[Lazaredz]

I'm looking into changing my home network over to a wireless. Since I have no clue about such things, I figured I'd ask you all about your opinions, experiances, and suggestions.

So, who's the "best"? Linksys, D-link, Netgear?

Should I go A, G, "Speedboost" G?

While I think that PCI cards are probably better, how do the USB ones do? And while on that why do some USB adapters just look like a thumb drive (D-link) and others are a larger, seperate unit (Linksys).

Thx in advance

[Cartman]

go wireless 802.11 G
(not questions asked, not respond needed)

I have USB adapters, but i prefer my PCI one, dont buy a 14 dollars wireless card, buy a 35 dollars one

buy a linksys router

(these are just my opinions)

[MovingTarget]

Originally Posted by Cartman

go wireless 802.11 G
(not questions asked, not respond needed)

I have USB adapters, but i prefer my PCI one, dont buy a 14 dollars wireless card, buy a 35 dollars one

buy a linksys router

(these are just my opinions)

Hey Cartman.....They have the G with a "Speedboost" also......is that noticibly better than without the "speedbooster" or the difference wouldn't be anough to constitute paying the extra for it?

[MaesterB]

I wouldn't really pay the extra for it.

I had a customer that bought a DLink with the extra speed on it, didn't help him whatsoever. It's all dependent on what channel will work within your environment.

BUT...I definitely agree on the Linksys. I sell Linksys routers/wireless routers/wireless NICs to all my corporate customers. Installation couldn't be easier.

DLink.... Nuff said.

[super_Chris]

I haven't had any trouble with the DLink equipment that I use, but maybe thats just me.

From the way you worded the thread, it sounds like you are moving from wired to wireless, if this is the case don't do it. Wired is a hell of a lot faster, cheaper, and just plain better. If you're adding wireless, well then, carry on and buy a good router.

My personal pick would be the Linksys WRT54G(S).

[Lazaredz]

Yeah, I currently have a Linksys BEFSR41 (like3 years old). Reason I'm thinking of wireless is I'm gonna be moving alot (like every 3 months) and it would be easier setup if I'm not limited by wires. I can just plug in the router/modem wherever and set up my machine as it suits. I'm gonna be using my SFF/LCD for internet, TV, DVD, games, etc. I don't do alot of online gaming (maybe a little UT2K4) but thats about it. My biggest worry is security. I'm probably gonna end up doing alot more online banking/bill pay once I get moving and THAT is the main reason why I stayed with wired so far. Besides, if I can get in on someone ELSES unsecured LAN, well, free internet for a couple of months!!

[super_Chris]

The way I secure my LAN is through MAC Address filtering. It makes it so only you particular MAC Address is allowerd access to your network. Its supposed to be by far the most secure, and easiest, way to do it.

[funkgab]

and use 3rd party drivers with linksys, tends to work better

[Jamsan]

i use a netgear personally, and love it -- as far as securing, i also use mac address filtering... however, if im correct, i think it only disallows people to connect to your network... i think its still possible for people to see what you're doing (i could be wrong)

[bobdolerules2]

I say stay away from the USB adapters. I have had 2 crap out on me so far and they werent cheap ones either.

[Lazaredz]

Originally Posted by bobdolerules2

I say stay away from the USB adapters. I have had 2 crap out on me so far and they werent cheap ones either.

Reason I was thinking about it is because all my slots are taken (min-ATX). Putting a USB adapter in the back would be unobtrusive also. Linksys made one for 11B but I don't see a thumb drive version for 11G.

[bobdolerules2]

Well if you are all out of room I guess you got no choice. I just haven't had good experences with them. I may just be unlucky.

[Lazaredz]

Hey, just thought of something. Is there an adapter like the USB wireless but that plugs into your onboard ethernet? I mean, that would seem like a no-brainer.

[bobdolerules2]

You mean take a ethernet cord from you computer to a little wireless thing. Yes they have those.

[tex]

Originally Posted by Jamsan

i use a netgear personally, and love it -- as far as securing, i also use mac address filtering... however, if im correct, i think it only disallows people to connect to your network... i think its still possible for people to see what you're doing (i could be wrong)

I'm pretty sure your right. I think the trick is WEP + mac filtering. the wep will keep it secure, filtering keeps people off your network.

I have USB adapters, but i prefer my PCI one, dont buy a 14 dollars wireless card, buy a 35 dollars one

I've ran a number of air___ (something) cards (you can get them at fry's - $20 for a wireless G). They work great, and have all been faster than the linksys wireless cards I've tried..
And the speedbooster has something to do with duplex I think, but nonetheless I have seen some decent speed increases (switching from standard 54g to 54g-speedboostered). All depends on what you want to spend. Personally, I ran 802.11b until a few weeks ago, because it was more than fast enough for what I needed.

[Lazaredz]

Originally Posted by bobdolerules2

You mean take a ethernet cord from you computer to a little wireless thing. Yes they have those.

Newegg linky? Cause I can't find any.

[Lazaredz]

Or maybe something like this would do.

[MovingTarget]

what about using WPA with TKIP? Would that be secure enough?...with the MAC filter of course...

[j0k3r]

Originally Posted by MovingTarget

what about using WPA with TKIP? Would that be secure enough?...with the MAC filter of course...

WPA is much better than WEP, but remember any encryption adds quite a bit of overhead to the connection

[MovingTarget]

So since I run with a b router I should prob change it to WEP to help with the connection?.....I guess I could try it and see if it makes much difference.....

Thanks for all the info peeps!