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    Recommendation for a Wireless Access Point/Router

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by Taberski, Sep 9, 2007.

  1. Taberski

    Taberski Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'm about to order my very first laptop and would like to add wireless connectivity to my LAN.

    Presently, my LAN consists of an Actiontec (R1542SU) DSL Gateway, a Netgear GS116 switch, a D-Link DP-300U Printserver and several Desktop Computers (Windows XP, Windows Vista and Linux). I'm in the process of wiring the remainder of my home for wired LAN (CAT5e), but I'd like use my laptop throughout and on my Deck - I also want it encrypted.

    If I understand correctly, all I need is a Wireless Access Point, the router function is already provided by the Gateway - is this correct?

    At some point, I'd like to disable the firewall in the gateway and add a separate hardware firewall, so that I can leave a few connections outside the firewall (this is what my wife needs - we currently take down the firewall when she needs to log into work), so I'll insert this between the gateway and the switch (the gateway has 4 ports, so I should be all set).

    I live in a tri-level (approx. 2400 sq-ft quad-level with the basement) and I can centrally locate the AP/Router so the max distance is approximately 35'.

    Any make/model suggestions?

    Thank you!

    Kevin
     
    Taberski, Sep 9, 2007
    #1
  2. AKAJohnDoe

    AKAJohnDoe Mime with Tourette's

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    I picked one of these up for travel, but it could pull double-duty in your situation. I run it WPA-PSK/TKIP.
     
    AKAJohnDoe, Sep 9, 2007
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  3. brianstretch

    brianstretch Notebook Virtuoso

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    I'd pick something that's compatible with the dd-wrt project, such as the Linksys WRT54GL (the L is important!) or Buffalo WHR-G125, on general principle even though you're just going to use it as an AP and might never mess with third-party firmware. The Buffalo is particularly interesting because it uses a newer Broadcom chip and has a button to switch from router to AP mode. I have the WRT54GL.
     
    brianstretch, Sep 9, 2007
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  4. Taberski

    Taberski Notebook Enthusiast

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    The Buffalo WHR-G125 is intriguing. I was unfamiliar with the dd-wrt project. More information to study!

    OK - I looked a dd-wrt. My question now is, how about an Access Point that doesn't require modification out of the box? Seems a odd to buy a piece of equipment that immediately needs to be modified to be useful.

    Thanks!
     
    Taberski, Sep 9, 2007
    #4
  5. Taberski

    Taberski Notebook Enthusiast

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    Brianstretch - on the Linksys WRT-54GL you state that the 'L' is important. Could you explain why?

    Would the Linksys WRT-54GS also work? The reason I ask is that I can purchase the 'S' locally.

    Thank you,

    Kevin

     
    Taberski, Sep 16, 2007
    #5
  6. Reezin14

    Reezin14 Crimson Mantle Commander

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    The L is important because this version of the router has linux based firmware instead of Vworks,linux is better.
     
    Reezin14, Sep 16, 2007
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  7. Sykotic

    Sykotic Notebook Evangelist

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    most routers have a DMZ, this allows you to place a computer outside of the NAT.
     
    Sykotic, Sep 19, 2007
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  8. sordid

    sordid Notebook Consultant

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    I've got the Buffalo WGR-HP-G54 with DD-WRT and she not only rock solid, but highly configurable. Definitely recommended.

    I'm assuming that the G125 only provides a theoretical 125mbps if you use a Buffalo 125 802.11g card on the clients as well (like D-Link and others).
     
    sordid, Sep 19, 2007
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  9. Taberski

    Taberski Notebook Enthusiast

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    I went ahead and ordered a Linksys WRT-54GL. Hopefully, it will work out nicely.

    Thank you for all the input!

    Kevin
     
    Taberski, Sep 19, 2007
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  10. zeinoonm

    zeinoonm Notebook Consultant

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    Hi guys i am looking to buy a new router to replace my dead Netgear!! I really cannot make up my mind b/w the Linksys WRT 54G L and the Buffalo WHR-HP G54 (or maybe the WHR G-125 if in anyway better than the other 2). Any help from you guys who have used both, or one of these routers would be appreciated. Is one faster than the other? How about RAM and ROM? Ease of flashing and configuation? VISTA COMPATIBILITY??
    P.S: i don't care much about range as i have a small apt. but stability and ability to sustain a signal without having to "reset it" is paramount to me.
     
    zeinoonm, Oct 9, 2007
    #10