Wireless router question (Just get the cheapest? Where?)

[GoodEnough]

I have a desktop that is wired directly into my cable modem.

Now, I just got a laptop, so it would be nice to have it connect.
(Built-in wireless LAN (802.11b/g/n))

Is there any point in getting anything beyond bare bones connectivity? I want the simplest, easiest, no hassle, barebones, transparent solution. Or should I just get the cheapest wireless router I can get? Can you suggest a brand/model type or link? (Newegg, Tiger, Ebay)

What about one of these? 802.11g?
http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=802.11g%20wireless%20router&rt=nc&LH_BIN=1&_dmpt=COMP_EN_Routers&_fln=1&_sc=1&_sop=15&_sticky=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m283

 

[JackMDS]

It does not make sense to save few $$ and buy Junk for something that has to be used daily for years.

Least expensive sensible 802.11g, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833320026

802.11n, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-232-_-Product

BTW. Using one computer directly on a Modem is technically possible, but it is highly dangerous practice these days.

It means that all your data sits directly on the Internet protect only by software Firewall, which is flimsy protection at best.

 

[gsaldivar]

Newegg > Networking > Wireless > Routers > List by lowest price > look for the cheapest with highest rating.

Good luck!

 

[GoodEnough]

"Least expensive sensible"
"...look for the cheapest with highest rating."

Nicely put.
This is exactly how I approach things.
Thanks for this.

Is the ASUS "plug and play", b/c I am not interested in flashing BIOS/ROMs, etc. (DD-WRT?)
I just need basic hassle-free connectivity for my laptop.
I probably don't need to optimize performance, do "wireless n", etc



Oh, I've had my PC hooked directly like this for years when my last router died.
I use ZoneAlarm. No problems that I know of.

 

[JackMDS]

Oh, I've had my PC hooked directly like this for years when my last router died.
I use ZoneAlarm. No problems that I know of.

Yap, it is just like excessive drinking and smoking.

No problems for years, but problems eventually do come, and when they come it is too late.

As for flashing, No need to flash, many flash-able Routers are good as is.

But if suddenly One do need a feature that is Not existing in the stock firmware, it nice that it can be achieved in few minutes.

For good times and bad times. it always good to have Future time perspective when it cost only few $$$. :thumbsup:

 

[bobdole369]

I've learned to stay away from shitty wireless AP's (routers). Once you get a few sessions running or anything of a decent amount of traffic the shittiest fall right down. Odd things happen like certain packets are dropped.

At minimum I suggest using one with:

1. External standard antenna (that is removable and upgradeable) - look for an RP-TNC or SMA connector.
2. Ability to run Tomato or DD-WRT (its really nice to have the functionality of a serious WAP in a consumer level device) doing things like bridging or WDS seems so simple to common-folk. The auto-ssh tunnel alone is worth the few bucks it costs to get one thats compat.
3. The name "Buffalo". They are synonymous with quality/price ratio. I've deployed a few dozen in harsh environments passing really odd traffic. They don't break unless you put in the wrong power cord (then its a quick diode to replace to fix).

 

[Mojonba]

If 802.11g is all need you can't beat a used WRT54G(L) or similar router with a Broadcom chipset with Tomato or DDwrt firmware. I have several of them perform router and access point duties rock stable for 5 years.

 

[smitbret]

Most cable and DSL modems that I've seen lately, have wireless connectivity already built into them. Granted, it's just wireless G, but for internet access....... Might wanna check the modem you already have first and if it's an old one, walk into the cable company and tell them that it doesn't seem to be working anymore, can you please get a new one?

 

[GoodEnough]

How about this?

AirLink 101 AR670W 300Mbps 802.11n
http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=AR670W-NDW

 

[JackMDS]

""Very good"". :thumbsdown:

$29 + $7 ship = $36, 90 days warranty

This Better unit is $39 ship free, 1 year warranty, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-232-_-Product

 

[Emulex]

yeah 2x mimo will be nice you can do peak 300mbps on 2.4ghz - i got the buffalo wzr (2.4 only) which comes factory with licensed dd-wrt professional or its own nifty software.

comes in handy man i pull about 12.5-17MB/s copying using SMB on the same level of house with a very busy 2.4ghz band. 5ghz was too unstable if you are backing up a whole pc and it drops out every few hours that can make jobs never complete.


I got $9 routers from verizon. included next day air shipping. never used them. but i suspect they will make great guest wifi or AP's someday.

is that deal still on?

 

[GoodEnough]

Thanks for your help Jack.
I will spring for the $39 300mpb router you posted.
My laptop supports 802.11 b/g/n

 

[GoodEnough]

Just curious, what are the pros/cons for this one?

Cisco Valet M10 300Mbps 802.11n Wireless LAN/Firewall Access Point & 4-Port Router w/Easy USB Setup Key

http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?Inv...679XF6_13jul11

 

[smitbret]

It's a refurb. I'll buy most anything refurb, but a router is one of those things that seems to have a finite lifespan and I wouldn't save the $20 to take that chance. Other than that, from what I see, many people complain that it's a little underpowered, but you can't really tell if that's just people expecting too much or not.

