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    Choosing a router is difficult

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by onionring1988, Aug 21, 2008.

  1. onionring1988

    onionring1988 Notebook Consultant

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    So I'm out in the market to buy a new router for my mother's apartment because she is forcing me to get her one. Anyways, I have a wireless N laptop and my sister also has a wireless N laptop, but my mom only has a wireless B laptop.. so I'm trying to find a good N router and a good N adapter (USB) but everywhere i look, there are always mixed reviews. What do you guys suggest? :confused: Thanks!
     
    onionring1988, Aug 21, 2008
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  2. Polarix

    Polarix Notebook Evangelist

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    Polarix, Aug 21, 2008
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  3. ashura

    ashura Notebook Evangelist

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    ashura, Aug 21, 2008
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  4. onionring1988

    onionring1988 Notebook Consultant

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    seems decent enough. i have to get it tomorrow (im being peer pressured) soo if thats really the best option then i guess that's what im buying
     
    onionring1988, Aug 21, 2008
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  5. knightingmagic

    knightingmagic Notebook Deity

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    Using the B-compatible mode will bring the whole WLAN to 11Mbps, so you might as well get a ye olde B/G router. Later on, when N is finally finalized, and you all have N adapters, get a N router.
     
    knightingmagic, Aug 22, 2008
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  6. ashura

    ashura Notebook Evangelist

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    He's getting an n adapter too.
     
    ashura, Aug 22, 2008
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  7. kermit1979

    kermit1979 Notebook Evangelist

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    Yeah, if everyone is on N, I would definetly follow suit with the dlink 655 model.

    The alternative is to spend a bit more and get the 855 model which runs on dual band. You're mother could continue to run on her B, while you and your sister run on N.

    Just some food for though, there's advantages to having dual band and it may actually be cheaper to go this route.
     
    kermit1979, Aug 22, 2008
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  8. onionring1988

    onionring1988 Notebook Consultant

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    well i bought the 655 along with the network adapter. the adapter is able to pick up 270mps but my network card is absolutely abysmal. i got the dell N wireless 1505 card and it can pick up at MAX 130mbs and it seems to steadily go down. WHYYYYY >_<!!!
     
    onionring1988, Aug 22, 2008
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  9. Polarix

    Polarix Notebook Evangelist

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    Try updating the drivers.
     
    Polarix, Aug 22, 2008
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  10. ashura

    ashura Notebook Evangelist

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    Try making sure your router is set to N-only mode and you're using WPA2 AES for your security key.
     
    ashura, Aug 22, 2008
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  11. onionring1988

    onionring1988 Notebook Consultant

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    it is in n mode only ill have to check the security but im pretty sure its on that too.. dell offers no new drivers since last year.. and i bought my comp in march lol.
    i just checked with my sisters macbook and she gets 170-200mbps while im struggling to get 130... what the heck!?!
     
    onionring1988, Aug 22, 2008
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  12. ashura

    ashura Notebook Evangelist

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    This could just be a case of hardware limitation. The Intel 4965agn can't reach full N speeds either, it maxes out at 130. But you shouldn't worry, you won't see a a real difference from not reaching the full N speed.
     
    ashura, Aug 23, 2008
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  13. onionring1988

    onionring1988 Notebook Consultant

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    hmm that must be it but thats pretty annoying because they advertise to reach the full 300mbps and yet only the adapter can reach relatively near that speed. its pretty disappointing, actually.
     
    onionring1988, Aug 23, 2008
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  14. Wirelessman

    Wirelessman Monkeymod

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    Netgear, Linksys and D'Link are the good router choices.
     
    Wirelessman, Aug 24, 2008
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