wireless router advice
 

I just bought a laptop and I need to get hooked up with wireless in my house, trouble is I have no idea where to start. What should I be looking for? I'm not looking for anything too high end, but I don't want a piece of crap either that's going to give me a weak signal that cuts out all the time.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Re: wireless router advice
 

Hey Matty, I suggest a Linksys router ( [url]http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1127782957298&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper[/url] ) I have two of them, pretty easy to setup, good quality, and not too expensive.

Linksys seems to make some really good stuff, it's all I use for my networking right now and really holds up great. At my apartment semester before last I had a Belkin router that was awful, maybe it was the router, maybe it's Belkin, I don't know. However, I'd stay away from those.

Edit: Also consider browsing around techbargains.com and cheap.typepad.com/ if you plan on buying online. They list lots of deals, and you can probable get SOMETHING if you find something for a place that sells em!

Edit #2: [url]http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=cat01024&type=category&categoryRep=cat01000[/url]
Bestbuy has both the regular and the speedbooster on sale for 20 bucks off.

Re: wireless router advice
 

I second Linksys...I bought one for my folks (recently replaced it with a Wireless G router), and I have one as well, and have never had any problems whatsoever.

Not to hijack, but I'm having issues with my sister's computer at my folks house. I just recently reformatted the hard drive (WinXP, but no Service Packs as of yet), and got a USB G wireless adapter. For some reason, I cannot keep a connection with the router. I had it set up before in the same location, and it was running just fine.

I have tried everything, reinstalled the adapter, different settings on the router (my folks are wired to the router, so they are on fine, and the modem works perfectly as well), etc. And no matter what, I'll get a connection for 30 seconds and then it craps out.

Re: wireless router advice
 

I third Linksys. I've set up a couple of dozen over the past year and each one works (mostly) flawlessly with any system.

Re: wireless router advice
 

thanks guys

Re: wireless router advice
 

Does the transfer rate make a big difference?

Re: wireless router advice
 

Just depends, but in most cases ethernet is ethernet even though I would opt for a G-series router.

Re: wireless router advice
 

thanks again guys, I think I'm gonna pick this one up at lunch

[url]http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=5250774&type=product&id=1051384663529[/url]

Re: wireless router advice
 

I got this one, and it works fine:
[url]http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=5507043&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat25300050001&id=1051826245223[/url]

But mostly because it was on sale for under $30 (this was a while ago). All things being equal, I would have bought the Linksys. My parents have the Linksys, and haven't had problems.

Re: wireless router advice
 

fourth on the linksys, its the standard... anything beyond G isn't going to be noticeable unless you transfer a LOT of big files between computers (for broadband internet b is fine even). If you can get something with extended range for the sasme price, i'd consider that.

for the guy with problems: some phones and all microwaves share the same frequency (in case it cuts out when those are being used). Though from what you describe it sounds like you should try two things. A) buy an antenna to amp up the signal (bestbuy sells a pair for linksys routers for 40$... you can do a lot better online, but if the bestbuy stuff doesn't help, its a lot easier to take it back). and B) in the router config try changing the channel (its probably on 6, try 1 or 11.. all routers default to 6, so other people's newly installed networks could be the reason why its cutting out now. switching to a non-default channel can help that. even though there's 11 channels in the config, only 1, 6, and 11 are completely seperate from each other's signals).

I also had a belkin (cause it was 5$) and it was TERRIBLE. I turned on 128 WEP encryption and the router died. just refused to work at all in any way and i couldn't re-flash the bios or reset it in any way.

Re: wireless router advice
 

BDBohnzie - can you try the wireless card in another laptop, or try another card in your sister's laptop? That should help you narrow down the problem.

Re: wireless router advice
 

I fifth or sixth the Linksys, it really is the best wireless solution. Also, with all the BestBuy links, I'd recommend Circuit City if you have one in the area (shameless plug, I work for Corp.) But also, CC & BestBuy carry the same products, & if BestBuy has it cheaper, CC will match & beat their price so you get the best possible deal.

Re: wireless router advice
 

Just off the subject a little bit, if I have the time I always get my stuff online from newegg.com. I HATE how Best Buy (not sure if Circuit City does this) has "$20 HARD DRIVE!! (with $150 mail-in rebate). I mean that SUCKS.

Re: wireless router advice
 

[QUOTE=TheMalcolmConnection]Just off the subject a little bit, if I have the time I always get my stuff online from newegg.com. I HATE how Best Buy (not sure if Circuit City does this) has "$20 HARD DRIVE!! (with $150 mail-in rebate). I mean that SUCKS.[/QUOTE]

its a good deal for me... you gotta be religious on the rebate though. But since other people are lazy, I get a much better deal.

You can't get cheaper hard drives, monitors, or complete systems than compusa/best buy/circuit city/staples rebate stuff.

microcenter is much better for actual everyday prices and crap like ethernet cables etc...

Re: wireless router advice
 

I'm feeling pretty good about my linksys purchase, thanks for the advice guys.

On the topic of rebates, I'm a big rebate hater too. Just give me the damn money off when I buy it, I hate having to jump through hoops to get my $50 check 3 months down the road.

Re: wireless router advice
 

I've already tried changing the channel from 6 to 11 to 1 back to 11...that was the first thing I tried. I may try channel 1 again. I know my parents have 2.4ghz wireless phones, but they did when my sister orignally got set up downstairs (split foyer house, with the adapter right below the room with the router in).

