For the computer guys - what do I NEED in a wireless router?

[onewhippedpuppy]

put it on the middle floor - in the center if possible



be sure you can return if the range is too low (i.e. maybe buy from Amazon)

I'd like to but it's not practical, all of the computer stuff is in my basement office.

[stevie 77 930]

2 story house, my router is in a closet under the stairs. After 2 DLink routers and 2 Access points, i was still dropping internet conections all the time. I switch to the Apple Airport Extreme. Best $ spent. Now I never drop. Even my wireless Blu Ray w Netflix connects all the time !! All of my wireless devices upstairs stay connected. You can always bridge a Apple Airport Express in conjuction w/ Extreme if your router is in the basement

[tirwin]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

I'd like to but it's not practical, all of the computer stuff is in my basement office.

There are 2 other options:

1) Buy a Wi-Fi capable router and one or more range extender. Place the router where you need it and the range extenders in other locations as needed to improve coverage. The range extenders typically work as a wireless signal repeater by taking in the weak signal and boosting it.

2) This option takes a bit more technical know-how, but can be done. It's what I do. I have a separate router (no wireless) and 2 Wi-Fi APs. One is an Apple TimeMachine and the other is an Apple Airport Express. Both APs broadcast the same SSID (the name of the Wi-FI hotspot) but they are on different channels using the auto-channel assignment feature. The Wi-Fi clients will attach to whichever AP has better signal strength as needed and without manually doing anything. The things to watch out for are (a) the APs need to be configured to use L2 bridging (i.e., not NAT) and (b) the security settings must be the same (same encryption and passwords).

As far as security goes, you should not use WEP protocol. It is weak and has known vulnerabilities. WPA/WPA2 is the way to go using TKIP or AES encryption.

[JAR0023]

Originally Posted by Hydrocket

This is a great router. We've had a few, and this is the best one by far.

Asus RT-N56U Dual-Band Gigabit Wireless-N Router Review - Watch CNET's Video Review

+1 on the Asus. Best router I've owned. I like the USBs that allow connection of a large external drive as network storage. We use that more than we thought we would. -J

[stealthn]

I am a fanboy and I do wireless design and installs, like others have said if you want cheap you maybe replacing ever year. I can't say enough about Apple's wifi gear, I have had zero issues with every client, whereas some of the cheaper stuff I have had some issues with Windows devices.
Linksys is now sold to Belkin so I won't be recommending them anymore.
Or spend the big bucks and get Cisco AP's, then you can DOS your neighbours

For home though I say Apple

[onewhippedpuppy]

I broke down and ordered the AirPort Extreme from Amazon. I didn't want to spend the money but have had nothing but positive experiences with Apple products. I seriously considered the Asus as we have one of their all-in-one desktops that has been a good computer, but I actually found multiple reviews online where upgrading from the Asus to the AirPort fixed issues with range and connections with multiple devices.

As always, thanks for the feedback! It never ceases to amaze me the breadth and depth of knowledge that we have on here. Nice contrast to the booby threads.

[RWebb]

wireless booby routing?

[onewhippedpuppy]

Got the AirPort Extreme and installed it tonight, big difference! I'm at almost 20 MB/S on my upper floor, and over 25 on our main floor. Last night on my old router and the same laptop upstairs I was at 3 MB/S. Signal strength is almost maxed out even upstairs. If it actually lasts I'll be a happy camper.

[porsche4life]

I've had (3) airport expresses plugged in continuously for the last 4.5 years without issue... Love em!