Nickspohn's What Wireless Router is Right for Me Guide? Updated 2/19/2006

Another update coming shortly, with a whole new setup, links, and info on each router. Linksys and Netgear will have a full updated section. Expect a whole new inguide section about what router is right for you, and how each router is classified.

When it comes to wireless, your always thinking, "Well what wireless router is right for me?", or "What router should i get". Well here is a guide to help you find the right router for you. Make sure you check the list of categories at the end of this guide.

Nickspohn's Wireless Router Buying Guide



Linksys

Brief Overview:

Linksys routers are very nice. You rarely have disconnects or even hardly never. The one con about linksys is that there setup is not very user friendly, but i have seen it improving so if you think you can handle the setup. There support is very nice and they really do help. There is also an option where you can go online and talk to them. Overall, Linksys is a nice company and there routers are built nicely with no over heating.

Linksys Routers:

Linksys WRT54G Linksys.com Info / Newegg Deal / Amazon Deal
Linksys WRT54GS Linksys.com Info / Newegg Deal / Amazon Deal
Linksys WRT54GC Linksys.com Info / Newegg Deal / Amazon Deal
Linksys WRT54GL Linksys.com Info / Newegg Deal / Amazon Deal
Linksys WRT54GX Linksys.com Info / Newegg Deal / Amazon Deal
Linksys WRV54G Linksys.com Info / Newegg Deal / Amazon Deal
Linksys WRT55AG Linksys.com Info / Newegg Deal / Amazon Deal




Linksys WRT54G

This router is a basic networking router. If all you want to do is just network between 4 PC's wired and have wireless, its your best bet. This routers features are:

• All-in-one Internet-sharing Router, 4-port Switch, and Wireless-G (802.11g) Access Point
• Shares a single Internet connection and other resources with Ethernet wired and Wireless-G clients
• Wireless data rates up to 54Mbps -- 5 times as fast as Wireless-B (802.11b), but also interoperable with Wireless-B devices (at 11Mbps)
• Advanced security: Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), wireless MAC address filtering, powerful SPI firewall

Its a nice basic router and if your in a budget, this router is pretty cheap and almost always has a MIR.

Linksys WRT54GS

This router is almost the same as the previous one except that this router has Speedbooster which means boosts downloading speeds. (Note: This can only be shown if you have a Linksys Wireless Card too) So if you already have a wireless card and dont want to replace it, your better off getting a sister model of it. (WRT54G* (*C or L)). Here are the features of this router:

• All-in-one Internet-sharing Router, 4-port Switch, and up to 35% performance enhanced Wireless-G Access Point
• Shares a single Internet connection and other resources with Ethernet wired, Wireless-G, -B, and SpeedBooster devices
• Push button setup feature makes wireless configuration secure and simple
• High security: Wi-Fi Protected AccessTM 2(WPA2), 802.1x, powerful SPI firewall

Linksys WRT54GC

This router is identical to the WRT54G version except this time, this router is very small and compact. If you have limited space, this router might be good for you. Or if you need to actually take this router to different locations, its easier because of its size. Here are the features of this router:

• All-in-one Internet-sharing Router, 4-port Switch, and Wireless-G (802.11g) Access Point
• Shares a single Internet connection and other resources with Ethernet wired and Wireless-G and B devices
• Compact form factor fits in anywhere
• High security: Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA/WPA2 Personal), wireless MAC address filtering, powerful SPI firewall

Linksys WRT54GL

This router is the newest of this line up. It has a little better security, the easy setup button making it easy to customize this router. So if you need a little extra security, this router might be a good decision. Here are the features of this router:

• All-in-one Internet-sharing Router, 4-port Switch, and 54Mbps Wireless-G (802.11g) Access Point
• Shares a single Internet connection and other resources with Ethernet wired and Wireless-G and -B devices
• Push button setup feature makes wireless configuration secure and simple
• High security: TKIP and AES encryption, wireless MAC address filtering, powerful SPI firewall

Linksys WRT54GX

This router is quite different from the previous version as this router has SRX meaning its faster then standard G and has a better signal. If your one of those people were you want very fast speeds and a very big area of signal, this would be a good suggestion. (Note: Linksys also offers a WRT54GX2 and WRT54GX4 which have greater speeds but are basically the same but just faster) Here are the features of this router:

