Wireless router newbie help.

I am buying a wireless route the first time ever and I need help. Are there any things I should know before buying one?

Also when I went to the computer store I saw two kinds of models, a F model and G model I think. I was told the G model was faster than the F, but doesn't the internet speed depend on your ISP?

 

There is no "F" model.

There are currently two primaries types of wireless routers out there...wireless G and wireless N

Wireless N is faster and has greater range, but requires a wireless N adapter to achieve that range and speed.

So, to begin with, we need to know what kind of laptop or specifically, what wireless adapter you have in your laptop

 

Theres your internet speed, which is whatever type of connection you have

and theres your wireless network speed, which is the speed of the computers/devices connected to that router.

Internet -> Wireless router > Your Notebook

 

Hopefully that doesn't mean you need a new pair of glasses! However, it's more likely that what you saw were the a/b versions of the wi-fi protocol, and the g version. The newest, of course, is the "N" version.

However, right now you're sort of putting the cart before the horse in asking your question. What router you get will depend, in part, on what computer(s) you have that will be connecting to it. For example, if none of your computers has an "N" wireless card in it, and you're not planning to upgrade those computers in the next two years, then it really woudn't be worthwhile to get an "N" router.

So, what's the make/model of the computer(s) that you'll be using this router with?

 

Sometimes wireless N router is cheaper than Wireless G router. In that case, you should get wireless N router.

 

Exactly; very good point! No sense in paying more than you absolutely have to. And, just in case the OP doesn't know why - even if you just have an a/b/g wireless card in your notebook, wireless "N" is backwards compatible with those, so it should work just fine with those.

 

I apologize. I think that is what I meant. I forgot because it was like 2 weeks ago last time I checked.

The laptop I am going to use with is the dell studio 15
http://configure.dell.com/dellstore...ca&l=en&s=dhs&cs=cadhs1&kc=laptop-studio-1555

Its going to have a Dell Wireless 1397 802.11g Half Mini-Card.

 

while I do not disagree with Jackluo or Shyster on the idea of getting a wireless N router if it is less expensive than wireless G, I never recommend routers unless I have tried them.

Right now, I am not COMPLETELY happy with any Wireless N router that I have used so if I have to recommend a router I would say the Linksys wrt54gl. I've used this in dozens of cases and never once had an issue.

It can be had for less than $55 at newegg right now.

My other favorite router is the Buffalo WHR-HP-G54, which is actually more expensive right now.