires use of RangeMax NEXT Wireless-N adapters
* Multiple smart internal antennas
* Preset internal antennas take the guesswork out of set-up
* Pre-tuned for optimal wireless performance
* Protected from damage and misalignment

Specifications:

* Standards ? IEEE802.11n draft specification, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11b, 2.4 GHz
* Double Firewall
* Network Address Translation (NAT) to hide PCs and files from outside users
* Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) firewall to deny outside requests for personal information
* Denial of Service (DoS) attack prevention
* Intrusion Detection and Prevent (IDS)
* WiFi protected Access (WPA2- PSK, WPA- PSK)
* Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) 64- bit, 128- bit encryption for IEEE 802.11b and IEEE802.11g
* Wireless Access Control to identify authorized wireless network devices
* MAC address authentication
* Exposed Host (DMZ) for secure gaming
* Time- based usage controls
* Web site logging
* URL content filtering
* Dimensions: 8.9×6.8×1.5 in (225.5×172 x 39 mm)
* Weight: 1.2 lbs (.56 kg)

 

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: RadiclDreamer
There is a draft N device on woot.com today only for $50

You forgot to copy and paste.

condition: Refurbished

As far as you know, a side from the Dimensions, and Weight, how many other features are describing actual technical reality.