• Internet-sharing Router, 4-port Switch, with a built in speed and range enhanced Wireless-G (802.11g) Access Point
• Shares a single Internet connection and other resources with Ethernet wired, Wireless-G, -B, and other SRX devices
• New SRX technology: the farther away, the more advantage -- up to 8 times faster than standard Wireless-G (802.11g)
• SRX also increases wireless range by up to 3 times and reduces dead spots in coverage area

Linksys WTR54GS

This is Linksys's smallest router which it can even fit into your pocket. It also has speedbooster on it which boosts performance. If you need a very small, compact, traveling router, you might want to take a look at it. Here are the features of this router:

• Shares a wired or wireless Internet connection with SpeedBooster, Wireless-G and -B devices, and an Ethernet wired PC
• Create temporary, personal, wireless access in your hotel room or a coffee shop hotspot -- pushbutton easy
• Travel-friendly design with built-in power supply and antenna
• High security: Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), wireless MAC address filtering, powerful SPI firewall

Linksys WRV54G - (Small Business Router)

This router has great security protection including its VPN router. This router is more for a small business then home use because you can have 50 users connect to this router. It also has authoriztion options. Here are the features for this router:

• An Internet connection-sharing Router, Switch, and Access Point with built-in VPN endpoint capability and advanced security features
• Jump start your small business network by connecting both Wireless-G (802.11g) PCs, and local wired PCs
• Securely connect up to 50 remote or traveling users to your office network via VPN
• "Hotspot Ready" with subscriber registration, authorization and authentication functions

LinksysWRT55AG*

• Dual-band, tri-standard Access Point communicates with Wireless-A (802.11a), Wireless-B (802.11b), and Wireless-G (802.11g) wireless networks
• Protect your wireless investment while preparing your infrastructure for the future
• Built-in 4-port Switch jump-starts your wired network, while the Router functionality securely shares your high-speed Internet connection with wired and wireless computers
• Advanced Security: WEP and WPA wireless data encryption, VPN pass-through, Internet access control and Wireless filters

Netgear

Netgear has very nice, stylish routers. There support is decent and there instructions can be vague but there easy and to the point. The netgear setup and configuration is very easy. But, there routers can run pretty hot and there have been known frequent disconnects with some of there routers. But that can be fixed by updating the firmware, and to make them run cool, simply put the router in a position where more air can go through it like on some a stand comes with it.

Netgear Routers:

Netgear WPN824 Netgear.com Info / Newegg Deal / Amazon Deal
Netgear WPNT834 Netgear.com Info / Newegg Deal / Amazon Deal
Netgear WGT624 Netgear.com Info / Newegg Deal / Amazon Deal
Netgear WGR614 Netgear.com Info / Newegg Deal / Amazon Deal
Netgear WGR101 Netgear.com info / Newegg Deal / Amazon Deal
Netgear DG834PN* Netgear.com Info
Netgear WGU624* Netgear.com Info
Netgear WGT634U* Netgear.com Info
Netgear WGT624SC* Netgear.com Info
Netgear DG834G* Netgear.com Info
Netgear WGR826V* Netgear.com Info
Netgear MR814* Netgear.com Info

*No info currently in this article about these routers

Netgear WPN824

This router has a very good signal. Netgear claims this router is able to have 1000% more wireless coverage than G. So if you are in need of a router that you are sure of that will cover your house and maybe outside (Depending on the size of your house) of your house. Plus with MIMO, there is a small chance for wireless dead spots. Security on this router is also pretty nice. Here are the features for this router:

• Up to 1000% more wireless coverage and speed than 802.11g
• RangeMax Smart MIMO (Multi-In, Multi Out) Technology
• 7 Internal Smart Antennas adapt on the fly to interference
• 100% compatible with 802.11b, 802.11g, and SuperG devices
• Ultra-Secure (double firewall, WEP, WPA-PSK) protect against unauthorized usage

Netgear WPNT834

This router is new from Netgear. With this router, you can have up to 240Mbps of speed. It has a good signal and is a fairly nice, new, good looking router. Here are the features of this router:

• Enables simultaneous HD Video Streaming, downloading MP3s, Multi-player gaming, and file sharing.
• Up to 240 Mbps speeds for wireless networks
• RangeMax MIMO Technology delivers superior wireless coverage
• Increases the performance of your existing 802.11b/g devices by up to 50%
• Ultra Secure with Double Firewall, WEP Encryption, and WPA2 Security

