Reccomend me a wireless router?

Hello!

I currently have a wired router for 3 PC's (4 ports overall) and will be needing a wireless router that also has lines for 4 wired computers and will still work efficiently for my Notebook (P-7805u with Wireless-A+B+G+N connectivity)

Quite often I will be will be 1 floor under or over the router (almost directly under or over the router, only about roughly 3 meters from from it) and will be needing it work for when I host LAN events of 3+ people on the wireless lines. Size and whatnot doesnt really matter, just a decent price, those specifics i listed, and for it to perform well for high speed gaming and transfers

Lastly, ive seen these express card slot rangeboosters for laptops, are they any good?

Any and all help or advice at all is greatly appreciated!

 

If you can swing the $$, the best Wireless Router right now is Linksys' WRT600N Dual-Band. If you're not familiar with Dual-Band technology, you should go to the Linksys site and review it. You need to have dual-band adapters in order to get full DB capability with a DBN router, but if you have a network where you've got multiple people accessing at the same time, it's worth it. The Wireless N standard uses both 2.4ghz and 5ghz frequencies overalapped to gain signal and range boosting. Dual-Band takes that a step further by allowing the user to access each frequency band individually - in the past you could only access one frequency even if there were 2 frequencies used. Having 2 separate bands allows you to literally have 2 networks in one. Using Priority Access / Quality of Service settings on the WRT600N (or any other DBN router) you can give priority access to your system on say, the 5ghz band, and setup the wife and kids on the 2.4ghz band for their use. Whenever they're downloading it won't affect you because you've setup your system for priority access, and you're on another band independent of them.

Wireless N gives you a pretty good range, so boosters really aren't necessary unless you're talking over 100 yards.

Something else to consider if you use a PS3 or Xbox for online gaming - Linksys has a media adapter that plugs into a console's Ethernet port, effectively bypassing the internal wireless of the console, which is Wireless G for PS3 and Xbox. By bypassing the internal wireless, you've just added Wireless N capability to your game system, as the adapter communicates with the Router via Wireless. Since it's Dual-Band also, you can set it for priority access on a separate band as well so your gaming isn't slowed down by your kid downloading MP3's in the his room. The Linksys Media Adapter is a WGA600N.

The reason I recommend the WRT600N and not the WRT610 is that the 610 had problems in a recent head-head test of several brand name Dual-Band Routers. The testers had a 600N for their own Router, and used it in place of the 610, with great results. You can view the article and test results for the other routers here: InfoWeek Dual-Band Router Showdown

Linksys' Network Monitor program is also a lot better for setup and monitoring than most others. They recently released a standalone program called Network Magic Pro that's essentially a beefed up version of the program that comes with the router. It allows you to setup your network, do sharing, add devices, see a visual network map of all your devices, problems with any of them or the systems their connected to etc. NMP is at http://www.linksysbycisco.com/US/en/products/CNMPRO

You can download it as a full trial version if you want to check it out. I use it to run my network - the Network Map feature is great for seeing everything in one spot on my laptop.

Keep in mind that if you go with a Dual-Band Router, you'll only get full DBN capability if you have both a DBN Router and Adapters on your systems. Always remember that your network and systems hooked to it are limited by the slowest network device; if it's a system adapter, it only affects that system. If it's the Router, it affects the entire network.

 

It doesn't matter what router you get, your wireless bandwidth will be shared by every person connected to it. So be aware of that. Also, the router will not function faster than the slowest person connected to it, so getting an N router may be a waste of money if your fastest LAN friend only has a 802.11G card. See the deployment strategies part here. If you will be transferring large files over the wireless very often though, it may be worth it.

As for rangeboosters, get the router before deciding if you need one. You almost certainly won't. I use a WRT54GL halfway across the house (10m or so) with the standard antennas and still get full signal with it in the basement and me upstairs.

As for an ABGN router, I don't have any specific experience with those, but this D-Link gets a lot of very good reviews, and if I were in the market for something like you are, I'd consider it.

EDIT: Oohh... I may have to consider that WRT600N. It looks like it'll run DD-WRT

 

Thank you for the detailed response, ive got this bookmarked for sure.
Despite me being fairly savvy with PC stuff, networking has almost always been my downfall, and as far as the dual band stuff, my apologies but I am rather clueless on such subjects, heh >.< At another time though I will look into those.

My price range is $100 or less, so that one you linked me to Pita actually might be perfect especially seeing as I have different hardwired PC's and people with various types of cards for their notebooks.

How is the set up and such? (I honestly have never properly set up a modem nor router myself)

Also networking frustrates me T_T

 

Would it actually be practical to invest in this d-link router here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833127215 with those features, or for my uses is it more practical to get something with less numbers such as:
asus http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833320031
or
linksys http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...7 1255818781 1133510032&name=External Antenna
or even this cheaper one
linksys http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833124010

As I said, im unexperienced with routers, sorry again.

 

trendnet tew-633gr, $85 @ newegg, enjoy.

 

Remember: 'You get what you pay for'.


I use a Linksys WRT610N. I've had it for roughly 8 months and it has been solid as far as speed and connections go. My house consists of two desktops wired and 5 (yes, FIVE) wireless laptops, G & N spectrums. It is expensive but the dual channels/dual bandwidth is well worth it for my computer environment. The built-in NAS was a bit flakey since the beginning but the recent firmware update has seemed to remedy it somewhat. I got mine on sale and then a subsequent price-match refund a couple of weeks after purchase so I paid around $150 CDN for it. Watch for sales.
Highly recommended.

 

It's just soooo expensive T_T

So, if I have 3 or 4 desktops, always 1 laptop (up to maybe 3 or 4 more), that particular one wont lose speed regardless if there are G OR N set ups???

