Wireless Router Recommendations Plz....

I'm looking for a good quality wireless router for 1 computer only (an XP tower). I'm trying to sell my house and my agent suggested that I should move my computer out of the 2nd bedroom (house only has 2) to a corner of the living room addition. I have a cable modem jack in the bedroom now and where I want to move the computer is about 35 feet away, on the same floor as the bedroom.

The only names that I recognise when it comes to wireless routers are Linksys, Netgear and Buffalo. I've looked briefly at Newegg but I don't know really understand the info. that is being presented. Is "802.11.a/b/g" etc. the most current and best specification (if not, what is)? In a few months I may add a new Win 7 notebook to my new house (in addition to the tower PC) but I'll cross that road when the time comes.

Last, but not least, my budget is pretty much capped at approx. $60. I want to purchase thru Amazon as I have a $25 gift card that I need to redeem but if Newegg or even eBay has a better price I will consider it.

THANKS FOR LOOKING!:)

Quote:

---

Is "802.11.a/b/g" etc. the most current and best specification (if not, what is)?

---

802.11n would be the latest. 802.11a is 5GHz, so that would mean a dual band router. Some 802.11n devices can also run at 5GHz.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEEE_802.11

Quote:

---

Last, but not least, my budget is pretty much capped at approx. $60. I want to purchase thru Amazon as I have a $25 gift card that I need to redeem but if Newegg or even eBay has a better price I will consider it.

---

Netgear in that price range is junk. The only one i would consider would be the WNDR3700, which is way out of your price range.

Linksys just overhauled their lineup. You might be able to find a WRT310N or WRT320N for a decent price. Linksys just repacked the old hardware into new models, so you're not missing anything.

If you like Buffalo, try the WZR-HP-G300NH. You should be able to find it on Amazon for about $80, so that should be in the ballpark price (60+25 gift card)
http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/wirel...point-reviewed

THANK YOU for the fast reply and suggestions. I found a refurbished Linksys WRT160N at Amazon for $33.95; also a WRT310N (refurb) for $49.99 ($118.48 new from Amazon, $79.99 new from Amazon merchant Overstride). What are the main differences between these models? Should I be especially concerned about getting a refurbished model (I typically shy away from refurbed anything)?

What about the Linksys WRT110N RangePlus-n ($64.99 new @ Amazon) or the WRT120N Wireless-N ($49.98 new @ Amazon)? Gawd, the Linksys model list seems endless! This router will essentially be an "extension cord" for 1 PC (and possibly printer) so I don't really need the latest & greatest.

Btw, I neither like nor dislike Buffalo routers - I just remembered their company name from a year ago when I looked into getting a router (but never did).

Quote:

---

I found a refurbished Linksys WRT160N at Amazon for $33.95; also a WRT310N (refurb) for $49.99 ($118.48 new from Amazon, $79.99 new from Amazon merchant Overstride).

---

I don't like refurbs. You never know what the original problem was or if they even fixed it.

They use different chipsets. The WRT310N is a better model for sure. You can look up reviews on smallnetbuilder.com

The WRT110N and 120N are glorified G router. I wouldn't even consider them as true 802.11n routers. Pass.

In your price range, the Buffalo WZR-HP-G300NH is definitely the best. It goes head-to-head with the Netgear WNDR3700 and the Linksys WRT610N. Did you look at the link I posted?

I have just read a number of not-so-stellar owner reviews for the Linksys WRT110N & WRT120N at Amazon so I'm gonna rule those out. One of the reviewers said that he had problems with the WRT320N and mentioned that he could not wait to get his new Linksys E3000 (to replace the WRT320N).

I searched for "E3000" (no quotes) at the LinksysbyCisco.com wesbsite but found no results. I ultimately Google'd Linksys E3000 and found this Cisco Homestore page for it. I decided to check out the E1000 and found it new at Amazon for $59.82. Lots of rave reviews for the E1000 there so we may have found a winner......... Newegg has 4 "5 Egg" customer reviews for the E1000 link.

The E3000 is the same as the WRT610N. Way out of your price range.

The E1000 is the same as the WRT160N. Like I said, Linksys just repackaged the old hardware into new casing. I wouldn't trust the newegg reviewers, as I'll bet majority of them have no idea what Linksys did. It is not a "new" model per se.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Midknyte

In your price range, the Buffalo WZR-HP-G300NH is definitely the best. It goes head-to-head with the Netgear WNDR3700 and the Linksys WRT610N. Did you look at the link I posted?

