Best Router for House

So I just ordered an Asus W5F & I want wireless in my house for internet and so I can print. So I need a router...correct? What would be the best router to cover a 2000 sq ft house? Thanks!

 

i am sure normal ones can't do the job well. you have to consider obsticles.( doors, walls, and other) so 2500sq ft maybe...
at least get a mimo router like linsky or netgear. you have to pay alot at least 100 to 300

 

Get a MIMO router - lots of Super G and pre/draft-N options with superb range.

 

there is full one coming soon

 

wow that much for a router I thought it was only going to cost me $60!

 

Absolutely. It can...you just may not be able to get MIMO routers at that price. Still, a lot of 60$ routers out there will give you good 54Mbps speed and range.

 

full what?

 

could you give me a few specific models to look at?

 

I am using a MIMO router, and I must say they are very good with the signal they produce. I practically get an excellent signal evrrywhere in the house, and the transfer rates are good. Its a bit more money, but its worth it over a normal router.

 

any specific models?
oh and what are wireless access points?

 

Alternatively, buy a Linksys WRT54GL and if need be upgrade it with 9dBi antennas (available on eBay, etc), basically larger versions of the stock antennas. MIMO would get you better range if your notebook also has a MIMO 802.11n WiFi card but, yes, kinda expensive.

The WRT54GL is superior to the WRT54G typically found in stores.

 

just a fast question about the WRT54g series. Beyond the Linux issue and being able to run 3rd party frimware what is the advantage of the WRT54GL over the other versions of the router?

My guess is the typical home user will never want to run 3rd party firmware. Not because it is not any good but rather the level of knowledge to make it work is above what many home users want to deal with...

BTW, I run a WRT54g rev. 4 so I am golden to do whatever I want...

 

So brianstretch, do you think that this will cover my area needed?

 

does anyone know?

 

It is hard for anyone to give you a definitive answer as there are so many variables. House construction, wireless phones, placement of the router , number of other wireless SSID in the area , etc.)

That said I have about a 2000 sq foot home, use a Version 2 Linksys WRT54GS with High Gain antennas. I have the router on the top floor (It is a two story house).

This services my entire house including an XBOX360 in the basement. I am considering getting a MIMO router only because my Linksys is on 24x7 and beginning to show some signs of age and I generally like new toys once in while

I think the Linksys WRT54G (whatever is current) will be sufficient for your needs. Of course the MIMO would be better range, but you will pay a premium for this and at this point the specifications are still in ‘draft’ mode (not a big deal really just something to be aware of) .

You may have to play with placement of the router - again generally, higher is better.

 

The bottom line is one that covers your needs.

There are many out there that will do what you need. I prefer a seperate AP as appose to combo units (wrouter). They are generally better. The AP radios and produce a lot of heat effecting your whole system. Stand alone AP have another advantage too. Most come with High Gain antennas, eliminating the extra cost. You are able to move the AP to a optimal location with out all of the wires. The down side is that you use one of you lan ports for the AP. A optimum setup would be a gigabit router connected to a 8-24port Gigabit Switch. Then connect your printer and common access to the router with all other hw connecting to the switch. Using a managed switch allows you to isolate parts (users) from others. If you do BT, move to a business class router, they are design for heavy use.

I would consider a different location if you need access to a basement on a 2 story house. I would consider use the 1st floor, being centerally located.

I would hold off till the 11n draft is finalized and mfg start shipping hw with 11n spec. This normally takes 3-6 mo after the spec is finalized, with any luck the end of this year. I do not like and hardware that does not play nice with others MIMO is one of those, some use 2 channels. And knock your neighbors off.

I think my USR AP has only been powered down and rebooted when I moved it. It has only locked up once in the 3 yrs. If you read through these threads you will find many cases where users have to routinely reboot a system. Most all of this is due to Heat and or bad firmware.

 

Like daacon, I too have a wrt54gs (with stock antenna) that covers my entire house and back yard. My home is app. 2750sf, 2 story with the router on the top floor and located in toward the front of the house. I receive a strong signal anyway within the house and a very good signal out in the yard. For the average user any good quality router should work. It just depends on your needs and the environment in which it will be working.

 

ah this is all so confusing.

 

Not really, just do a little research and some reading. The basic routers out there today are fairly easy to install and setup. And there is always tech support... which maybe good or bad, depending on the manufacturer

 

what is the difference between WRT54G and WRT54Gw/ speedbooster? is it worth the extra $20? If you get it w/ speedbooster...do I need anything else for my asus w5f

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, anyone...

The WRT54G has data rates up to 54Mbps, the WRT54GS (speedboost) has a data rate with "real-world performance" up to 35% faster (as stated on their website). To take advantage of the higher rate you internal wireless card must also be compatible with the speedboost. I believe you have a Intel 3945 a/b/g mini wireless card and I don't think it is compatible with seedboost.

Hope this helps.

 

oh okay. also I just got back from best buy and they told me to cover 2000sqft i would need the WRT150N not the WRT54G? Of course it's the most expensive one. Soo....do you think i should try the WRT54G and if it doesn't work return it and get the other?

 

As mentioned earlier in this thread, every situation can be different. I can only go by what I experience at my setup. I have a 2 story house, 2750sf and no problems at all. You may have a different experience with your setup. Go for the WRT54G. Like you said, you can always return it.

Good luck!

 

i think i'm going to buy it tomorrow. i hope it all works out!!

 

Doesnt mean much. Wireless reception depends on build materials (eg Concete/brick/plasterboard), thickness of that material, interference from other signals in your house, interference from neighbours' activtiy, etc.

 

okay well i just came back from best buy @ i bought the Linksys WRT54G. hopefully i can make it happen! lol

 

Alright! I did it! Thanks soo much for all of your help! You're the best!

 

Congrats, I'm happy to see it work out for you. How's the coverage? One last thing, don't forget to secure your wireless network.

 

pretty good. lowest it's been is three bars, but is usually 4 or 5. I do have it secured! Thanks so much!

 

I can definately say that belkin is not a good one.n The router itself is going bad after only a year. The USB adaptors that we had purchased for the PC's both went bad with-in 4-6mths. So definately stay away from that one!!!