Netgear WGT624

This router has 108Mbps speed with Super G. Its a decent, stylish router which is perfect for having multiple computers on your network. Here are some of the features for this router:

• Super Fast! – 108 Mbps with Super G Technology (when used with NETGEAR WG111T, WG311T, or WG511T Adapters)
• Super Easy! – Smart Wizard gets you up and running in minutes
• Super Secure! – Over than 10 security & privacy features including Double Firewall (SPI & NAT), WEP Encryption, and WPA (Pre-Shared Key)
• Super Range! –Delivers extended range up to 400ft

Netgear WGR614

Here is a basic Netgear G router. If you want just a simple home network, this router would be an option to consider. This router does get pretty hot. Also the instructions for setup that Netgear gives you are pretty vague but it does get the job done. This would be a good choice for just a basic network and is pretty affordable to. Here are the features of this router:

• Speeds of 802.11g - up to 5x faster than 802.11b
• Smart Wizard automatically detects ISP settings and walks you through installation
• Double Firewall - SPI & NAT
• Compatible with 802.11b devices and 802.11g devices
• Wi-Fi Protected Access Pre-Shared Key (WPA-PSK)

Netgear WGR101

This router is perfect for traveling. It is very compact yet still a decent Wireless G router. If you think you might be traveling a lot and want to simple hook this up in a hotel room, this might be for you. Here are some of the features to this router:

• Compact size and convenient carrying case
• Switch to select between single and multi-user mode
• Interoperable with both 802.11b and 802.11g devices
• Speeds of up to 54 Mbps - up to 5x faster than 802.11b
• Highest-level Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption

Netgear DG834PN

Netgear WGU624

Netgear WGT634U

Netgear WGT624SC

Netgear DG834G

Netgear WGR826V

Netgear MR814


D-Link

D-Link is also a top wireless selling brand. They have decent routers and there support is pretty basic. There easier to set up also. Here are some of the main D-Link routers:

D-Link Routers:

DI-634M D-Link.com Info
DI-624 D-Link.com Info
DI-524 D-Link.com Info
DI-624M* D-Link.com Info
DI-724U* D-Link.com Info
DI-624S* D-Link.com Info
DI-824VUP* D-Link.com Info
DWL-G730AP* D-Link.com Info
DI-784* D-Link.com Info

*No info currently in this article about these routers

D link DI-634M

A router that has 108Mbps of speed with MIMO built in it. It is ideal for networking between more than 3 computers. Here are the top features of this router:

• Based on MIMO technology, Double XR (Xccelerated Rates at Xtended Ranges) technology provides extended, whole-house coverage; data transfer speeds up to 108 Mbps
• 2.4GHz wireless frequency (802.11b- and 802.11g-compliant)
• Quad Smart Antenna Design features 2 vertical and 2 horizontal antennas to distribute radio signals in both vertical and linear planes and maximize wireless coverage area

D-Link DI-624

This router also has speeds capaable of 108Mbps (Xtreme G wireless router). Its combatible with B wireless devices. It has a good signal and offers good protection from intruders. Some main features of this router:

• Xtreme G networking (108 Mbps) allows accelerated data transfer speeds without losing compatibility with 802.11b networks
• Silicon chip technology improves performance and enhances speed
• Advanced firewall with policy-based filters, including MAC address, IP address, URL and/or domain name, and available scheduling
• 802.1x wireless user authentication and WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) high-level data security features; 64/128-bit WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) data encryption

D-Link DI-524

This is a basic D-Link G router with speeds of 54Mbps. Built in firewall for good protection also. Some other good features of this router:

• 2.4GHz wireless frequency (802.11g compliant)
• Up to 54 Mbps data transfer rates — almost 5 times that of standard 802.11b rates
• Built-in 4-port switch with 10/100Base-T support to connect additional computers without wireless capability

Overall Conclusion (Update Soon)

Basic Routers (Basic need to just have a network)

Linksys WRT54G
Linksys WRT54GS
Linksys WRT54GC
Linksys WTR54GS
Netgear WGR614
Netgear WGR101
D-Link DI-524

Intermediate (Faster Speeds)

Linksys WRT54GL
Linksys WRT54GX
Netgear WGT624
D-Link DI-624

Advanced (Fast Speeds, MIMO, Better Signal Strength)

Linksys WRV54G
Netgear WPN824
Netgear WPNT834
D-Link DI-634M

When buying a router, you basically just need a basic router for the standard 2 computer network. If you want to have a better than basic router, maybe think about the higher level routers as say that have Super G, MIMO, SRX, etc.