---

I just looked at that SmallNetBuilder.com link a minute ago. The Buffalo might indeed be the "best" but the price is a bit high for me at this time. I just found the SNB.com "preview" page for the new Linksys E-series link.

I haven't definitely decided to go with the E1000 at this time but it's a possibility...

Edit: I'm in the process of reading that SNB.com review of the Buffalo G300NH that you recommended but, honestly, it's like dog-paddling in the ocean for me. I am not a tech-idiot but as routers are pretty much new to my world would you mind listing some of the pros & cons of the G300NH vs. the E1000 for me? In "basic" terms if you don't mind. All I do with this computer is connect to the 'net and surf (no porn sites). I don't play any online games and my home is an XBOX-free zone (no other game systems). I don't use my 'puter as a phone either. I don't use Outlook or any other POP-based email. Why is the Buffalo so much "better" than the Linksys? I do want to get the most current technology available and if the E-series Linksys are simply re-packaged WRT*** models than perhaps the Buffalo is the better buy.

1. Range. The G300NH has much better range than the E1000.

2. Bandwidth. Just because you are in range, that doesn't mean you'll get full bandwidth. Even at shorter ranges, the Buffalo will probably have higher bandwidth than the E1000.

3. Gigabit switch. The G300NH has a gigabit switch, bu the E1000 is just fast ethernet. You'll get faster local network file transfers if your computers have gigabit network cards.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Midknyte

3. Gigabit switch. The G300NH has a gigabit switch, bu the E1000 is just fast ethernet. You'll get faster local network file transfers if your computers have gigabit network cards.

---

Could you please clarify what a gigabit switch does? I found this article but my eyes hurt after reading (and re-reading) the first paragraph. Also, aside from taking the case off of my desktop and visually checking is there a way to see if I have a gigabit network card?

I just checked Amazon again for the Buffalo WZR-HP-G300NH and a merchant called "I Need Stuff" has it for $65.99 (plus $6.79 S&H). It is new and the merchant has plenty of good ratings so I may just get it from them. My cost would be $47.48:) shipped after using the $25 gift card.

Gigabit = 1000MBps
Fast Ethernet = 100MBps

Just check device manager and see if it says Gigabit or 1000 on your network adapters

You could also use a system info tool like this:
http://www.gtopala.com/index.html

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Midknyte

Gigabit = 1000MBps
Fast Ethernet = 100MBps

Just check device manager and see if it says Gigabit or 1000 on your network adapters

---

It does!!:D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Midknyte

You could also use a system info tool like this:
http://www.gtopala.com/index.html

---

Thanks - I'll check out System Information for Windows (SIW 2010) tomorrow. I really appreciate all of your help.

For stated budget and store, as long as you do not need a built-in gigabyte switch and settle for 10/100,
Following may be worth consideration,

• ASUS RT-N13U

Cisco-Linksys WRT160N Wireless-N Broadband Router - $59.99 (New)
http://www.amazon.com/Cisco-Linksys-...2793535&sr=1-4

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Shinma

For stated budget and store, as long as you do not need a built-in gigabyte switch and settle for 10/100,

---

I was thinking about what I will actually need in this house (remember, I'm selling it) with cable broadband and a connection speed of 400 Mbps (this number is from my 1394 Connection Status). How would a gigabit router benefit me vs. a fast ethernet? Would a fast ethernet router (100 Mbps) actually slow my current connection down? Is that why Midknyte is recommending a gigabit router? I ran a flash speed test at DSLReports 1 month ago and my down/up speed was 128/695 Kbps.

Btw, someone snapped up that Buffalo G300NH at Amazon for $65.99 (the merchant had only 1) last night. Maybe this is just as well?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SpywareDr

Cisco-Linksys WRT160N Wireless-N Broadband Router - $59.99 (New)
http://www.amazon.com/Cisco-Linksys-...2793535&sr=1-4

---

Since the Cisco-Linksys E1000 is the "replacement" for the WRT160N I would probably go with it and save $0.17 cents (at Amazon - E1000 link) in the process, before my $25 gift card. Why? I just want to go with the "newest" model available, even if it's just a model number change (although the E1000's front panel looks slightly different than the WRT160N).

