ArkiStan

I've got a desktop hooked up to a cable modem. I recently purchased a laptop as a second computer and would like to add wireless access in my apartment from my cable modem. What would be a good, affordable Wireless-N router I could use? I've been looking at the D-Link DIR-655, but I feel like there's probably another model out there that will give me more back for the buck. I'm also considering a G router. How much more speed will I get with an N router over a G router? Do you think it's worth it?

thanks

Devhux

Are you going to be streaming high-quality video from your desktop to your laptop, or transferring large files constantly? If so, then a router like the DIR-655 would be good (paired with one of the N-based cards). If so, then the DIR-655 is a solid choice (that's what I'm using, and it works rather well).

If not, then I'd highly suggest saving your money and getting a good 802.11g router (Internet surfing / downloading won't suffer, because your Internet connection is much slower than 802.11g speeds allow). I'm partial to the ASUS WL-500g Premium, but mostly because it can be flashed to a custom firmware known as DD-WRT (offers a ton of advanced configuration options -- but might not be the easiest thing to set up for all users). Very solid router with its default firmware as well.

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Jeffbx

Heck, I'd stick to a solid 802.11B - MAYBE go to G if your cable connection is > 8Mb. No reason in the world to look at N for a connection that's less than 10Mb anyway. Save yourself some $$$.

Cubsfan

I've heard great things about Apple's Airport Extreme. Of course, it's also $180, but from what I've heard it's pretty much rock solid and easy to setup.

DarkFury

If it were me and range of signal were not an issue... I'd just stick to a "G" router and get a gigabit switch (making sure every PC had a gigabit capable NIC card) for my speed of file transfers.

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Prngr44

You can get decent G routers for $20 or less even.

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ArkiStan

A G router sounds like it'll be good enough for me. I will be using it for everyday web surfing--no serious downloading or streaming.

Can a G signal reach through walls? If I move to a small 1-bedroom apartment, will I be able to roam freely between my bedroom and living room?

Also, if price weren't an issue, which G router would you recommend? Now that I'm choosing among cheaper options, I don't mind paying a bit more for stronger, more stable performance.

Thanks

Jeffbx

G will easily cover a 1 BR apartment - as a matter of fact, your issue may be TOO MUCH coverage rather than not enough. You'll want to turn on encryption and MAC authentication to keep neighbors out. Also, before you set up your router I'd strongly recommend that you do a scan of your building to see what other channels are already in use, and choose one as far away from the others as possible.

As far as brand, I like Linksys - either this one or this one. Second one is better if you like to play around in the OS of the router.

Prngr44

...or you could just leech off the neighbors.