Solved: Choosing a router..

[Billy the Adult]

Hi guys.. I'm looking to upgrade to a wireless N router and asking for recommendations as to which brand, features, etc. From what I read the new NetgearWNR3500 gets outstanding reviews but when you read the fine print you find that in order to get those blazing speeds it says you also need to purchase a Netgear adapter for the laptop. I don't want to do that when it already has built in wireless. Is this true for all Wireless N routers? Would I just be better off staying with Wireless G? Is there really a noticable difference with N when doing just normal internet stuff and no on line gaming? All thoughts and suggestions appreciated.. THANKS!

 

[Thalaric]

In my experience, netgear = bad. Netgear routers usually come with a lot of security "devices" that will most of the time hinder the user rather then protect. Look into maybe a lynksys or Belkin

Here is a pretty good article that reviews routers.

http://compnetworking.about.com/od/wirelessrouters/tp/80211nprenhome.htm

 

[Billy the Adult]

Thanks Thalaric.. It does seem that in order to get the N speed one has to purchase not only a router but a seperate adapter for the laptop.. So I think I'll focus on the less expensive G routers..

 

[Thalaric]

Ya, from what I remember the N are ntot backwards compatable with anything else.

 

[TerryNet]

802.11n is backwards compatible with 'g' and 'b.'

To get 'n' bandwidth and range you need 'n' devices on both ends (router and adapter).

To use draft 1 'n' equipment successfully you needed the same brand, and for some brands the same chipset.

Most of the 'n' stuff sold today is draft 2 and is mostly compatible across brands and will probably (maybe with firmware or driver update) be compatible with the final 'n' specs.

The above is all based on my reading various sources, including a Belkin product manager's response to some specific questions I had to their customer service. And please remember that "mostly" and "probably" are not guarantees.

 

[JohnWill]

In today's market, I'd sure lean to the 802.11n model. As long as you don't pay too much, there isn't much downside.

 

[Billy the Adult]

Thanks for the info guys.. I found a pretty good deal on a Wireless N so I ordered it.. I did read where it was backwards compatable so if I were to want more wireless speed than it provides I'll have half the components. It will also be interesting to see if wired speeds pick up.. I'll mark this as solved.. thanks again.

 

[JohnWill]

Let us know how you make out.

 

[Billy the Adult]

Let us know how you make out.

Ok, here's how I made out.... a slighty improved difference in speed on both wireless and wired... but a huge difference in range.. I can get a very usable signal a half block away. With the old router I would loose wireless at opposite end of the house.. So I guess I'm satisfied.. Thanks All!

 

[JohnWill]

Glad it all worked out.