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Shinma

For stated budget and store, as long as you do not need a built-in gigabyte switch and settle for 10/100,
Following may be worth consideration,

• ASUS RT-N13U

---

Can someone please explain the ASUS RT-N13U's "Universal repeater mode"? This pic is from the ASUS RT-N13U page (the ASUS is just $0.33 cents more than the Linksys WRT160N at Amazon) -

http://usa.asus.com/websites/global/...Q/ezswitch.jpg

ASUS is offering a $20 mail-in rebate (a Prepaid Visa® Card) on the RT-N13U (thanks Newegg!!:D ) so I may have just found my router.......

Newegg ASUS rebate form
http://images10.newegg.com/uploadfil...ay3110ls41.pdf

ASUS Rebate Center page
http://asus.4myrebate.com/customer/default.aspx

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 307WRC

Can someone please explain the ASUS RT-N13U's "Universal repeater mode"? ...

---

Not applicable in your situation.
Since, you intend to use it just as a router.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 307WRC

I was thinking about what I will actually need in this house (remember, I'm selling it) with cable broadband and a connection speed of 400 Mbps (this number is from my 1394 Connection Status)...

---

? 1394 is commonly known as FireWire. Not applicable for wireless router selection.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 307WRC

... How would a gigabit router benefit me vs. a fast ethernet? Would a fast ethernet router (100 Mbps) actually slow my current connection down? Is that why Midknyte is recommending a gigabit router? ...

---

As Midknyte already pointed out,

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Midknyte

... You'll get faster local network file transfers if your computers have gigabit network cards.

---

e.g. You transfer/copy... audio/video/data... files from one system in your home to another system.

As I already said, the E1000 is NOT new hardware. The chipsets are the exact same as the older models. They are just changing the naming scheme.

If it's only a couple $ difference, I would rather have gigabit for future proofing.

I haven't used that particular Asus router, but I still think the Buffalo is a better buy.

Sorry for continually going back to this but I still don't get how a gigabit router will benefit me when my down/up speeds are 128/695 and I only have 1 machine. The E1000 promises "up to 300 Mbps of transfer speed" and they're talking about connecting computer, game consoles and other Wi-Fi devices. Remember, I only have 1 desktop machine and a new laptop is months away, if I ever get one.

I should've jumped on that Buffalo G300NH deal for $65.99 at Amazon when it was available but I just couldn't convince myself to do it. In a (financially) perfect world I would agree wholeheartedly with Midknyte and spend a couple extra $ and get the Buffalo (or some other gigabit model) but now the G300NH is priced at $90 pretty much everywhere. That is a budget breaker, particularly when I don't really need a router at all at this time (I'm selling my 2-bedroom house and I would simply be moving the computer from 1 bedroom - where the cable BB jack is - to a corner in the living room) Someone in my area on Craigslist has a Buffalo WHR-G300N for $50 but that's an ethernet router.

Last, yes I do know that the E1000 is just a name change. That being said, if I do go with Linksys I will get the "newer" E** model over the WRT** model.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 307WRC

... but I still don't get how a gigabit router will benefit me when my down/up speeds are 128/695 and I only have 1 machine...

---

In your described scenario, not a factor.

I found a Linksys WRT54G v8.0 that has been upgraded to DD-WRT v24 SP2 - Build 13064 - Micro (CPU: 240 Mhz; Memory: 8 MB; Flash: 2 MB) on Craigslist Seattle/Tacoma for $28 link.

The seller also has another WRT54G "v2.0", upgraded to DD-WRT v24 SP2 - Build 13064 - Mini (CPU: 200 Mhz; Memory: 16 MB; Flash: 4 MB) for $34. They claim that this router has "Same specs as WRT54GL." I can swing the extra $6 if this is any "better" than the WRT54G v8.0 that they are selling.

I know that maybe I "should" get an N router in order to future-proof my system but is there anything obviously wrong with getting an older, proven G-series from Linksys that has been upgraded to DD-WRT v24 SP2? My budget can easily handle either the v2.0 or v8.0 models that this Craigslist seller has (see above for link).

The 2.0 would be better imo. You have to do some funky stuff with the v5.0+ WRT54Gs to get DDWRT. The 2.0 could also run Tomato, which is a much simpler third party firmware.

http://lifehacker.com/344765/turn-yo...er-with-tomato

Between the two listed,
Ditto to version 2.0