Networking & wireless: Wireless G - Linksys vs Netgear vs DLink
802.11g is overrated...
by - 10/14/05 8:22 AM In reply to: Wireless G - Linksys vs Netgear vs DLink by cgsauerIf you have multiple computers, and routinely copy very large files between them, then 802.11g is probably a good investment.
It's important to keep in mind, however, that if you're only using it to access the internet, chances are your internet connection is going to be slow enough that you won't notice a difference between B and G.
From my experience, if you don't absolutely need G, disabling it and sticking with B often results in a more reliable connection (and a cheaper one if you just buy B equipment).
I use B at home (for reliability and range). I rarely need to copy large files between my desktop and my laptop, and when I do, my laptop is usually in its dock, where it has a wired connection.
As for brands... I do think it matters. I've found Linksys acceptable for home use, but for offices (or serious home users with multiple computers) I've found that the configuration options offered on many of the Linksys routers leave something to be desired, especially if you have 3 or 4 different computers that you want to be able to access via Remote Desktop while you are out. I'm also not to keen on the way the antennas are connected to the Linksys PCI cards... they screw on, but the connector they screw on to is just press-fit into the card, and pulls right out with even a tiny bit of leverage (and the antenna provides quite a bit of leverage).
My best experience to date has been with D-Link equipment. I'm using a DI-614+ (802.11b) at home, and I recently set up an office with the 802.11g equivalent. So far I have never had any problems, and I am happy with the configuration options that the D-Link firmware supports.
One thing I will say, however, is regardless of what brand you purchase, the firmware on almost all of them is out of date right out of the box, so the first thing you should do is get on-line and update the firmware.
Also, it's a good idea to back up the settings after you get the wireless router configured -- I know a number of people who lost the password and had to reset their router, which not only resets the password but also all of the settings. It's handy to have a backup file on hand that you can restore, so you don't have to re-do all of the settings if you have to reset the router.
Hope this helps!
Linksys is my favorite
by raffles88 - 10/14/05 10:34 AM In reply to: Wireless G - Linksys vs Netgear vs DLink by cgsauerWell, I can't be ojective because Linksys is the only router for both wired and wireless that I have used. I've been very happy with it. I did have some trouble connecting my wireless router to my notebook but after 3 phone calls the last customer representative I got was so helpful and patient in helping me get my wireless connected and the wireless security. Overall, whenever I've had to call Linksys whether asking for information or trying to correct a problem (very, very few) I have been very pleased with their customer service. If the customer service is outstanding overall, I feel confident in buying their products.
The real key to the range question is...
by johnbiest - 10/14/05 11:40 AM In reply to: Wireless G - Linksys vs Netgear vs DLink by cgsauerIf range is your issue, there is one thing you MUST look for - an antenna that you can unscrew and replace with something bigger and better. These are not as common as one would hope, though. I know Hawking routers use them. (Hawking also makes good high-gain antennas.)
I've got a pretty large collection of wireless routers - Belkin, Netgear, Motorola, Hawking - and they are all pretty much the same. Move 2 or 3 rooms away from the router, and you start to have trouble with the signal. But put a high-gain desktop antenna on the Hawking, and those troubles are over.
One thing you might look into, since you have so many computers, is a bridge (I posted this question on CNET a while back). Belkin's G and G-plus routers/access points are cheap, and they have a simple, built-in bridging function (using 2 Belkin products), allowing you to wirelessly bridge 2 wired networks together. For some reason known only to marketers, buying two routers is often cheaper than buying one "gaming adapter" (bridge) that would do the same thing.
All good & all have problems
by Daggyboy - 10/14/05 2:43 PM In reply to: Wireless G - Linksys vs Netgear vs DLink by cgsauerI have worked with various makes & models and find where one works ideally in one situation, it is not so good in another.
No one brand seemed to stand out.
One reason maybe that there are many other surrounding influences that effect the wireless signal. These range from cordless phones & other electronic gear in close proximity, through the structure of the building (glass, concrete, steel) and include what the neighbour's using.
Simply, the more central the access point can be mounted (away from other electronic gear) the better it will communicate and brand seems to have little bearing.
What difference brand does make is user-friendliness. Where some Linksys units are a nightmare to setup properly other systems like the Zyxel are very easy.
Previous advice has suggested to use gear of the same brand - although this can be a good idea I have not found it to be essential.
Summary - go for a good price with good (preferably local) helpdesk support.