Spend $10 and get this one new:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-033-_-Product

 

[GoodEnough]

Jack, I just realized that the router you've been suggesting is not a router at all. It's an extender/upgrader. Seems like a glaring oversight, no?

To reiterate, I have a desktop plugged straight into my cable modem. I'd like to get it behind a proper firewall, AND use the wifi for my new laptop. So, I think I need something different than what you suggested, b/c I don't have an existing router, as the desc. indicates.

This TrendNet Wireless Easy-N-Upgrader connects to your existing router, to give your network a serious boost in speed and range. Once plugged into your router, the upgrader is ready to go.

Should I just get the Buffalo that SmitBret suggested?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...&SID=u00000687

 

[ImDonly1]

Jack, I just realized that the router you've been suggesting is not a router at all. It's an extender/upgrader. Seems like a glaring oversight, no?

To reiterate, I have a desktop plugged straight into my cable modem. I'd like to get it behind a proper firewall, AND use the wifi for my new laptop. So, I think I need something different than what you suggested, b/c I don't have an existing router, as the desc. indicates.

This TrendNet Wireless Easy-N-Upgrader connects to your existing router, to give your network a serious boost in speed and range. Once plugged into your router, the upgrader is ready to go.

Should I just get the Buffalo that SmitBret suggested?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...&SID=u00000687

Yes, the Buffalo router you posted should be a good one. Jack recommends the BUFFALO WZR-HP-G300NH (the one you posted is BUFFALO WZR-HP-G300N), but they are also the same thing.

The one you posted is cheaper because it lacks gigabit LAN and WAN ports. It doesn't have a USB port either. Also the options to "avoid 2.4ghz interference" and "independent wireless networks." Not sure if any of the other hardware specs are different. From your post, it doesn't seem like you want/need gigabit LAN/USB.

 

[Emulex]

I love my buffalo WZR-HP-G300NH - the new airport does 20.5 megabytes/sec @ 450mbps link speed. this buffalo does 16.5 megabytes/sec @ 300 link speed. Most folks don't have 450mbps link speed and 450 on the airport is 5ghz only. the buffalo is 2.4ghz only but its so damn powerful it has no problems plowing over the noise.

843mw on 2.4ghz factory. hackable to 1watt. 2dbi directional (1 built in omni for receive only). You can easily upgrade these to 25dbi directional YAGI. 1 watt + a pair of 25dbi antennas could throw 150mbps link for half a mile (two setup using ethernet over IP bridging).

Mad power. Cheap. skip the 5ghz its not necessary when you are playing with this much power.

the airport (new ones) is only 400mw. half the power.

Also with the buffalo if you are not a DD-WRT hacker - just flash the 1.77 "buffalo" firmware. It's not as cool but i find it faster and the auto-ap mode is fantastic. plug it into an existing network and booyah - done it is an AP - no config other than SSID/PASSWORD necessary. thats how i rock my buffalo to the uverse RG.

dd-wrt is required to bump power up to 1watt

 

[GoodEnough]

Ok, I'll get the Buffalo 300N?
I dont even see a link to 300NH, so I'm not sure how it arose.

I just need the most basic simplest shit for a grandmother:
1) Get my PC off the hardwired cable modem
2) Allow wifi access for my laptop.

 

[ImDonly1]

Ok, I'll get the Buffalo 300N?
I dont even see a link to 300NH, so I'm not sure how it arose.

I just need the most basic simplest shit for a grandmother:
1) Get my PC off the hardwired cable modem
2) Allow wifi access for my laptop.

Yes, get the 300N. There was no link to the 300NH, I was just mentioning it. Since its talked about here and similar to the 300N. It is on newegg though.

 

[JackMDS]

There is a link in smitbret post above.

 

[Eug]

This is the one right?

http://canadacomputers.com/product_i...item_id=032276

I assume you'd recommend flashing it to DD-WRT immediately?

I'd be using one as my router, with my VDSL2 modem in "dumb" modem bridge mode. I'd let the Buffalo do the PPPoE authentication.

If it works well, I might get a couple more to span the house. It's a big house, and I'm currently using 4 cheap wireless routers to do the job, plus one in the backyard. Or I suppose I could just use one in the main area I'm usually in, and keep the cheap ones for the rest of the house in the areas that are mainly for guests.

Is this wall mountable? I'd be mounting it in the electrical and networking closet. .

I'm not really concerned about the lack of GigE support, since it'd be sitting right beside a 24-port GigE switch (blue, bottom right). However, it'd be a little bit of a pain if it's not wall mountable, since I'd have to build a shelf for it.

EDIT:

It says on the Buffalo WHR-HP-G300N product page it's already powered by DD-WRT, and that it is wall mountable. Perfect.

 

[Eug]

Ordered the WHR-HP-G300N. Thx.

 

[GoodEnough]

Ultimately, a friend gave me a Netgear RangeMax wireless-N WNR3500.
Works great !