Wireless Router Questions

[mushroomcheese]

Hey,

I am going to set up a wireless netowork between 3 computers (1 directly connected, the other 2 wireless) in my home.

I am wondering though which type of router do I need in order to do this. Will a regular wireless router work or will I need one with an access point?

In your opinion, is Linksys or Dlink better? Any recommendations?

What kind of adapters should I get for the other computers?

Thanks

[shopper_of_things]

You need 1 wireless router, 2 wireless access adaptors for your two PCs going wireless, and 1 Ethernet NIC for the wired PC.

D-Link vs. Linksys? Let the religious wars begin! Linksys seems to have lots of hacked firmware if you want extra features. I've used a D-Link and have no problem whatsoever with it (i.e. I've never had to reboot the D-Link router).

As for the brand of wireless adaptor, it really shouldn't matter, but you would think that keeping everything the same brand would be better. Also, you would expect "name" brands to be better. YMMV.

I've used a mixture of brands (D-Link, Siemens, Cisco, and no-name) for router and adaptor and in my experience my no-name router causes the most problems since it needs a reboot every now and then.

[mushroomcheese]

I'm looking at the Dlink site that lists all these wireless routers and I don't know what is the difference between all of them

http://www.dlink.ca/consumer.php?CID=18

Anyone recommend any? I just need a good router with high speeds, I don't plan on doing any serious gaming over the network or anything

[shopper_of_things]

I'm looking at the Dlink site that lists all these wireless routers and I don't know what is the difference between all of them

http://www.dlink.ca/consumer.php?CID=18

Anyone recommend any? I just need a good router with high speeds, I don't plan on doing any serious gaming over the network or anything
Based on your requirements (no gaming, no VPN, no print server) you just need their basic model (DI-524) with gives you standard 802.11g at 54Mbps compatible with any other adaptor supporting 802.11g.

If you want faster speed, the next level up is DI-624 which uses proprietary technology to get 108Mbps. So you must use D-Link adaptors to get that speed. It's still compatible with other adaptors supporting 802.11g at 54 Mbps though.

I've used the D-Link 108Mbps network and it is as fast as land line at 100BaseT! If you need it and got the cash, go for that configuration.

[Mr Nobody]

Two wireless clients going at the same time will slow things down. You may not notice it with simple web browsing (or maybe you will), but anything else bandwidth demanding, you will (eg. video streaming on one, web browsing will be slow on the other and may make streaming choppy).

[flipside]

I am currently using Westell 327w. This is a dsl modem/wireless router combo. It is a b\g\g+ connection. I still have 4 units of this at home selling for $55 a unit if ur interested. If u have a dsl connection, then u will not need a separate dsl modem with this unit.

Currently running at 54mbps (standard g), i have not discovered how fast the g+ is as I have not found a g+ compatible nic.

[shopper_of_things]

Two wireless clients going at the same time will slow things down. You may not notice it with simple web browsing (or maybe you will), but anything else bandwidth demanding, you will (eg. video streaming on one, web browsing will be slow on the other and may make streaming choppy).
I don't think this info is very useful to the OP. He will have to share bandwidth no matter what type of network he sets up. I'm guessing he's just a home user and doesn't have a server farm rendering the next Pixar movie over a wireless network.

[toujours]

I've used DLink before and am now using Linksys. Both are fine, with good enough support and easy enough setup.

shopper_of_things has given you good advice.

But I'll just give my own (similar) advice. Let's jus tcall it a second opinion.

Get a g/b router (of course). 108Mbps/speedbooster/g+ is up to you, remember you'll have to get compatible cards on your wireless PCs if you want to be able to use that extra bandwidth though. Not easy if they are laptops with built-in wifi...

[mushroomcheese]

Looking at the DI-624 right now

Anyone know what adapters I would have to get for it to be compadible? Like the highest speed possible?

[Flyin18T]

Here's the simplified version....

Router: Router (http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1127782957298&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper)

...and the wireless USB adapters (802.11G)... USB adapters (http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1115416827517&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper)

I choose Linksys products due to their user friendly menus. The wireless adapters are so easy to setup you'll be done within 1 - 2 minutes.

