Which wireless router is good for DSL? Difference between brands?

[gtr]

Newbie with routers here. Which model is inexpensive and effective. Where to buy? Is there difference between wireless network card?

My question is that if i put a wireless router in my living room would it work all over the house? Upstairs? I think the dsl is only 768k so most wireless network card is good for 11 mbs right?

thanks in advance!

[BipolarBill]

http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=423942/blsrt=1/ut=18a04c6a7a7d6b10/

[gtr]

What's the purpose to wireless access point? I see tiger direct has a Dlink ti614 for $139. And it's 22mbps. Is that compatable to 11mbps?

thanks for all your help, BipolarBill!

[BipolarBill]

Originally posted by gtr
What's the purpose to wireless access point? I see tiger direct has a Dlink ti614 for $139. And it's 22mbps. Is that compatable to 11mbps?! A wireless access point is the wireless router itself. The fastest data transfer rate is currently 11Mbs. I have no idea what D-Link is claiming unless it's simply full-duplex (11 up and 11 down simultaneously).

[Midknyte]

A wireless access point acts kinda like a hub would in a wired network. 11mb is the max. They're playing with the numbers, just like Bill said.

You can get either a wireless access point alone, or you can get it as a combo with a router. I've used Linksys, but i can't speak for the other brands. The Linksys WAP11 and a separate router will give you more flexibility than their combo. the WAP11 can also be used as a wireless bridge. the combo can't. :(

I use Linksys parts since they are reasonably priced and they work. I've used DLink and Netgear, but still think Linksys is the best bang for the buck. 3Com and Cisco are professional grade, but your wallet will be way lighter if you get those. :)

[gtr]

SO i have a dsl line coming in would i need a wireless router and an access point for more than one computer to work?

[BipolarBill]

If you have a DSL router now, you only need an access point. If you have neither, a router is recommended.

The new 802.11b spec is fueled by a Texas Instrument chip which runs at 22Mbs (explaining the D-Link - blink and you're left behind!).

http://www.80211-planet.com/reviews/AP/article/0%2C4000%2C10649_1369521%2C00.html

[gtr]

I don't have a router so would buying a wireless router acts like both a hub and router? I have two computers at home and one dsl modem. What would i need?

1 wireless router and 2 wireless nt card.
or
1 wireless router, 1 access point, 2 wireless nt card.

I'm just a little comfused that wireless meant you can use whatever many computers unlike for example a 8 user hub? Or is the wireless limited to amount of users? I know at school it's like an infinate amout of users as long as your in the building

[BipolarBill]

Since one PC is likely near the DSL source, only one PC needs to be wireless. Don't look at wireless as being a cure-all - it's not meant to replace standard Ethernet. Leave the main PC cabled.

Now, you can get a wireless access point that the main CAT5 cable passes through and a wireless NIC for the other PC. Frankly, I like the idea of a wireless router. Let's say that you want another PC right next to that one. With a router, you can use cable. With an access point, you must go wireless.

[PuterTutor]

Gtr-

Unless you can set up two ranges of IP addresses, you will only be able to hook up to 256 computers at a time. This is because the standard IP address is xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx where xxx is a number between 0 and 255. The normal range for a home network is 192.168.0.xxx. Hope that explains that some, and I doubt you'll have more that 256 computers in there at once, so you should be ok.

[PuterTutor]

Bill,

I like the idea of a wireless router myself, but am concerned about the security. What is to stop someone else with a laptop and a wireless nic from gaining access to my network?

[BipolarBill]

Originally posted by PuterTutor
I like the idea of a wireless router myself, but am concerned about the security. What is to stop someone else with a laptop and a wireless nic from gaining access to my network? The Wireless system can be set up to use 128-bit encryption and you can limit IPs. Don't sweat that. ;)

[BipolarBill]

Originally posted by PuterTutor
you will only be able to hook up to 256 computers at a timeIs that all? Man - that just ruins my day! :(

:p

[PuterTutor]

I know me too, but I guess the wife will just have to go without:D

[Midknyte]

You could only hook up 253 computers max. 0 and 255 cannot be used for host IPs. 1 IP is required for the router itself, leaving you with 253 possible Host IPs.

Activating WEP security does slow down your connection a bit. Also change your default channel (usually 6) to something else.

I didn't know about that 22mbps wireless. It seems too little to late, though. you gotta buy the new WAP plus new wireless nics too. If it worked with the older 802.11b cards, then it might be worth it. If you gotta buy new hardware, the 54mbps wireless (802.11a) is already out.

http://www.linksys.com/Products/product.asp?grid=22&prid=428