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

...and the wireless USB adapters (802.11G)... USB adapters

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:





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/B00...lance&n=172282