Help, roommates relying on me! WRT54GL, G2, 110, 160, Netgear WNR834B???

Normally I would read read, but I have to decide fast, please help!

I've just moved into a new apartment and my roommates who aren't too up on technology are relying on me to set-up the wireless network. The Internet should be activated within the next few days so I have to decide fast. I'll break it down...

There are 4 of us. 2 on one floor, 2 upstairs. My main concern is reliability and range as the modem and router will be in my room and disconnects will be problematic when I'm not here to restart it.

Internet - 24 Mbps down / 2.5 Mbps up
Modem - ARRIS tm502b
Users - 4 (no idea on network cards. I've ordered a T400 with a WiFi 5100 card).

Some routers I can get (living in Holland) -

Linksys WRT54GL - 65 EUR
Linksys WRT54G2 - 49 EUR
Linksys WRT110 - 49 EUR
Linksys WRT160 - 79 EUR
Netgear WNR834B - 66 EUR

Again, I am just looking for reliability and range as they'll blame me for connectivity issues. I'm not a total networking noob, but I've been out of the game since my Cisco classes back in 2000, things have changed.

Personally I'd love to grab an old 54G, put on wrt or tomato or whatever and go nuts, but I really just need this to work. We will be doing some gaming, typical downloading / Internet browsing. I realize my card has some potential, but I have no idea what their laptops are sporting and simply need harmony.

Do I not want to mess with these newer N routers? The G2 seems nice and cheap, but with no external antennas I'm skeptical. Is the GL a better option? I know it's watered down as they've lowered the flash memory, but I guess that doesn't matter.

Oh yeah.. and I'd like the ability to some QoS options or setting bandwidth priority by mac addresses or something, just so they don't get too carried away with torrents...

Any guidance would be great! Thanks

 

ok, just found out 2/4 of us have 802.11n ready cards. I've read there are some issues mixing technologies of g/n, also that g has potentially better abilities for consistent and reliable range.

can anyone help on this?

 

If you can get D-Link or Buffalo in Holland, then I'd suggest getting those over Linksys or Netgear.

 

hey stewie, thanks for the reply.

d-link would have been my first choice, but it is not sold here. I believe buffalo is but there are no retailers near me and I have to decide by tomorrow. It's basically down to the WRT54GL + Tomato or the WRT160n

I actually grabbed the WRT54GL on my way home from work today, but have not yet opened it. I then found out later another guy (possibly 2) have 802.11n capable cards. Even so, one of the dudes is using a nasty Packard Bell that just says "WIFI" on it, so who knows.

I just want the guys upstairs to have a consistent connection. I'm thinking about sticking with the GL as the WRT160n has received mixed reviews, the antenna are internal, and it runs pretty hot.

Thoughts?

 

I don't have any experience with the WRT160N, but according to CNET's and Newegg's user reviews, it does not look good, I'd stay away from it.

Apparently, the WRT160N is the replacement of the WRT54GL, but people claim is slower and not as stable.

I thought maybe the WRT310N or WRT610N would be better, but the reviews don't look pretty either, many people are having connection dropping issues. And it seems like all the new Linksys N routers run very hot.

You really don't have much choices, do you?

The WRT54GL seems to be the most stable one out of your choices.

It would be great if you can get a N router, but it's a shame that only Linksys and Netgear are sold around your area. :/

 

All I will say - despite the naysayers - is that I've not had a lick of trouble out of my Netgear WNDR3300.

 

For Netgear, the WPN824 seems to be not bad, good feedbacks from both CNET and Newegg, although it does not support 802.11n.

 

thanks guys!

well I can also get the Netgear WNR834B but that has received some pretty poor reviews as well. I've also read that it takes a big speed hit when running in mixed-mode, plus the antennas are internal.

we'll see how the wrt54gl does for now