I will add and keep udating this list and i will be adding more companys soon. Thanks for reading!

Nick

 

Very nice and detailed little guide.

Certainly a lot of effort went into gathering the information about all those devices.

Well done.

 

Wow. A lot of work went into this. Thanks, Nick. I figure I will be using it soon, because . . .

My router (BEFW11S4) is so old its not even on the list.

 

Wow. It had never occurred to me that there would be any significant differences (yeah, I know - stupid). Um, I just bought a CompUSA one. Bad idea?

Howie

 

Oh no, your fine:

Its sad but there are so many more routers out there its so crazy. These are just new ones and some good selling ones. Thanks for your compliments guys!

 

Great guide, Nick. Glad to see it all stated so clearly.

Would you agree that you can get most any router for today, since the real bottleneck is our internet service providers?

 

yes i do agree, there are so many routers that do the same thing. If you want wireless and just have one laptop that you want wireless, get the cheapest router. There are so many out there that have all these features and i must admit, im one of those people which im even considering the WRT54GX4.

 

Quite interesting. Hmmm, this is what YoU are thInKing...

Hey, what is a good router brand for in the home/around the house wireless? Not too expensive, available in most electronics stores?

 

For Netgear: WGR614
For Linksys WRT54G

I would say whatever one is cheaper get. These are very nice routera and they usually have MIRs with them.

 

I got Netgear WRG614v6 yesterday from CC. I paid 29.99 + tax. It is great router and it cover large area. I have 4 desktop PC(3 wired, 1 wireless) and 1 laptop(wireless). I can use Internet and watch movie(from DVD drive one of my PC) at the garage(down stairs) even shut the door(fire protection door). It doesn't have disconnecting problems with disconnect idle ssh. I'm happy with it and I trust Netgear brand because, i have had 3 different router and switching hubs that thoes are always make me happy.

ps. out there few different model which are v4, v5, v6.
i saw many people complains problems with v5.
I was installed around 15min. it's works great. get it v6.

 

I don't see anything about Belkin routers, I guess they are not that popular. Yet, does anyone know if this thing http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0006374LE/202-8959988-8187814 will work with my L2000 54g wireless card or should I buy a 54g router?
Basically, what I want to do is just plugin the ethernet cable into the router, put it somewhere up the book shelves and free my notebook from the cable bondage. Will it work?

 

Yes it will work with your current laptop.

I didnt inlcude belkin for certain reasons. But i probaly will add them soon.

Nick

 

Well, i'm looking at boxing day sales and the cheapest wireless router I see is a "D-Link Wireless G-Router".
- Data Rates Up To 54Mbps
- Built-in advanced firewall minimizes threats to network security.

That is all it says. Not sure of model number ect but I assume it is the most basic router. Will this suffice for around-home use?

 

Actually, an even cheaper one is:

Trendnet 54Mbps Wireless-G Router & Wireless-G USB 2.0 Adapter Package

Do I have to use the adapter that comes with it in order to have wireless on a laptop (that supports G)?

 

Not if the laptop has integrated WiFi.

 

Or a Broadcom. Broadcom invented the afterburner technology, later renamed speedbooster. Well, that's my 2¢.

 

I really can't confirm that. On the Linksys site, it flat out says that the full speeds will only work with the linksys speed booster card.

 

I'm curious about this. I have to buy a new router and would like to take advantage of the SpeedBooster technology on the Linksys WRT54GS. Can anyone confirm that it'll work with a Broadcom card?

 

It works with the broadcom card for sure. You just might not see the full speeds. If it's failry cheap, i would just get the speedbooster.

-NS

 

Thanks, it's $60AR at Best Buy. I was thinking about getting the Netgear WGT624 kit, but didn't want to hassle with a PCMCIA that I could only take advantage of at home, plus it's twice the price.