[shopper_of_things]

Looking at the DI-624 right now

Anyone know what adapters I would have to get for it to be compadible? Like the highest speed possible?
If you go with the DI-624, here are the adaptors that you can get to link up at 108Mbps. They've got higher end models too with more features, but you probably don't need them right now.

DWL-G650 Cardbus adaptor for Notebooks
DWL-G520 PCI adaptor for Desktops
DWL-G132 USB adaptor for Notebooks or Desktops

I use the G650 on my Notebook, but I would think the others work just as well for their purpose.

Here's the page with all of the above products: http://www.dlink.com/products/category.asp?cid=4#cid_24

[Mr Nobody]

I don't think this info is very useful to the OP. He will have to share bandwidth no matter what type of network he sets up. I'm guessing he's just a home user and doesn't have a server farm rendering the next Pixar movie over a wireless network.

I'm just setting expectations. OP didn't mention what he was using it for.

For me, everytime I'm streaming video to my Xbox through XBMC or watching TV on my Xbox via Media Center Extender, it gets choppy when my wife is surfing on her laptop. I can't use the Xbox when she's on the web.

I guess what I should have added to the end of my original post was: If you can, go wired. Use wireless as a last resort. I recommend this to anyone who is going wireless.

[mushroomcheese]

Hey,

I don't plan on streaming videos or anything. The other 2 computers in the house just needs internet for regular surfing and stuff.

Right now the other computers already have wireless adapters, I am just looking at the router. The adapters they have are:

D-Link DWL-G122 Thumb Drive adapter

D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DWL-G520 wireless card

For routers I think I'm probably going to go with the D-Link DI-624. I don't really know any Linksys models so I guess I'll just get the 624.

Thanks everyone for you advice, I'll let you know how it works once I get it


I'm just setting expectations. OP didn't mention what he was using it for.

For me, everytime I'm streaming video to my Xbox through XBMC or watching TV on my Xbox via Media Center Extender, it gets choppy when my wife is surfing on her laptop. I can't use the Xbox when she's on the web.

I guess what I should have added to the end of my original post was: If you can, go wired. Use wireless as a last resort. I recommend this to anyone who is going wireless.

[mushroomcheese]

Hey guys,

I am wondering if you can help me. After setting up the router (Dl-624) it works fine when it's directly connected to the computer but the other 2 computers in the house can't get a wireless signal. Both of them are using D-Link G520 Adapters.

One computer (closer to the router) had a weak connection for a couple minutes and then lost it. Now it won't reconnect.

The other computer (farther) had a strong connection going for about 10 minutes but as soon as I left and came back the connection disappeared.

I've tried messing around with the wireless settings and changing the channel. I even tried using a D-Link 614+ but it has the same problem.

Any ideas? Do you think trying a Linksys router would make any difference?

Here are some pictures to show you an idea of where everything is located:

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/6748/img74573xg.jpg

http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/1629/img74988kg.jpg

From that pic you can see that the rooms with the computers aren't located that far away at all. That blue line going from the router room to comp B is a temporary solution until the wireless is working.

I have also tried a DWL-G122 Thumb Drive adapter on both comps which didn't work either and I am out of ideas.

Anyone?

[dmdmd]

Get this horse (on sale for 104$ from Dell.ca):

D-LINK NETWORKS
Wireless (802.11g) 108Mbps Gaming Router with 4 Gigabit Ports and GameFuel Priority Technology

Please also check its review. It's an award-winning router. It's named gamer router but actually it can be used for other functions.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006TIA02/103-3816044-1819049?v=glance&n=172282

[mushroomcheese]

so you think the router is the problem? because I've tried the D-Link Dl-614+ and the Dl-624 without success

[callous]

It's quite obvious buying yet another router is not the solution. Judging by what you said, you are beginning to realize that too.

Have you tried changing channels on the router? Yes, that will help.

If the signal is *still* too weak after going through all 11 channels, you can either make you own antenna to boast the signal, or buy one, and the cost would be less than what a new router would cost.

You really should be calling up D-Link for help, instead of relying on information on some anonymous forum that isnt even a leading source of information for routers.

