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Wireless Router Rec's

Discussion in 'Community Broadband & Computers' started by TigerFan, Mar 14, 2008.

  1. TigerFan

    TigerFan New Member

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    Any favorite wireless routers out there? What's the best way to "secure" the signal?
     
  2. Zeratul

    Zeratul Well-Known Member

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    whoa, that could really be a loaded question and for all the geeks out there, we would love to get into this conversation but let me suggest you offer a little more information that would make the answers more focused.

    Describe how you would like or plan to use this? Range could be an issue, # of users that need access, and security is generally the same deal as far as the technology and method among all the flavors of routers. There is the hardware itself that offers a basic firewall and then there is the different flavors of encryption that are employed.

    The big difference with speed/performance of the wireless signal are determined by the throughput basically. I think you know all this but I would go with the 802.11 n variation since it gives you the best long term growth. But if none of your computers can use or have the "n" capability, may not be useful.

    All my laptops and other equipment at home have 802.11g and I am very happy with the performance and stream audio and video all over my house and I can reach on the deck as well. My preference has been for the DLink line of routers. Great ease of use and reliable.
     
  3. jjenkins

    jjenkins New Member

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    Yes, more information would be great, then we can help :)
     
  4. GeorgeSC

    GeorgeSC Southern Walker

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    I would recommend using WPA to secure you wifi network.
    I have D-link DGL4300 havent had any problems, and highly recommed it!!
     
  5. TigerFan

    TigerFan New Member

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    OK sorry, I didn't realize I asked a loaded question, as you probably concluded I'm not very technical, and was proud of myself for even asking the question.
    The distance needed is whatever is typical for broadcasting the signal from the study on the main floor of my SFH, and receive the signal upstairs, the basement, and I like the idea of getting it on the deck also.
    I will have one computer in the study, which will be right next to where my Comcast cable line comes in, right now its directly connected to the computer. Wirelessly, I'd like to add another desktop on the main floor in another room, and I have a laptop that I would like to access from anywhere in the home including the deck.
    I have an older Dell laptop (considering a new MAC laptop) and a 1 year old desktop Dell with Vista that need the wireless signal.
    Speed and security are whatever a basic home user of internet and email need.
    When I get the router, are the setup and install instructions user friendly?
    I.E. using WPA to secure as mentioned above?
     
  6. jjenkins

    jjenkins New Member

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    both the DLINK spoken of in another post and netgear have very friendly interfaces and are eay to set up.

    Linksys is also reliable, but lately I have had better results from dlink and netgear products.
     
  7. Villager

    Villager Ashburn Village Resident

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    Whichever brand of router you buy, the important thing is to go through the setup process and follow the necessary steps. The default settings are okay (do choose the WPA option) but you probably will want to make a few changes to tighten up the connection a bit. If you google wireless router security you should find some websites that explain some of the settings you can select to make the wireless connection more secure. For example, you can set it to NOT broadcast your SSID, which means that when other people in your area go online to look for wireless access, they will not see your router as a choice. Even though you may set up your router to require a password (which you absolutely should), it's an extra level of security to have it set up so that your router (with your SSID name) does not show up in the list of available connections.

    I am by no means an expert on setting up a router, but when I installed ours a few months ago I googled and found some good tips. I recommend that you do the same. If you don't understand something that is advised, just ask someone here on the forums since there are many techies here who could help!

    As far as brand, I have a Belkin, but we have issues with it with my husband's work laptop. He is able to access the router but cannot log into his work network for some reason. From what I read online, that may be an issue specific to how Belkin sets up their routers, but I haven't found the answer to making it work yet. Still, he is able to access the internet with it, he just can't get into the VPN (which could be an issue with our router or with the company VPN, I just don't know). I hear that Linksys ones don't have that problem but I don't know for sure, being an newbie to it myself.

    For sure don't buy one at Office Depot or Staples since I found them to be more expensive than other places. Try online or Costco, MicroCenter (in Fairfax/Vienna), or places like Best Buy.

    Good luck!
     

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