 

So, I bought a Linksys WRT54GS today and can't seem to tell if the SpeedBooster has kicked in or not. It doesn't seem to be an option and I can't find any indication of it anywhere. Transfer speeds don't seem faster than my old Netgear WGR614 either.

 

You will only see enhanced speeds if your wireless card supports them. If you have a regular a/b/gor b/g card the max you will see is 54Mbps. Thus, you may not see the enhanced speedbooster speeds, but you may benefit from this router anyway with better range and/or connectivity and a more steady signal strength.

 

Yeah... my card supports it. That's what the last few posts were about. Thanks anyway.

 

Is it that Broadcom Card you have?

 

Yes, Broadcom w/ SpeedBooster. But like I said, I can't tell if it's in use or not.

 

1.) Go to Hadware Manager
2.) Double-click on the Broadcom Adapter
3.) Under Advanced, make sure the value for AfterBurner (first option, aka SpeedBooster) is set to True

Broadcom invented the AfterBurner technology, Linksys liked it, rebranded it SpeedBooster, and put it in their routers. That's why on HPShopping, it is labeled SpeedBooster, yet internally in the card, it is named AfterBurner. Same technology, different names, it's just marketing.

You will also want to check on the router itself. http://192.168.1.1/Wireless_Basic.asp

 

Update of all the Netgear/Linksys and others routers coming shortly

 

Guide is updated, expect more updates tommorow

 

I have a WRK54G similar to the WRT54G but with a single antenna and not being Linux firmware compatable. Comes as a package with the WUSB54g or the WPC54g for $79.

 

Nick, they may all do the same thing, but how they do it may be quite different. I started with a Linksys GS and had to eventually to with a SRX 200 which is one of the best in my opinion. The range is awesome! The SRX technology is very interesting and the range is what sold me. The one downfall is set up, most can plan on starting right off with a level two support call to Linksys. If you can a GX working on your own, you're a better man than my friend and I are. I hear the 400's have more frequent drops than the 200 and that's why I went with the 200. Never had a drop yet in over a month!
Respectfully,
Ed

 

Updated just now. Added all the links to each site. Expect a whole new portion shortly, (as quick as i can get it rounded up)

Thanks

 

You never explained why you did not include Belkin. I have used their products but only their products... so I have nothing to compare... but their tech support has for the most part been pretty helpful.

BUt I just got their new travel router and it is not designed to be put into someone else's system so they can still be directly connected. I bought it specifically for visitning my firned who has a desk top, no wireless card and a cable internet. Her modem has only one ethernet coneection. The traveler router is only designed to put the ethernete coneection in and not another one out. SInce my purpose was to allow me to use my laptop wirelessly while she coudl still be on the internet on her computer... It was competely useless....

I was a little pissed and I am goign to see if I can send it back. The linksys travel router looks better.

 

Sorry Justita

Im currently working on adding more, but its very hard to keep up with every single router. I find Linksys and Netgear to be the easiest and strongest routers...thats why they are there.

 

Here's my $0.02 worth...

I've been using a Microsoft 802.11b router for the past few years and it worked fine. I remember setting it up was a little bit of a pain, but it worked okay. Decided to go to 802.11g to get a little more speed on file transfers and to eliminate a weak spot in the bedroom where I use the laptop.

First I got the Netgear WPN824. It was $100 before a $20 gift card rebate. This was more than I planned to spend, but I thought it would give me plenty of strength in the back of the house (approx. 30' away from the router). I got around 24-36mbps, which was slower than I expected. That, plus the annoying blue LEDs on the router, prompted me to return it.

Next, I bought the Buffalo AirStation High Power Turbo G (WHR-HP-G54) router for $40AR. Since it was high power, it supposedly had greater range for 54mbps. However, I only get 18-24mbps (and sometimes it drops to 5.5-11mbps, which is the same as my Microsoft router). I added their optional high-gain omnidirectional antenna, but didn't see any real difference, so the antenna will be going back. Currently, I'm trying some of the free antenna ideas to see if I can direct more of the signal towards the back of the house.

My laptop has Broadcom wireless built-in, so I wanted to try a Speedbooster router (aka 125HSM or Afterburner). I haven't seen any reports of anyone getting faster speeds with it, but I thought it was worth a try. I transferred a file but really couldn't tell if it worked or not. I'll try it again with WirelessMon running to compare before and after. Supposedly, Speedbooster only works within a few feet of the router and then drops off quickly to normal 54mbps.

