Help a computer gadget moron out...

Redbird

Redbird

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Ok, I know enough to be dangerous, but not near as gadget literate as I should/could be.

I need a new wireless router. I've done a little checking but have run into terms I'm unfamiliar with. Like "N router"... "dual band"... several different mbps rates... etc...etc...

I've got one desktop, three laptops, four phones, and may consider linking the Wii in. Somebody tell me what I should be looking for so the Geek at Best Buy doesn't upsell me into the Ferrari of routers.
 
Really, unless you're doing anything special, you should be good with any router that offers wireless function. although nowadays I don't even think you can get a router that's not wireless...do you know what models he is pushing on you, or have you not been in yet? If not, don't worry too much about the best buy employees trying to get the better of you. generally you'll be looking at about ~$60 for a wireless router. Another good option is to check online, like my personal favourite computer website NCIX.com. You can also check places like Newegg.com aswell.
 
Wireless N is the newest version of wireless routers, get it over a G. It has longer range, supports more devices, and is faster (as much as twice the speed). You can pick em up for cheap now too. Do yourself a favor and check wal mart. As much as I hate the store they will kill best buy's price.
 
Don't buy at BestBuy first of all :) Or at least compare the pricing to Newegg.com and other online retailers.

You need an 'N' router but 99.99% of routers on the shelf will support 802.11n (the 'n') as well as a/b/g, the other main flavors of wifi.

Beyond that, all the other bells and whistles like dual-band and various faster rates are dependent on the wireless network card in the other device (the computer, Wii etc.) being compatible with that particular technology. So don't get sucked into the hype.

Having both 2.4 and 5ghz might be a good thing - honestly I'm not sure why.

I have a DIR-655 router in the basement of my 3 story 90 year old brick house. It reaches up to the 2nd floor perfectly (using it now from my home office - full bandwidth) and even to the 3rd floor with less than perfect reliability.

It's an older router but does the trick. Honestly you could get away with a $30 cheap one no problem. How big is the coverage area? Where will the router need to be? Typically it sits beside your 'modem' or whatever device your cable/phone company has sitting in your house. Short ethernet cable connects the modem to the router and then the rest is wireless. You can of course still connect a computer with a wire to the router which will typically have 4-5 ports on the back.

Newegg is a good place to do some looking as they have user reviews. $23, free shipping and lots of solid reviews:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=33-127-288
 
This is mine:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833127215
 
They keep coming out with faster and faster wireless protocols, but you can only connect at whatever speed protocol your wireless device has in it.

Even the slowest wireless protocol is still much faster than the Internet connection, so unless you are transferring large files between wireless devices, it doesn't make a shit of difference.
 
Thanks guys :)
I haven't been anywhere yet, just checking online. I figured I could get away with a "low end" model, considering it's just for the home. For coverage, I'm looking at about a 50' radius. The one I have now (that was apparently phased out in '06) is at the back of the house (1 story) and reaches out to the street. Which is cool because I'd like to eventually have a laptop out in the shop, which is about 20' from the back of the house.
The problems I'm having with the current one is, it's difficult to stay connected with only two laptops and three phones on it. It keeps dropping a phone... usually mine. And with my recent "recovery" debacle, it no longer password protected and I can't find (or download) the driver for it to correct that.

I'll poke around on Newegg and NCIX and see what I can find, and keep Wally World as a last resort. Because, like Kiley, a hate that fucking place.

Thanks again ;)
 
It's been hours, he must have bought the wrong one
 
Nah, I went to bed. 1am comes awful early... usually right after 12:59am ;)
And I need all the beauty sleep I can get :D
 
Most will support a thru N these days. Dual band or dual antenne are good if you have devices with G and others with N. Single band routers will pull the wifi down to G if a G device logs onto it there by slowing down your devices capable of using 802.11n. Try to get your wifi router in a higher location. wifi signals tend to cascade down. imagine if you could physically see the signal it would look like a large umbrella over the router. *pushes up glasses with one finger
 
Get 2 of these if you can. https://www.apple.com/airportexpress/

- Set up one where your broadband comes in.

- Use the Airport software and set up your network.

- Take a wifi device and walk around your house until you see the signal drop.

- Plug the 2nd one in around that spot and use the Airport software to set it up as an "Extended Network".

- Select the first network you set up

And there you have it. That'll create a nice hot spot with good signal all around the house and yard.. * adjusts pocket protector
 
Remember to set up network security once you have it up and running. You don't want all of your neighbors jumping onto you wi-fi. Go with WPA or WPA2, they are the most secure encryptions.
 
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