Not sure if it would fit your needs exactly, but I have configured both Linksys and Buffalo routers with the open source dd-wrt firmware and am very happy with them, the open source firmware gives you oodles of features usually only found on much more expensive routers.

HTH

I had a Linksys G, which was reliable, but replaced it with a Netgear N with the hope of increasing the range. That will be the last Netgear router I buy: it kept telling us there was no network in the house, and then when reset would constantly drop the signal. Now we have a Linksys again, the 160N. It's perfect.

I also have a couple of Squeezboxes (Duo and Boom) and use a Linksys WRT54GL.

The nice thing about this router is that you can load it with open-source firmware (I use Tomato) and adjust the transmit power level.

I never have signal quality problems at 70mW transmit power, but occasionally get rebuffering when my lowly P3-450/XP server is bogged down with other tasks like donwloading files or (re)scanning the music library.

Hi all,

I am planning to buy a wireless router. I need the expert opinions of you guys.

My internet is Shaw Canada around 10Mbps. Modem has Ethernet connection. Located at upstairs. I stay mostly at downstairs, about 25-30 feet away I guess.

I need connections to two of my laptops. One is HP pavilion dv6000 using Windows Vista. Another one is Macbook Pro.

Can you guys suggest which router I should buy?

Any of them should work. They all support WiFi and all support DHCP etc., when connecting to the internet. I have 3 here, one each from Linksys, D-Link and Asus. All work fine.

I have a Linksys WRT-310, and given the chance, I would not get it again. It has an overheating issue which causes frequent drops in connection. For some reason, it seems to be designed to vent heat through the bottom of the unit. I've turned it upside down, which has made a significant improvement, but I shouldn't have to do that in the first place.

Thanks JamesK.

I was thinking of any issue of compatibility for both hp and macbook pro. Another thing is whether I should go for N router. Another concern is the speed in distance. And also price.

My cheapest choice for N router in Canada is: DLINK 655 (60 cad)

And for G router: Belkin Wireless G Router (F5D7230TT4-SN) (40 cad)

Will the upstair downstair distance/obstacle impede the speed of either to the point that it drops below 10Mbps?

Is there any possibility that if I buy an N router, I lose some benefit that G router gives?

Hope questions did not get wierdo...

Best bang for the buck is a Linksys WRT54GL flashed with DD-WRT firmware. The router itself is very reliable. The DD-WRT firmware is very stable and has lots of advanced features. However, like many routers, it has a 10Mb/s WAN interface. That could become obsolete with some internet services due to the relatively slow speed. Some of the newer models have a 100Mb/s WAN interface but they are more expensive.

Will the upstair downstair distance/obstacle impede the speed of either to the point that it drops below 10Mbps?

Is there any possibility that if I buy an N router, I lose some benefit that G router gives?


It's impossible to say how well any device will do in your house, as it's dependent on whatever obstacles it has to go through.

I believe all N routers are backwards compatible with G. Of course, your computer also has to support N, to get any benefit.

If you have any, or plan ong getting any, N-capable devices, then the choice is obvious.

If not, I'd consider the N router anyway as they are typically only about $20 more, but this will give you the option in a year or so if you need it.

Most of the high end routers are not worth the price (IMO), unless you need a particular feature, and they all perform pretty much the same so I'd go with whatever special/sale you can find.

"N" is a superset of "G" which is a superset of "B" so there are no issues getting the better/faster protocl support. Your oerating system and laptp hardware makes little difference other than the protocals that they support.

Distance between floors is likely a non-issue as well. Typically, you install the router at a high point and it should perform well for you within the rated distances. Installing in the basement is common though as that is often where the modem is, but can limit the distance as the ground/foundation blocks the signal although often works fine for floors directly above. Most network card software (and particularly Vista) have utilities that show the signal strength so you can determine the best location for your router.

Awesome! Thanks.

Most of the high end routers are not worth the price (IMO) and they all perform pretty much the same so I'd go with whatever special/sale you can find.

Actually, there's a whole "high end" that most consumers don't see. The devices in this end include features such as multiple SSID, VLAN support, PoE, roaming etc. However, you're not likely to see these in the local store and most of those features are of benefit to large installations.

I have read many posts in support of the DIR-655 N router. I am looking for an easy and inexpensive wireless option for my old Toshiba laptop, becuase the new office will be in the basement but I will want to use the computer upstairs sometimes. What are the benefits of the more expensive 655 over the 625? The 655 and the Extreme N USB adapter will run an extra $40. Video streaming and gaming are not an issue, it is just for internet basically.

I will need the USB port to connect an external drive, and both models have this feature. Does this Shareport feature work well?

Thanks.

What are the benefits of the more expensive 655 over the 625? The 655 and the Extreme N USB adapter will run an extra $40. Video streaming and gaming are not an issue, it is just for internet basically.

N will get you nothing. Your connection speed will depend entirely on your internet connection. For some, even 802.11b is good enough. 802.11g is plenty for any internet connection anyone has at home. Remember, you cannot do better than what comes into your home, no matter what WiFi you have.

I run a WRT350N with dd-wrt, runs pretty good. My iperf tests show 90Mbit between a wired host and my laptop. However, if you're just streaming from internet, N will get you nothing as others have mentioned. It will help if you're streaming media from other machines on your network however, especially HD video.

Does N not provide better range and signal, especially if the router is in the basement? I will be transferring photos to and from the hard drive attached to the router, but from what you are saying this is small potatoes for a G router. I gather for my modest needs the 655 will be overkill.

Even if I go with N simply to future-proof for little extra cost over G, I will still need the USB port model. BTW, I have looked at the comparable Linksys models and they do not seem to have the USB port.

Arguable, the marketing says it does, but in practice the range of N is probably similar or possibly less than G. Wireless is very environment dependent, ie. what other 2.4Ghz devices are nearby like phones, neighbor's wireless networks, concrete walls, etc. Your best bet is to buy a unit from a big box store and try it out. If it doesn't work out return it.

I went into FS today to look again at the models available. The salesman told me I might have signal problems trying to run the USB adapter in the laptop through the USB 2.0 PCI card (as I mentioned, it is a 7 yr old Toshiba laptop - archaic but still chugging along). Is this the case? If so, I am back to waiting to replace my system. What I was trying to do was a band-aid solution which would still allow us to use the laptop upstairs for internet access after getting a new main computer.

Why would use have signal problems, when you use a PCMCIA (not PCI card on laptops). One thing you can be sure of is store clerks are not allowed to know what they're talking about.

My only thought would be if he's thinking the slot is USB 1.x and USB 2.0 would be required for most network adapters, I would think.