[mushroomcheese]

It's quite obvious buying yet another router is not the solution. Judging by what you said, you are beginning to realize that too.

Have you tried changing channels on the router? Yes, that will help.

If the signal is *still* too weak after going through all 11 channels, you can either make you own antenna to boast the signal, or buy one, and the cost would be less than what a new router would cost.

You really should be calling up D-Link for help, instead of relying on information on some anonymous forum that isnt even a leading source of information for routers.

Where better to rely for information then the RFD community? :)

I've already tried D-Link but all they did was ask if I had the latest firmware and stuff. I told them I did and they said that it might be an interference with other electronic devices and such.

I dunno, I've already tried changing the channels and that didn't help much. I really am clueless. I even tried unplugging the wireless phone but that didn't help. What's odd is on computer B I had a strong signal going for about 10 minutes and then all of a sudden I lost it and can't reconnect. Odd.

[supernerd]

It's quite obvious buying yet another router is not the solution. Judging by what you said, you are beginning to realize that too.

Have you tried changing channels on the router? Yes, that will help.

If the signal is *still* too after going through all 11 channels, you can either make you own antenna to boast the signal, or buy one, and the cost would be less than what a new router would cost.

Changing channels does not necessarily increase range, but it may decrease interference with other devices. If you are sure there are no other 2.4Ghz devices around, then changing channels will likely not help.

The first thing to do is to make sure your router and cards are working properly and stable... put the devices right next to each other and make sure things are working. If they do work for extended periods of time, then your problem are the walls. In that case, your best bets are to add a bigger antenna or buy a repeater.


You really should be calling up D-Link for help, instead of relying on information on some anonymous forum that isnt even a leading source of information for routers.

1. the irony....
2. since when is some underpaid help desk person (who might not even natively speak english) reading a cue card a "leading source of information"?

[callous]

Alright, other suggestions are:

-NOT to place the router underneath a desk, or beside/under/on the cordless phone base. The same thing goes for the computer with the adapter. I think it comes with a cradle, try using that. Any metallic object, or liquid objects will do bad things to the signal..

-Place the router as clear as line of sight as possible to the door.

-Try also changing the channels on the phone.

-For D-Link wireless adapters at least, their PCI versions of their adapters do have better range than the USB.

-Try also the latest drivers from their website for the adapter. Try the latest firmware for the router

-Finally, change the preamble mode under Tools>Misc (I think) to Long from short

-I give up on ya dude. If none of the above fixes it, then get a larger antenna :lol:

EDIT: and the other guy is right. Changing channels does not increase the range, but cuts down on the interference. The picture you took, so long creating indicates already it's not a range issue. I stand corrected :cheesygri

[Loco]

Have you tried turning off uPnP (universal Plug aNd Play)?

I have a dLink 524. Just use it as an AP though, no DHCP server. I get the DHCP from a different rounter.

[mushroomcheese]

Have you tried turning off uPnP (universal Plug aNd Play)?

I have a dLink 524. Just use it as an AP though, no DHCP server. I get the DHCP from a different rounter.

what is universal plug and play? what does it do?

also what do you mean by AP and DHCP?

[Loco]

Dang! I spelt router wrong. :lol:


what is universal plug and play? what does it do?

UPnP (http://www.zyxel.com/support/supportnote/p650/app/upnp.htm) can help applications and devices gain network/internet access. I've read that uPnP can cause issues on DLink routers, so thought it might work for you.


also what do you mean by AP and DHCP?

AP = Access Point for wireless
DHCP = Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, which supplies IP addresses for the networked computers or gaming consoles.

[mushroomcheese]

UPDATE:

ok i tried moving computer A (closer to router) to the same room with the router. after moving it to the same room it has a very strong signal of 108 Mbps. Here are some pictures to show where it is located at the moment:

http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/5665/c7dy.jpg

You can see that the computer is located beside the doorway. I labelled everything nicely so you guys could see where everything is :)

http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/9961/b7wo.jpg

Here is a picture from the doorway. Shows the general position of the router inside the room and the distance from the computer/doorway.

http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/6389/a1fu.jpg

Once again here is a picture showing the distance from the original computer room to the router room. You can see that the computer at that moment is pretty close to the original room yet still has a strong signal. I wonder why that is.