Malcolm - I had my folks by new stuff (New G router, then new G USB adapter) same problem still occurs. She has a desktop...I may try to bring my laptop over and see if I have the same problems.

I may try the channels again...then I'll move the computer to another location and see if I can't get it connected.

Re: wireless router advice
 

Try pinging the address of the router to see if the laptop/desktops even see it. If not, you're having some software problems on the Windows XP side that you need to resolve. I also let Windows do all of the managing of my wireless setups. I don't ever run the CD for the adapter installs. I just install the driver and that's it. I DO run the CD for the adapter setup.

And also, this goes for everyone who uses Linksys, I would make sure you change your router password because EVERYONE knows that the default is linksys and anyone in your neighborhood could easily get into your router and a) lock YOU out or b) steal your access and can do a variety of nasty things to you.

Re: wireless router advice
 

[QUOTE=BDBohnzie]I've already tried changing the channel from 6 to 11 to 1 back to 11...that was the first thing I tried. I may try channel 1 again. I know my parents have 2.4ghz wireless phones, but they did when my sister orignally got set up downstairs (split foyer house, with the adapter right below the room with the router in).

Malcolm - I had my folks by new stuff (New G router, then new G USB adapter) same problem still occurs. She has a desktop...I may try to bring my laptop over and see if I have the same problems.

I may try the channels again...then I'll move the computer to another location and see if I can't get it connected.[/QUOTE]

You also might want to consider some adapters with the "a" ability. I believe the mhz is different and gives you some more stability with phones around.

Re: wireless router advice
 

I've had two linksys wireless routers die within 3 months of getting them...
The cards/usb receivers have been great... i wouldn't buy another linksys router.

Re: wireless router advice
 

A couple of other basics:
1. Change the name of the router.
2. Turn off broadcasting.
3. Enable encryption.

If you want to get more into it, you should also limit the client access list by MAC address.

Re: wireless router advice
 

[QUOTE=TheMalcolmConnection]Just off the subject a little bit, if I have the time I always get my stuff online from newegg.com. I HATE how Best Buy (not sure if Circuit City does this) has "$20 HARD DRIVE!! (with $150 mail-in rebate). I mean that SUCKS.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, I know what you mean, but like ThatGuy said, you gotta be religious with the rebate stuff & since some people are lazy, you ultimately end up getting the better deal. Plus it's kind of like getting a surprise once that rebate finally shows up in your mailbox.

Kind of but not really related, I don't know about other places, but the grocery store across the street from me always has these $5 or $10 rebates when you buy cases of beer, which is great because a month down the line I randomly find rebate checks that I in turn use to purchase more beer. It's a beautiful cycle that I highly recommend.

Re: wireless router advice
 

I dunno. I always get better deals from newegg even WITH the Best Buy rebates. I mean you CAN get some no-name brands a little bit cheaper, but if I wait for the mail to come then I'm all about it.

BEER REBATES THOUGH?! I'd be all over that.

Re: wireless router advice
 

[QUOTE=TheMalcolmConnection]You also might want to consider some adapters with the "a" ability. I believe the mhz is different and gives you some more stability with phones around.[/QUOTE]

you can go MIMO with N, but really i think trying bigger antennas is the best bet.

I got my parents new antennas and they witched to non 2.4ghz phones andd haven't had any troubles since.

you can also try resetting the router by unplugging your cable/dsl modem and the router from power for 30-60 seconds and then replugging them in.

Re: wireless router advice
 

I've got my new router working the setup was a snap... now I'm wondering is there a way I can get my PS2 to work with this? I've got a built in network adapter in the PS2, how does it pickup the wireless??

Re: wireless router advice
 

[QUOTE=TheMalcolmConnection]I dunno. I always get better deals from newegg even WITH the Best Buy rebates. I mean you CAN get some no-name brands a little bit cheaper, but if I wait for the mail to come then I'm all about it.

BEER REBATES THOUGH?! I'd be all over that.[/QUOTE]

show me a $40 250gb hard drive on newegg please (WD/seagate).
show me a $200 computer (amd 3200+ (nforce2)/512mb/160gb/cdrw) with a 17" monitor (e-machine)
show me a 19" monitor for $99 (MAG)
show me 100cd cases + 200 cd-rs for $9
show me 80 AA batteries for $8 (red cell, last just as long as energizer/duracell in my mp3 player cause i timed it ;) )
show me an antec full tower case with 380w PS for 60$ (normally 120+)

Re: wireless router advice
 

[QUOTE=Mattyk72]I've got my new router working the setup was a snap... now I'm wondering is there a way I can get my PS2 to work with this? I've got a built in network adapter in the PS2, how does it pickup the wireless??[/QUOTE]

if its wired (ethernet), you can plug the cable right into the router, if you want to connect it wirelessly you need to have a wireless adapter not a wired network adapter in the PS2...

Re: wireless router advice
 

The WRT54G v5 is not the same unit as previous versions. The v5 has half the ram and uses VxWorx as its OS. If you don't want a dumbed down unit, look for a WRT54GL online. It's basically a WRT54G v4.

802.11b/g/n = 2.4ghz
802.11a = 5.8ghz

Re: wireless router advice
 

Update: Finally got it working. I hooked my sister's box directly to the router, downloaded and installed all the WinXP updates needed (incl. SP2), took it back to the wireless adapter, just hooked it up (as opposed to following the Linksys directions) letting Windows grab the driver from the CD, and got it going. I'm guessing a combination of the updates and the different way of installing the wireless adapter led to it working...

Thanks to those who offered advice.