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Assuming it's within your budget, which brand would you recommend for a wireless network

PrObLy

If you're running Windows XP stay away from Netgear! The wireless adapters have horrible XP drivers and one of the windows updates causes the MR814 router to crash...both of these problems are fixable, but a pain in the arse to say the least. I'd say to go with the Microsoft wireless adapters if you can afford them (I think they're usually 40 bux at circuit city) because my friend has had no problems whatsoever with them and also good performance. The Microsoft wireless router, or "base station" as they call it, (I'm not sure which model, but the one that's usually in store flyers) also seems easy to configure and works well. Once I solved my problems with the Netgear items I own, they work great and are also very cheap, so if you're on a budget and don't mind possibly having to mess around with drivers and firmware combinations then that would be an alright option.

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bachviet

Netgear gets my vote.

PrObLy

I think microsoft has retracted the one recommended update that caused this problem (to occur more frequently) with the router, but a lot of people have had problems using port forwarding and when having a lot of incoming connections (such as when using programs like Emule and the Bittorrent client).

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spigidygak

netgear gets my vote, best output range from its ap's. I've played with a couple SMCs and linksys. . . linksys stuff has been a nightmare for me and people I know. But some seem to love their stuff. . .

coleslaw

I'm really diggin' this new SMC 'G' wireless router. As chosenfool said, the amount of security settings and the different security modes is very nice. The speed and range is great as well. No complaints from me.

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IrishSS

Love my netgear G stuff. Great range and quality.

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Jeffbx

For the best (without being crazy expensive, like buying a Cisco WAP), I would recommend 3Com, Netgear, SMC or Linksys for the WAP, but I don't recommend ANY of those MFRs for the PC card. Look at Demarc, Senao or EnGenius for the card.

IMHO, the card plays the most important role - get a high powered (100-200mW) PCMCIA card with external antenna jacks & you'll always get a nice strong signal, even if the WAP is only marginal. This is especially nice if you connect at airports, cyber cafes, your neighbor's house, etc. My wireless experience has been SO much better since I dumped the 30mW 3Com PC card for a 100mW Demarc. Don't skimp on the card!

Cheesypuff

for me, I will choose linksys! They get my voting

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