Wireless Routers For Dummies 1

[bluenoser337]

I have a 4-port wired router, but need to connect 6 computers...so I am considering changing to a wireless router. I have 3 questions that will be easy for "someone who knows", I'm sure. (1) How many wired and wireless connections will a 4-port wireless router handle? (2) Are the USB type wireless receivers for laptops and desktops slow...and what is the best choice for hardware on the laptop or PC end, if those computers didn't come wireless equipped? Many thanks!!

 

[kmcferrin]

1. Most of them support a couple hundred. 253 isn't uncommon at all.

2. Potentially. USB 2.0 supports up to 480 Mbps of bandwidth, which is much faster than most wireless connections (usually 54 Mbps or in rare cases 108 Mbps). But if you're using a USB 1.0/1.1 device or port then you are limited to 12 Mbps.

3. If you're running Windows then it's hard to go wrong. Linksys, Netgear, and DLink all make good cards. They all make PCI-based cards for PCs and PCCard-based cards for laptop (formerly PCMCIA). I haven't used a USB wireless NIC before, but I suspect that either of those brands would be fine there as well.

 

[acewarlock]

USB wireless receivers work fine. At home I have a Linksys wireless with 4 port wired and my laptop has receiver built in and 1 desktop uses a USB receiver and they all work finw.


This is a Signature and not part of the answer, it appears on every reply.

This is an Analogy so don't take it personally as some have.

Why change the engine if all you need is to change the spark plugs.

 

[firewolfrl]

shop around. not all routers are made equal.
I posted this not to long ago asking about a GOOD router

http://www.tek-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=1428424

some routers have a connection limit of 255. this is not related to how many computers are on the router, this is based on how many simultaneous connections one computer opening one website can do. this averages about 4-30 per site so figure 10 connects for one website then add 6 computers then figure in email and such... you hit the 255 limit and the router locks up. this does not even add to the figure if any torrent file sharing is going on.

don't buy a cheap router

 

[bluenoser337]

Awesome...thanks everyone!!

 

[macten88]

In my experience, the Linksys wireless client software causes my laptop cpu to fluctuate from 0-80% continuously. If you go with Linksys don't install the client software. Just install the driver...

 

[wahnula]

Your best bet is to go with a wireless Access Point (WAP) and a separate gigabit switch connected w/ a crossover cable. I had a tech from D-Link confirm that the radio transmitter in their wireless router is basically a watered-down Access Point. So, if signal strength is important, buy the independent units.

I use the D-Link (It's best to stick with one brand throughout) WAP 2100 and their 8-port unmanaged gigabit switch. Topology is cable modem->SonicWALL_>switch->WAP.

Since the switch is layer two I wish I had bought a 16-port as the 8-port is now almost full. The PCs connected through the switch have gigabit access to other PCs plugged into it, and the wireless clients are happy and easily configured (I also use D-Link for all add-in cards, I've found them to be the strongest and easiest). Best of luck with your choice.

Tony

"Buy what you like, or you'll be forced to like what you buy"...me

 

[bchizary]

id recommend the Netgear DG834G, you can get one cheap (ebaY) because its the model that most isp give away fro free (AOL etc) and iv had no problem with all 10 i have used at various places of work and at home. Id usually recommend installing the driver fro whatever wireless card you get on your laptop/pc, but use the windows client to connect, as usually (not always tho) the client software controlling your wireless link can be a bit slower and/or tempremental. XP is great with wireless since SP2

 

[kmcferrin]

I second the vote about not using the software for the wireless card. On a modern OS, the OS can handle all of the configuration for you. If you install the LinkSys software (or any other vendor's) you'll end up with that software fighting with Windows built-in wireless settings.

 

[firewolfrl]

wahnula
how are you connecting more than one computer through the access point?
a router is better in the regards of a NAT and hardware firewall.
the way you are suggesting will make the modem connect to one computer at a time. I have comcast cable and they sure would ding me if I had more than one computer connected to their modem...with a router the modem only sees one connection and doesn't see the network

an access point would work if you use a router with it.

 

[xwb]

I've been stung by this wireless router thing before.

1) A wireless router does not have a modem.
2) Most wireless routers want a modem connection but only by ethernet cable. Most wireless routers do not take USB modems.
3) If you want a shared internet connection, get a wireless router with a built in modem.
4) Some wireless modem routers have a limited number (8-10) of wireless connections. Check before you buy.

 

[firewolfrl]

I don't combine the router and the modem due to the fact that comcast charges an astronomic amount for their business accounts and that is the only way to get that type of modem that they maintanance. otherwise if the modem fails and its not theirs, there reply is "sorry"
I also steer clear of USB modem connections....its way better to go LAN.it is also more stable too.



lol....that's my two bits

 

[xwb]

In the UK, the big problem with modems with LAN connections is that there are very few off the shelf ones that can be purchased. They're almost all USB modems.

 

[firewolfrl]

That is too weird. I thought it was common for most if not all modems that service high-speed internet have usually one USB and one LAN output.
That and routers are designed to hookup via LAN.

xwb, I could see where your problem is unique. have you asked your internet provider for a modem with LAN?


bluenoser337, I am pretty sure xwb's issue is not your original issue and your just looking for a decent stable modem, as so am I. ...LOL
sorry about going off your topic and lets maybe find you a good router.

I think I am going to order the D-Link DIR-655 Xtreme N Gigabit Router.
now its just a matter of searching to find the best price with a store that backs the products they sell.
no ebay... I just don't buy any computer product on ebay...lol



good luck on your router hunt

 

[wahnula]

wahnula
how are you connecting more than one computer through the access point?

Topology is cable modem->Sonicwall Firewall->Gigabit Switch->WAPs, PCs & Server

DHCP is handled by SBS 2003 server, but it could be handled by the sonicwall or switch/router.

Tony

"Buy what you like, or you'll be forced to like what you buy"...me

 

[paparazi]

I noticed the "for Dummies" comment and thought I would add Buffalo into the mix.
I tried most (Netgear,Belkin,D-Link,Linksys etc) and have recently been very impressed with several Buffalo products that I have bought.
As far as the "Dummies" well this brand uses it's own easy setup system called; AirStation One-Touch Secure System™ (AOSS™) Press the AOSS button on the router and then use search on the PCI/cardbus adapter client software and it automatically finds and secure connects (it really is that simple)
SEE:

http://www.buffalotech.com/products/wireless/

Martin

We like members to GIVE and not just TAKE.
Participate and help others.

 

[bluenoser337]

Regrettably, the Court of Appeals has decided not to stay the injunction in the CSIRO v. Buffalo et al litigation during the appeal period. Although Buffalo is confident that the final decision in the appeal will be favorable and that the injunction will be lifted, Buffalo is presently unable to supply wireless LAN equipment compliant with IEEE 802.11a and 802.11g standards in the United States until that decision is issued.