Wireless Router Purchase Help

[jeeva86]

I was interested in getting one of these combos since I need an adapter for another laptop in the home.

Linksys WKPC54G Wireless-G Network Kit (http://canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=010676&cid=NT.489)

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10051717&catid=

I'm not sure which brand is better although many say Linksys, but I want something reliable as only 1 PC will be wired and the 2 laptops on the wireless. If I buy from CC, I can't refund it without losing some money, so can't experiment with their product.
Living in a bungalow, where the router will be set right next to cable modem on main with 1 laptop 10 metres away and another in the basement. The other laptop already has a built in adapter. Would it be better to buy the router seperate from the pcmcia card? Any suggestions on this specific model & price would help. Thanks.

[jeeva86]

:arrowu:

[Aske001]

Wireless routers from Linksys, Netgear, D-Link, and Trendnet are the most common. I have one each of the first 3, and they're all fine - can't comment on Trendnet, the cheapest one. I've paid as little as $15 each for them, as they are freqeuntly on sale, so keep that in mind if you are looking at a bundle.

I haven't tried the extended range versions of any of them, just the basic 54mpbs G versions. Since interoperability of the extended range versions hasn't settled down yet (pending the N standard), you might want to stick to basic G if you are mixing components.

Some people recommend Linksys as the best, primarily based on the fact that there are more optional accessories available for the Linksys routers (like extended range antennas), and there is 3rd-party firmware available to modify and extend the functionality (but see below).

All of these wireless G routers from the different manufacturers have been released in multiple hardware versions, and some are better than others. In particular Linksys crippled their most popular router model in the last hardware update, leading Cnet to call it "worst router ever" in their online review, so don't get stuck with that version if you can help it. Do some internet research on the version numbers if you want to know about this.

[jeeva86]

Wow, where do you find Linksys routers on sale for $15?? I guess if I could get one at that price, I can just add the card for the laptop. But I'm quite certain that the built in wireless adapter in Laptop #1 is G compatible, so I'll most likely look for the G card to avoid using B.

[CdTriX]

there is absolutely nothing wrong with B.

In fact, some times 802.11b has the best signal strength and reception. 11 mbps is fine for web browsing and streaming video from another computer...

I have a DI-624 which is a G router, i set the transfer rate to 11mbps ( B speeds ) and i get more range and better signal quality..

G has shorter range and is very sensitive. B is more robust. A is the best out of all the wireless standards, but you can't find it anymore.

if you want more help on routers, take a look at www.dslreports.com lots of info there