need help on buying a router

hi all,

i have a HP notebook model nx8220 pv-203pa. it has wireless dual band a/b/g. i also have a motorola sb4200 surfboard modem, as well as a computer with gigabit lan.

i am looking to puchase a router, but have no clue as what to buy? I am looking for the fastest possible router for less than 150 australian dollars, and that has good signal strength. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

With your current card, it'll only work upto 54Mbits/s. The 108Mbits/s routers will not give you the performance boost since your card doesn't support this technology. Therefore, any wireless router would work fine. From some performance tests I've seen, Belkin was rated as the fastest, but that was a while ago and don't know about now. I personally use an SMC wireless router and it works fine for my needs.

-Vb-

 

There are a lot of brands you can choose from, and for you you should just focus on those that provide the G-band. Forget about MIMO, it is expensive and you need to buy a pc-card. there are linksys, SMC, Belkin, it is all up to you. linksys is popular, (but according to some reports also the slowest), but i am not sure about the other brands.

 

And I like Netgear. It really won't mkae much difference though.

 

Head over to SlickDeals and FatWallet. There is usually a router deal over there somewhere.

 

Yeah go with netgear, i have a linksys router and it has been bad lately.

 

thankyou everyone for your suggestions. i have heard that the 2.4ghz routers can get interference from microwave ovens. Is that common place, and how far from the microwave would be affected? If this is a serious problem, should i steer clear of 2.4ghz routers?

also, i have noticed that some routers have two aerials. is this a significant advantage in signal strength and distance?

 

Yep, Netgear all the way!
I find the best value ones are...

-Netgear DG834G(54g) or even the DG834GT(108g)
Both do the same job, DSL modem, router, switch, and firewall all in one.

-Netgear WGT624 (108g)
Great price, and if you ever need to expand to 108mbps its already there and ready for you connect. Plus it even beats the linksys with speedboost. And it even has a range extender.

***NB Picture was taken from www.netgear.com

 

But the netgear router is twice the the speed of the linksys shown in that chart. Linksys would be a little faster but not as much as 108mbps. Besides, you would only need 56mbps in a home which is more than enough.

 

LOL nick i think you meant 54mbps there. Unless the Linksys comes with 56mbps. I think you were thinking of the dial up modem 56K LOL *thumbs UP*

Sorry didnt know the linksys was only 54 thought that it was 108 as well. ah well

 

Can you stop critizing me. I had a typo, its not funny. You posted inaccurate info to, lol. Read one of my guides which will explain more. Others know i do not tolerate stuff well, when i get critized.

 

Yo Nick Settle my friend!
no need to take things to heart.

 

Im sorry, i truly am. Very long day. Firealarm went off twice becuase of malfuntioning and it was a big hassle getting out of that school with 2500 kids at once. Plus i get up at 5 every morning and i get tired. Im dedicated to NBR and try to help as much as i can especially in wireless. No hard feelings I am constantly working on wireless and i enjoy answering questions. Right know im making my 3rd guide which might be available tonight.

 

Ok, while they fight it out, I'm gonna give you the RIGHT advice. D-Link makes a REALLY nice, well-featured A/B/G wireless router that you can get for US$75. It's called the DI-784, and it's fast, with lots of nice bells and whistles in the router configuration itself. it's also a lot faster than my old Linksys WRT-54G, and I think the antenna is even detachable.

I've had such good luck with D-Link they're all I'll buy anymore.

 

We are not fighting, we have worked things out and we are friends. Linksys, Netgear, and D-Link are my top pick. Even though i have a linksys, my next router will be a netgear. A little advice is that Linksys has a more complicated set up. But all routers have at least some problems, but not major

 

the di-784 looks great but it costs $300 (australian dollars), which is about $US225?? any ideas on why the price differs so much?


Price from:

http://www.centrecom.com.au/catalog...=14566&ccsid=e2fa7b79a5962a8125c7b862cfa5f386

 

That's nuts...I can get them for US$80 from www.newegg.com

 

yep..its crazy...how about you Xplodin?? i also live in melbourne. do you, or anyone else, know anywhere that i can buy the di-784 for cheap...preferably close to Glen Waverley (south-eastern suburbs)??

 

Yeah i run a computer shop, and the D-Link is expensive because its a triband Meaning it does all 3 bands. Unless you are using A, i wouldnt bother with that router. I'm selling that router for $320 Delivered to your door.

Since you'r running cable, I'd recommend the Netgear WGT624 108g. Currently you can get them for $115 which is the best price i've seen around. Try CPL, I think they are in Notting Hill so that's not to far for you.

 

thanks xplodin...i realise that its triband, but how come its so cheap in america compared to australia?

Anyone have any other recommended models? Preferably with 2.4ghz and 5ghz if that is possible, since i'd hate to have interference like i do with my wireless keyboard.

I don't mind which band, as long as its at least 54mbps....and compatible with my intel a/b/g on my laptop.

Thanks all for your help so far.

 

Hi jeff, again..

Netgear WGU624 is another good one. Not sure how much that is but Heard its pretty good.

Good luck finding one!!!

 

wgu624 is great! its got both frequencies and is only $aud185. Do you know where i can get it for cheaper?


also, i've found the Belkin F6D3230au4. THe website is

http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProd...rking/WirelessNetworking/DualBand...tworking/

Which one do you think is better? THe belkin isnt sold at as many stores, but is around $aud180 as well.

 

The Netgear!

 

netgear it is then.....so, i just want to confirm that the dual band capabilities will be compatible with my laptop with a

Intel® PRO/Wireless 2915ABG Network Connection (Tri-mode 802.11a/b/g)

Will it be compatible?

 

Agreed. I have a Netgear wireless G router, never had a problem!! Definitely recommended!

 

Yep, 100% capible!