Also I don't know if this is related or not but I keep getting this small pop up in my taskbar and then my internet stops working for a couple minutes. I don't know what it means.

http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/7654/windowssystemerror0yw.jpg

But any ideas why the computer won't work in the other room but it does in the same room as the router?

[Loco]

WinXP SP2 offers better wireless support than SP1, so making sure your system are upto date is a good idea. The icon in your taskbar is probably sensing the wireless then losing the connection.

Opening the wireless properties on the computers and setting it to always connect to wireless network can help.

If you set a password on your wireless that could be causing issues, but it is a good idea to set up a password after you get the network working.

[Loco]

http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/7654/windowssystemerror0yw.jpg

Whoops! didn't see that in the post first time. Two devices trying to use the same IP address. Are your computers set to get IP address automaticly?

[mushroomcheese]

i'm not sure, i think so

how do you check?

i know my computer is 192.168.0.104 while computer A is 192.168.0.102

[callous]

IP conflict error.. Means some nice neighbor of yours is using your unsecured wireless network - possibly. If you have enabled Windows file sharing, he/she can access every single file on each of your computers too.

Put WEP or WPA security on your wireless network and all will be well.

If you had been a bit more thorough with that information, one of us would have said something :razz:

I also noticed the placement of your router - looked alot like you had your router behind that wooden cabinet. That could have caused signal problems.

[mushroomcheese]

IP conflict error.. Means some nice neighbor of yours is using your unsecured wireless network - possibly. If you have enabled Windows file sharing, he/she can access every single file on each of your computers too.

Put WEP or WPA security on your wireless network and all will be well.

If you had been a bit more thorough with that information, one of us would have said something :razz:

I also noticed the placement of your router - looked alot like you had your router behind that wooden cabinet. That could have caused signal problems.

ok i will try putting a WEP key on it

and I tried moving my router to an open area but that didn't really help too much.

[Loco]

I've seen the IP conflict when the wired network card and the wireless card are assign the same ip.

you could, on the computer with the ip conflict, go
start > run > type "cmd" in the run field > dos box type "ipconfig /release all" > next type "exit". Then reboot. new IP addresses should be picked up.

Setting up passwords before you get the wireless network working adds another level of difficulty, because each computer needs to know the password. WPA is better than WEP. WEP can be easily defeated.

Did you try shutting off uPnP on the DLink? If you only have "G" devices, you could go with that setting as well.

[bubble.tea]

WinXP SP2 offers better wireless support than SP1, so making sure your system are upto date is a good idea. The icon in your taskbar is probably sensing the wireless then losing the connection.

Opening the wireless properties on the computers and setting it to always connect to wireless network can help.
If you set a password on your wireless that could be causing issues, but it is a good idea to set up a password after you get the network working.


http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/7654/windowssystemerror0yw.jpg

Whoops! didn't see that in the post first time. Two devices trying to use the same IP address. Are your computers set to get IP address automaticly?I've never received this error...but not getting it clears up another possibility of why it WASN'T working before.

1 Wireless Router, 1 PC wired, 2 laptops wireless (centrino :D ). 1 Laptop has no problems connecting wirelessly, the other laptop will connect then JUST loose the signal. :(

I checked out add automatically connect and it was on...EXCEPT....the home wireless connection was about 7 networks down the list...so I moved it up to the top? So far it's actually made a difference :confused: holding out longer than before....I'll post back.

Those of you going through HELL about placement of the router.

OUR Router, the blue (Linksys) one with the two antennas is DOWNSTAIRS, and has spent over a year 2ft (and for a special week and a half about 2inches) below a heating duct :D

The laptops trying to access it are so far having no problems with it.

Last download I did on my dad's laptop upstairs was fairly decent.

Signal strength is excellent to good.

I am right now in the opposit side of the house, in a semi closet turned desk nook.

Thanks., signal still holding :)

[bubble.tea]

http://xs73.xs.to/pics/06122/fkasdjf.JPG

Yep....signal strength is good from other side of the room :)

[mushroomcheese]

At the moment I am using a D-Link 614+ router.

