Router help, purchase ??

N, D, G,
What should I look for in buying a new router?
I don't understand them enough to ask an intelligent question.
It would just be one desktop hard wired in, one laptop so really don't need more then 3-4 ports.
Brand. I don't really care, but know that this D-link I have now won't support Vista 64, it's 5 y/o.

Thanks for helping.

 

Your operating system on your laptop / desktop have no impact on your router. What does have an impact is what speeds your router supports, both wired and wireless.

Best thing to do is learn a little more about the technology.

Wireless: You have 802.11 A, B, G and N. I listed them in order from slowest to fastest. You can only use the listed network if both your laptop and the router support the protocol. Bottom line, you want something that at least supports G. 'N' would be nice, especially if you plan to upgrade the wireless card on your laptop in the future (or plan to buy a new laptop).

Wired: You have set speeds: 10, 100 and 1000 mbps. The faster, the better. Again, your desktop network card has to support the speed as well. Faster is better. Most likely, your desktop only supports 100mbps, and every wireless router out there supports that speed. Bottom line: the desktop won't have as much of an impact on your choice as the laptop.

Some links to read up on this stuff:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/802.11
http://glassonionblog.wordpress.com/2008/08/04/wireless-protocols-ieee-80211-a-b-g-n-compared/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethernet

Some good comparisons of routers that you can buy:
http://www.consumersearch.com/wireless-routers
http://reviews.cnet.com/best-wireless-routers/
http://www.firewallguide.com/wireless.htm
http://www.geekwithlaptop.com/best-wireless-routers-the-best-wireless-routers-of-2008/

Regards,

z.

 

I recommend the D-Link DIR-655

Its one of the best routers available.

 

I'd recommend the D-Link DGL-4500 because you can get it for $116.80 (after coupon).

 

you also need to know what speeds your ISP supports as that will make an impact as well

 

Some links to read up on this stuff:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/802.11
http://glassonionblog.wordpress.com/2008/08/04/wireless-protocols-ieee-80211-a-b-g-n-compared/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethernet



Regards,

z.[/QUOTE]

Thank you so much for your time and good advice. I'll read these and go from there.
It's a lot to consider but I'm sure with your advice I'll sort it out.
Thanks again

 

I'll look at both the D-Link DIR-655 and the D-Link DGL-4500 and check with my ISP.
Thanks all really helpful~

 

i have a Linksys WRT54G2 and it works flawlessly. Its B/G speeds only but it can be found for $50

microcenter.com