Setup on the Netgear router was very quick and simple. Setup on the Buffalo was equally simple, but took longer because the setup program had to reset after each change. The Netgear program let you make several changes before resetting. Neither one took that long to set up.

I'll stick with the Buffalo as I get good coverage in the other parts of the house and it's cheap. I'll keep playing with the free antennas, and if that doesn't work, I'll consider buying another $40 Buffalo router to use as a bridge. The downside to that is that speed is halved going through a bridge (meaning speeds of less than 30mbps right off the bat), and I have to disable Speedbooster to set it up as a bridge.

Russ

 

How can you tell if you laptop has broadcom wireless?

 

THANKS! Excellent info!!

 

Anyone looking for a updated guide? If the demand is there, ill update this one.

 

Absolutely. I'd like to see your take on some of the newer models out there.

 

hi,
great guide,

is the difference between mimo and non-mimo obvious and worth the extra money?
and are there any other differences between the d-link 624 and 634m?
thanks

 

update! update !!!

 

K, ill start to work on updating these guides this weekend.

 

thanks nick! i can't wait for your update because i'm in search for a new router and your expertise will help =)

 

im on the lookout for a good wireless router. im in an apartment with 3 laptops all using bittorrents, online gaming etc. also neighbouring apartments have all got wireless routers (i get like 10 different signals) so would need a decently fast router with excellent signal strength.

right now i have a netgear WGR614 and it disconnects every 12-20hrs even with latest firmware and signal is weak about 30ft away.

is the Linksys WRT54GL or WRT54GS a good upgrade? also there seems to be a newer one Linksys WRTSL54GS which got some improvemnts and also a usb 2.0 port to connect external hdd etc.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WRT54G got some details bout the various linksys routers, very useful link

can someone suggest a good router with excellent signal, good speed and hopefully never disconnects more than once a week

 

like another poster I've been getting by using a microsoft 802.11b router for a couple years as all my devices were b. mostly used it for ppc phone with wifi which I'm on now for email surfing (forums like this obviously). also used for netgear mp101 wireless media receiver to stream music from my computer to home stereo wirelessly (hardly ever use it anymore though cus have xm) and for psp and nintendo ds.

all got pleny of signal on same floor and one floor up or down ( though ds was weak sometimes one floor down and even ps I think was better one floor up the lower floor)

point is everything was b until I got a laptop wth integrated abg card. it connects everywhere in house (floor below and above router) fine and pretty strong signal and seemed fast even loading webpages ( I couldn't tell the difference on page loading from the wired cable modem desktop pc)

but in the ed its only 11mbps and the laptop has g so it seemed finally time to upgrade.

was confused by super g, mimo, and draft n though. mimo is just something added to both g and n routers right? just adds range? speed? still unsure of that completely. to make use of any of these I would need an additional notebook adapter (usb or card) to make use of them.

integrated g card will only get 54mbps on the latop right but it will work with super g router without super adapter? just not at the enhanced speed of 108mbps. what about range? I would think the range would be strictly from the router so you would get extra range from a super/enhanced g router even with a regular g card/adaptor in the laptop?

I ended up getting netgear super g router and notebook card adapter (hope it fits in my asus v6j laptop or ill have to get usb one but don't want to use up a usb)

netgear super g will work with my b devices still right? I know g is backwards compatible with b devices but wasn't sure about super g. prob getting new ppc phone which might have g but will still use some b devices (psp)

haven't set up the netgear super g yet though (on ppc phone wifi throuh ms b router)

should I be considering mimo and/or N router. would those be back compat with b devices?

I lik the netgear looks so want to stick with them. what should I get?

figured super g was in between g and n so wasfine choice for now and more likely to work with still some benefit (range?) with the integrated regular(not super) g card in laptop.

but again not totally clear on what mimo does.