I tried turning off UpnP and changing the preample from short to long.

Any other suggestions?

[shopper_of_things]

Yep....signal strength is good from other side of the room :)
bubble.tea, are you and the OP in the same house or you're just having similar problems?

[mushroomcheese]

different houses

strange, the computer at the other end of the router room just lost its internet connection and can't connect back

[shopper_of_things]

different houses

strange, the computer at the other end of the router room just lost its internet connection and can't connect back

If you lose the internet connection, it may just be the ISP's problem. Try to ping the router from the computer to see if you're still connected.

I recommend troubleshooting 1 computer at a time. Each one may have a different problem. Turn off the other ones while fixing a single computer. This prevents problems like you saw with the same IP address found on 2 computers.

Does your router feel hot to the touch? Some routers tend to overheat. Does your problem go away if you unplug the router, and let it cool down first?

You said you've tried 2 routers and they both have the same problem? It may not be the router then. It could be cordless phones, microwave ovens, cell towers outside, lead in your house, etc..

[Jayhoo]

Hey, just adding my two-cents but thought maybe I could suggest something. By the way, to the last guy who said the helpdesk guys don't natively speak english, you're pretty wrong on that one. Most of the guys here were born in Canada, and we're based out of Mississauga... But yes, i'm pretty underpaid :D

In regards to the IP address conflicts, try setting static IP addresses on your computers, and in conjunction with WEP/WPA or MAC filtering should solve the problem.

Anyhoo, if you want to use the DI-614+, try disabling the 4x or turbo mode. If you are using the DI-624, disable the SuperG mode. The other suggestions the other guys have made are pretty good too, but finally, under the advanced tab of the interface, change the DTIM to 1 and beacon interval to 50. Give that a try!

Richmond hill huh? :D I'm down in unionville every weekend, but my on-site fee is pretty heafty :twisted:

[Mr Nobody]

Perhaps the problem is with the wireless card and not the wireless router. I have my router in the basement and have no problems getting a signal on the second floor.

[mushroomcheese]

Perhaps the problem is with the wireless card and not the wireless router. I have my router in the basement and have no problems getting a signal on the second floor.

I don't know, I've tried more then 1 adapter on each computer and they all don't seem to work.

I dunno if this is possible or not but apparently one computer's wireless internet (the computer in the router room at the moment) was working fine until computer B was turned on and started using the internet. Is there a possibility that the second computer using the internet could affect the first computers internet connection with the router somehow, even if the second computer is directly connected and the first computer is on wireless?

[mushroomcheese]

I don't know, I've tried more then 1 adapter on each computer and they all don't seem to work.

I dunno if this is possible or not but apparently one computer's wireless internet (the computer in the router room at the moment) was working fine until computer B was turned on and started using the internet. Is there a possibility that the second computer using the internet could affect the first computers internet connection with the router somehow, even if the second computer is directly connected and the first computer is on wireless?

bump

[lead]

where usb is superior to a pci card is its ability to pick up a signal its far easier. The antenae being so close to the metal tower and the possiblilty of metal in the walls casing disruption of signal can be a problem when their is no direct line of sight.The usb has the advantage it allows for use of the 4 foot extention cord to place it anywhere around the computer to get the best signal. I have both (dlink) the usb seems to get signals far easier/stonger and consistant vs the pci. i have a similar setup bought about a year or 2 ago, no complaints.
I paid 40 for router usb and pci card back then(good buy).
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/refurb/refurb_slc.asp?CatId=35&category=Wireless%20Networking

[Mr Nobody]

I don't know, I've tried more then 1 adapter on each computer and they all don't seem to work.

I dunno if this is possible or not but apparently one computer's wireless internet (the computer in the router room at the moment) was working fine until computer B was turned on and started using the internet. Is there a possibility that the second computer using the internet could affect the first computers internet connection with the router somehow, even if the second computer is directly connected and the first computer is on wireless?

Shouldn't be an issue.

I would suggest "borrowing" a wireless router+adapter package from Futureshop and see if you have any luck with it. Preferably Linksys.