Do I have to purchase specific adapters for all my desktops and/or laptops?

For my uses, why would this particular one be useful to me? (laymans terms please, I'm still puzzled on wireless router terminology and whatnot)

 

Yep, 'Simutaneous Dual-N Band'.

Just as long as you have G and/or (preferrably) N cards you're set.

This is why :

 

...Awesome that makes sense, I think i'll have to go for that then since that does sound perfect for my situation

So between:
LINKSYS WRT600N

LINKSYS WRT610N

D-Link DIR-825 Xtreme N Dual Band Gigabit Router

D-Link DIR-628 RangeBooster N Dual Band Router

What would be the most reccomended choice, and the best bang for the buck choice? It appears that the reviews favour the WRT600N.

 

If you don't need the gigabit networking, go with the DIR-628 to save money. Otherwise, I chose the WRT-610N and it is working very well.

But, do you really need a router? If you already have a working router, you can probably use an access point. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833127256&Tpk=DAP-1522 will connect the laptop into your network and let an existing router do its job. My WRT-610N is setup as an access point and I can see the point of using a dedicated AP.

David

 

I need to get one also, is linksys a reliable brand?

 

Uhhh...yes.

 

What exactly is gigabit networking if i may ask?

 

High-speed networks on LANs. i.e. Fast file sharing/transfers. Need the right ethernet cables and NICs, tho'.


http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=gigabit+networking&btnG=Google+Search&=

 

Ohhh ok. I'm almost 100% sure none of the three desktops in my house have gigabit as they all were assembled before the date specified that gigabit was implemented, so no worries at all there.

That cheaper D-Link seems perfect too, and I can get it cheaper at Best Buy that I just looked at than online

 

I've been through many routers and by far the best one has been the DLink DGL-4500 "gamer" abgn router. This thing does everything short of VPN, does it while running cool and utterly stable. I've even put a few of these up in business environments and they compare favorably with Cisco Aironets with detached high-gain omni antennas.

I'll never get a Linksys again after being the unfortunate owner of a WRVS4400N. (Look up some reviews on newegg or amazon if you're not familiar with this Linksys nightmare.)

 

I Highly recommend the D-Link DIR-655 or DIR-825.

 

I'm looking to spend less than $100, so i think im gonna stick with a D-Link 625 or 628 or MAYBE a 655 if i can pull that off, esp because I can get those D-Links at best buy and get a discount.

Question with gigabit networking though...if i have PC's that do not have ports and cards that have gigabit since theyre older, would I have to actually get new cards/adapters for them? Because that would make gigabit completely out of the question for me.

 

Yes on the Trendnet 633 !!! A wolf in sheeps clothing.

 

Stay away from the D-Link DIR 655 A4 unless you are savvy enough flash it with the latest BETA firmware. Out of the box it drops in and out of internet connection.

I needed another so I went for it because my Trendnet 633 was older but took it back and ordered the Trendy 633.

 

For the best wireless connection you will have to go into
your wireless routers setup.

And change the channel settings for your wireless.



I have the Linksys WRT610N this is my setup.

Newegg: WRT610N Simultaneous Dual-N Band Wireless Router



On the Wireless Tab try this.

5GHz Wireless settings:

Network Mode: Mixed
Network Name (SSID): This is up to you
Channel With: 40MHz only
Wide Channel: 151
Standard Channel: 153-5.765GHz
SSID Broadcast: This is up to you

2.4GHz Wireless settings:

Network Mode: Mixed
Network Name (SSID): This is up to you
Channel With: 40MHz only
Wide Channel: 6
Standard Channel: 8-2.44GHz
SSID Broadcast: This is up to you

On the Setup Tab -> Basic Setup

First Checkout this video:
OpenDNS Video

OpenDNS Homepage:
OpenDNS Homepage

Then add OpenDNS to your Router

Static DNS 1: 208.67.222.222
Static DNS 2: 208.67.220.220

This works for me, and I average about 300Mbps

I hope this helps you

 

That will definately be beneficial for later when i get it, ty! Will that work for any wireless connection?

As for the D-Link DIR 655, I'll keep that in mind as I would rather not have to do flashing or extensive set ups of Beta drivers and software, I like to keep it simple when possible.

Just to humour me though, I consider myself pretty PC savvy, how difficult would it be to set those betas and such up?

 

You can always score a cheap router from T-Mobile if they still have them around... $20 bought me a nice WRT54G-TM, which you can flash some very nice and serious firmware onto. It's only G wireless, and 10/100 wired, but it's very cost effective, assuming they still have them in stock. They were trying to clear them out at that price, so they might be sold out.

 

Flashing is simple and setup is the same as the OE firmware but to me having to repair something I just paid for is depressing.
If you want to confirm just go to the D-Link forums for the 655 and look around.

The Trendnet has a very nice user interface for setting configuration and the help screens in every category are nicely done. The current firmware will be already loaded as there have been no needed updates for a while.
Trendnet TEW633GR @ Newegg $84.99

 

I'll consider that Trendnet for sure, but I still may go with the D-Link 628, price works out a bit better and i can get it locally.

Also, I think my family has always used D-Link as well for every single router weve ever had @_@ always works well and im still using one right now.

 

Good deal. Locally is good. No waiting for the truck.

The D-Link worked well after I went through the initial disappointment, time cruising their forums and flashing it. I tried a firmware in between the beta and the as shipped and it slowed the drop out frequency but didn't solve it. The Beta made her rock solid. The D-link forum is a good one to get support. I can tell their staff cruises it.

I dunno about the 628. Let us know here?