Right, I'm going to ask the usual question!

kingaaa

What IS the best wireless router??? I've read loads of threads on this and other forums, pc magazine reviews, cnet, but I dont seem to be any wiser.

I'll list what my requirements will be and maybe some of you nice lads and lassies can advise me. My network will consist of:

2 PC's running XP - These will be connected by ethernet cable.
1 Laptop running Vista with an Intel wireless pro "G" card installed.
A JVC-DD3 home theatre system that is LAN enabled for streaming video - This will be connected via ethernet.
1 Itgate 220 cable receiver - this too will be connected by ethernet.

The laptop is my new main computer, just got it as a present for my 40th (Dell XPS1710), so I will want a strong internet connection all round the house. The modem (Irish Broadband Breeze) is located on the first floor (standard semi-D) as is 1 PC. the second PC is up in the attic room, and the AV stuff is downstairs. I will want to share a lot of large video files between the network.

I was more or less sold on a Netgear WNR843B, but have heard mixed reviews. I came across posts on the Ruckus device on this forum, but am a bit weary of how technically minded you need to be to get it up and running (I'm a beginner to networking). I'm not looking for anything to flashy, just really need a good reception for the wireless end as I think they are all basically the same when it comes to sharing via ethernet?! I definitley need something handy to set up.

Any recomendations will be thanked, then checked out extensivley on the net!!!:D

auggie2k

Linksys WRT54G for sure.

http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?childpagename=US%2FLayout&packedargs=c%3DL_Product_C2%26cid%3D1127782957298&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper

It's also hackable... fancy a tweak to give you 30% more range on your wireless? I do

http://wrt54ghacks.com/

kingaaa

auggie2k wrote: »

Linksys WRT54G for sure.

http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?childpagename=US%2FLayout&packedargs=c%3DL_Product_C2%26cid%3D1127782957298&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper

It's also hackable... fancy a tweak to give you 30% more range on your wireless? I do

http://wrt54ghacks.com/

Auggie, you obviously have one, yeah? as for the hacking end of things, I wouldnt be too confident tackling that!

kingaaa

wow, this is a slow board!

Barlow07

kingaaa wrote: »

wow, this is a slow board!

When you ask a question and you want advice, have a little patients otherwise i suggest you go to speak to someone in eehhh............
PC world.

kingaaa

Barlow07 wrote: »

When you ask a question and you want advice, have a little patients otherwise i suggest you go to speak to someone in eehhh............
PC world.

relax, only making a comment, just thought the board was a little busier.I could talk to somebody in pc world, but I'd only get the hard sell on a product that more than likely would'nt be the best.I'm amazed at the amount of people who browse posts to just waiting for you to type in capitals or make a comment they dont like so they can get all condesending. I'm asking for advice, not a sermon on patience. If my remark offended you ,eehhh......... grow thicker skin!

irlrobins

Back on topic children.

OP, I have IBB Breeze and use the Linksys WRT54G. I use the latest Linksys firmware on it and haven't used any third party on it. Works very well for me. Easy to set up, good range (router in office at front of house upstairs, can access wireless on back garden patio).

It will allow to use all the equipment listed as far as I can tell, nothing exotic in that setup.

zod

for your static stuff buy some homeplugs .. stops all messing when you want to change some wireless config or if the wireless hiccups

you just plug em in and every socket is a potential network port with zero config. no brainer

kingaaa

zod wrote: »

for your static stuff buy some homeplugs .. stops all messing when you want to change some wireless config or if the wireless hiccups

you just plug em in and every socket is a potential network port with zero config. no brainer

zod, I've seen them before, do you have to configure each plug for signal from the router? if so, how do you configure them as there is no interface? I bought a Netgear WGR614 yesterday, I think it's on par with the Linksys?

fatal

doest that linksys work with BT?

irlrobins

It does. All you need to do is put ur BT modem in bridged mode (as per the FAQ instructions) and set the linksys up with the PPPoE settings your modem had

mayhem#

I can strongly recommend the Buffalo Technologies WHR-G54S. Stick DD-WRT software on it and you're flying...

E.

zod

kingaaa wrote: »

zod, I've seen them before, do you have to configure each plug for signal from the router? if so, how do you configure them as there is no interface? I bought a Netgear WGR614 yesterday, I think it's on par with the Linksys?

There is no config. They are seperate to your wireless.

The router that you bought has 4 LAN ports, connect one of them to a homeplug and plug in to the mains.

Now every socket in your house is a potential network port .. plug another homeplug in beside your telly/ps3/xbox whatever and either connect straight to the device that needs broadband or ( what I do ) to a cheap switch and connect all your devices to the switch.

kingaaa

zod wrote: »

There is no config. They are seperate to your wireless.

The router that you bought has 4 LAN ports, connect one of them to a homeplug and plug in to the mains.

Now every socket in your house is a potential network port .. plug another homeplug in beside your telly/ps3/xbox whatever and either connect straight to the device that needs broadband or ( what I do ) to a cheap switch and connect all your devices to the switch.

Sounds excellent, how are the connection speeds? any lag or connection drops? would the be as good as direct connection via ethernet?

MooseJam

the Linksys WRT54G seems to be a favourite here, does anyone know if the range would be better than your standard eircom netopia router, I am having some connection issues

zod

kingaaa wrote: »

Sounds excellent, how are the connection speeds? any lag or connection drops? would the be as good as direct connection via ethernet?

I have been using the 85MBps version for about a year now and I have never experienced an issue with them.

I tried to get some lag by passing Video via xbmc + xbox 360 online gaming + slingbox TV at the same time and couldn't get anything to stutter.

It's not as good as 100MBs dedicated ethernet cabling but how could it !? if you want that, get the 200Mbs homeplug version ( and pay for it )

i bought the 85mbs versions here for about €70 for the pair.

farmergiles

I'm a fan of the 2wire 2700HGV router and it can have a very good wireless range if you turn up the power although there may be legal restrictions on how high you can go.

humaxf1

Linksys WRT54G FTW