Wireless Network - Help me Choose!

[t0mmyb0y]

Here's the deal folks:

Moving home for the summer. Need internet access, will die without.

Comcast cable modem set-up already in 2nd floor of house. Problem is, I am moving to the basement (2 stories down, probably opposite side of house). I believe wireless is my only option, because running ethernet cable to the basement would be impossible. Getting a second cable modem and connection run to the basement would also be costly.

Assuming this to be correct, what wireless solution is best for me? I am assuming an 802.11g router/access point would be a good investment for the future (wiring an apartment or something). Anyone know which router or access point is best for long distance? I kinda like the Dlink DI-624 AirPlus Xtreme G series High-Speed 2.4GHz 4-Port Wireless Router . However I have heard mixed reviews about the D-Link brand. A router with integrated ports is a definite plus.

Also, what kind of card should I get for my computer in the basement? I know USB are better for connection, but I only see them available in 802.11b varieties. Is this my best option, since I have such a long distance to cover? Or should I go with a PCI 802.11g card, since the technology is more current?

Please help!

 

[amdskip]

I'm not too up on wireless and it's not my favorite thing in the world yet but I bet money you can run a cable down through the house.

 

[cipher00]

Personally, I don't think g is ready for prime-time, at least not yet. You'll be relying on the manufacturer to make the firmware update a reality. If all you're doing is net sharing, b may be the way to go for now, especially if you're not planning on high speed file sharing in the future (well, near future). Plus, b is cheap. Most entry-level routers are fine. I like SMC, but that's just me.

FWIW.

 

[SaigonK]

G isnt ready for primetime yet, all vendors using it now are early adopters so steer clear.
I have heard nothing but bad reviews on ALL the G gear out there right now.

I will now throw in my obligatory CISCO pitch.
Got a cisco ap and it rules! Of course it is a ton of money and not really for a home user. But who knows...maybe you have money to spare.

 

[rw120555]

Given the distances involved, I might be tempted to buy a linksys 802.11b wireless router and then, if necessary, buy a Linksys wireless signal booster. Make sure stuff is returnable, as wireless is sometimes flakey and unreliable.

There is more to life than just wireless and wired, however. For example, you could go to Ebay and buy phoneline stuff pretty cheap, e.g. I've seen the 2wire homeportal 100 going for as low a $50 there, and you could couple it with a netgear pa101 usb/homepna adapter. Or, you could check into powerline equipment as an option. Maybe you'll just throw the stuff away after the summer, but by then 802.11g may have settled down and be cheaper and more reliable.

 

[JackMDS]

This might help:

Wireless What Should I Get (April, 2003 Edition)?

 

[t0mmyb0y]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
This might help:

Wireless What Should I Get (April, 2003 Edition)?

Give me a little credit...I did do a search for "wireless" here in the forums...

I guess "b" is the way to go. Anyone have an experience with a b-type router that works well through multiple floors? What kind of signal strength (coming off of a cable box) am I going to need to be able to play games like counter-strike or warcraft 3 reliably? 50%? 75%?

Thanks!

 

[t0mmyb0y]

Thanks for the help guys. I decided to take advantage of this little deal. I'll let you know if it works!