I want range but if the old b router was just about cutting it I don't need much more though on some devices there was a few weak spots but I think it wasmore the device (ds) then the router. just in townhouse and mostly use on floor above or below router but might want to use in basement when finished (two floors below router) but not sure even n with mimo could do that? might need a bridge of some sort for down there?

meantime what is my best bet for good speeds and range with laptop (willing to get extra card for laptop if its really worth it over included/integrated abg card) but still compat with b devices.

is $54.99 (plus tax) good total price for netgear super g router and netgear super g notebook card adapter?

if so and decent enough speed and range plus back compat with b devices then I guess I did ok and will stick with that

 

man i haven't even set up my Netgear WGT624 super G router. I better do it now and make sure it works with my Asus v6j laptop using the netgear WG511T super g laptop wireless card.

v6j has a/b/g built in but i figured i needed the card to get the super g speeds. i assumed and hope the v6j has a slot for this card.

I'm assuming the super g router will still work with the built in a/b/g card in the laptop but i will only get g speeds 54mbps not super g 108mbps.

Also will this Netget WGT624 super g router work with all my 802.1b devices?

 

does the asus v6j have a PC Card Type II slot? doesn't seem to fit and the only slot i found when i take out the insert, it gets thinner/less wide at the end (part that gets put into the laptop first and goes the deepest in)

the WG511T is a long rectagnle and isn't thinner at the end. am i screwed? v6j doesn't have a PC Card Type II slot?
where else would it be?

sucks cus i got the netgear WG511T super g laptop wireless card for free. prob have to use usb adapter as only choice which is not preferable to have sticking out and taking up 1 of 4 precious usb ports

limited to channel 6 with super g? should i return it and get a draft n and/or mimo router instead? maybe one of those will have a card that fits in the Asus v6j?

 

great now my Asus v6j keeps saying problem applying Profile! and can't connect to the router through wifi.

thought it might be because i installed the software for the super pc card so i uninstalled that and it still does it.

the manual for the Asus V6j says it comes with a PCMCIA 2.1 type1/ii 16 bi or 32 bit (CardBus) PC card or one 26 pin ExpressCard/34mm/54mmexpansion card.

i guess the pcmcia is the type of card i have and is pictured in the model along side the l shaped slot i have so i guess i need an express card but netgear doesn't make one like that for super g

what can i do? and how can i just get the built in g working with the super g router for now. it keeps saying problem applying Profile! after it was working fine earlier, ugh.

 

What do u mean by "Note: This can only be shown if you have a Linksys Wireless Card too in "the Linksys WRT54GS ?

 

fixed "problem applying profile" error by just going to add remove progs and hitting change/remove for the intel pro wireless and then hitting repair.

still wondering though what ppl with Asus v6j or other Asus or other brand laptop that dont have a pc card slot but only express card slot and want to use something faster then just the integrated a/b/g

i like netgear but they dont seem to offer an express card super g adapter

do any router makers?

i'm thinking of just getting the usb super g adapter but not crazy about it sticking out even a little and using up one of only 4 usb ports. but if i can just use the super g router as i am now with the integrated card at G speeds of 54mbps and then when i want double the speed just plug in the usb super g adapter ot get 108mbps that would be fine.

but i'm concerned that you can just switch between both like that and installing the software for super g adapter messes up the built in a/b/g. if that is the case i'll have ot just exchange the super g router for the regular g but have to hurry to figure that out before 30 days is up and hope its not 14 day on routers.

 

wont i get a faster internet connection with super g then reglar g? on regular g the speed tests weren't as fast as wired desktop and i thought it was because of only being G, i dunno.

plus i know wired etherne is 240mbps so i wojuld at least eant 108 for transfering files etc. between desktop and laptop wirelessly

overhead?

hm so sounds like there is not much benefit to super go, i thought its increased range but i guess only mabye with super g adapter on the laptop side.

i dunno i just thought it was a good middle to lower end option instead of just g which seems dated and second to lowest and super go woujld be good without being range max 240mbps or draft n 300mbps and mimo and all that

seems there are some wireless mini pci super g adapter and even went ot this one site emailed the guy who directed me to their ebayshop with this super gi wireless mini pc adapter
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=010&item=200030491248

but not sure that will fit in the express card slot of the v6j or that goes somewhere else

maybe i should just be happy with g for now and exchange the super g router for the Gand get back a few dollars and then sell the super g pc type II adpater card that the asus doens't have a slot for.

cus it seems like i'll have to use the usb adatper or order a mini pci online whic seems expensive and have to deal with shipping and not be able to exchange the pcmcia sujper g adater for it.