Do I need a dual band router???

I am purchasing a router for my bedroom since i dont get the wireless signal from my modem upstairs on the other side of the house. What are the benefits of a Dual Band Wireless N router? Is it something that i would need for my room? Or is a non dual band 802.11n router good enough?

I plan to use it for mainly gaming on ps3, 360 and my laptop.

 

I think there is a piece of equipment made specifically for extending a wireless signal, wireless access point? not sure exactly, I'm sure someone here on NBR knows though.

 

You don't need a dual band router for gaming and surfing. The bottle neck will be your internet connection. I assume you are using cable of DSL with a bandwidth of less the 100mbit for internet. Then any wireless N router will do.

Dual band means it can operate at 2.4 and 5ghz. Sometimes if you have a lot of other wifi networks in your area or other wireless devices the 2.4ghz band can be pretty full and the 5ghz band allows longer range and better connection.

 

K so i was looking between the D-Link DIR-655, RID-825 and the Netgear WNDR3700. Either one is more than good enough for my needs?

 

I thought 5ghz was shorter range than 2.4ghz?

 

5ghz will NOT extend the range.
It provides the same or slightly stronger signal, and then abruptly stops, while 2.4 will slowly fade out over a longer distance. 5ghz is also cleaner in a high interference environment.

While yes, you don't need N for your internet, if you have a home file server, or share files between systems N can be beneficial. Dual band allows G and N products to co-exist at full speed.

Dual band routers are also required for some N cards to operate at 300mbps. The 4965AGN is one such card.

Steer clear of the DIR-655.
Some have good luck, but a ton also have issues with it. The 825 is a better model. I would recommend the Netgear WNDR3700 or Linksys WRT610N if you really want N speeds. Asus also has a nice one out. If you go N, spend the money on a high end one, or be prepared to be annoyed later.

If you just want G speeds, find an older Linksys WRT54gL (Only L, no 2, or S) for cheap ($50 or so) and reflash it with Tomato or DD-WRT for a bulletproof router.

 

K thx will def be going N since my new ASUS G73 coming in a week or 2 will have an intel 5300 wireless N card so will def. want to take advantage of it

 

How are you planing on getting your dsl to your room? I hope your running a wired connection.

There are some HighPower routers out there. Buffalo has a 11g and 11n models. I have been using Buffalo for many rears w/dd-wrt firmware and they are reliable. Smallnetbuilder.com rated the Buffalo has having the longest range.

 

I have a wired connection running from my modem all the way down here to my desktop. The reason i want the wireless router in here is because i am getting a notebook in the beginning of Feb and want to be able to play wow or browse online from the couch on the other end of my room and to not need my ps3 and 360 having cables going across the floor attatched to my switch

 

Wouldn't connecting a WAP be what he needs?