(NT) Hi
by ycnan - 10/15/05 2:59 PM In reply to: Wireless G - Linksys vs Netgear vs DLink by cgsauerI have the G 108 wireless router and desktop adapters...and I think you should go for the 108 mpbs, I think you will need it..I have 3 computers and sometimes the one at the far end of the house can get a weak signal, but then if it were moved closer to the door it would probably have a better signal...This doesnt happen all the time, just occasionally, but still I would suggest the 108mbps...By the way, mine is a dlink..G108...
Which wireless router should I use?
by mramazing - 10/19/05 5:02 PM In reply to: Wireless G - Linksys vs Netgear vs DLink by cgsauerWhen making decisions about products, you most generally have to read about the features and understand what they are all about. Once you know what you want, then it is easier to find and buy the product that fits your style. How fast is fast enough? How much of a power drain am I going to put on these 4 computers when having all of them on at once? Does it matter?
At the end of the day
by artek-studio - 10/26/05 9:30 PM In reply to: Wireless G - Linksys vs Netgear vs DLink by cgsauerWhether you choose Linksys, Netgear or any other brand, the best advice is to buy both the router and the adapter from the same brand and series.
Also on my opinion I shall go with Linksys or Netgear, I have a Linksys router at home and It's awesome, eventhough I've heard that Netgear has an slightly better signal so that can be seen as farther range.
So choose the flavor brand you like the most but if you really want long range try using a G router with replaceable anntenas and replace 1 of the original antennas with an external omni-directional, that would increase a lot the signal reach.
Also check other brands even as someone mentioned in here i've heard that Hawking sells adapters and routers that can beat any other brand on long distances.
http://www.hawkingtech.com/products/index.php
Hopes that this might help.
Regards
Jorge R.
Mexico City
Need Wireless Router for new Dell Notebook
by kastrup2 - 3/2/06 6:55 PM In reply to: At the end of the day by artek-studioI just ordered a new Dell notebook which I should be receiving in about a week or so. It has built-in Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 802.11a/g Mini adapter.
I'm leaning towards getting a Netgear Router but would also consider a Linksys. I'm currently on a Linksys wired Router BEFSR41 (about 4 or 5 years old).
Any particular model I should get?
Thanks,
Charlie
GREEN Create New Discussion Button
by linkit - 3/2/06 7:59 PM In reply to: Need Wireless Router for new Dell Notebook by kastrup2Lots of answers in this forum. Friendly tip: you will have better results if you create a new discussion, rather than burying it within an old one.
BTW, congratulations on the new notebook!
Why not trying an A/G wireless router
by artek-studio - 3/4/06 9:35 AM In reply to: Need Wireless Router for new Dell Notebook by kastrup2You can try an A/G wireless router from linksys or netgear, they both have different models which includes an A and G radio, so you can use both radios depending on the interference for each band.
I shall recommend the following.
Netgear
http://www.netgear.com/products/details/WGU624.php
Linksys
http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1115416826028&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper
Both offer triband A, B and G so you can get the best of all worlds.
Regards
Jorge Robles
Mexico City
Ditch router get powerline networking
by Earth911 - 12/24/05 4:44 AM In reply to: Wireless G - Linksys vs Netgear vs DLink by cgsauerNetgear or Bellsouth,HERE http://help.bellsouth.net/bellsouth/asp/contentview.asp?fromshortcut=true&sprt_cid=4e6a9b2d-0b7b-4a12-94c6-5e8c583aba24&sprt_version=13&sprt_ct=7b21698e-dfa0-468b-9ec2-e3d59b543e1f&sprt_fid=af7f3f6c-aa20-4e6e-9aef-3ae1565412cf&sp rt_status=pu&sprt_keywords=Powerline%20Networking,%20Power%20Line,%20Powerline&sprt_desc=Powerline%20networking%20uses%20the%20existing%20electrical%20wires%20of%20a%20home%20or%20building%20as%20the%20means%20to%20network%20DSL%20and%20compu ters.&sprt_owner=mjones&sprt_author=lcarlock&sprt_exptype=none&sprt_lang=en&sprt_retired=0&sprt_audience=uk&sprt_uinfo_inserted=true&sprt_qsession=7da2a605-0f79-449e-9fb2-23e9a0efc6e3&sprt_lastmod=2005-10-07T03:19: 53.117+00:00&sprt_dispstatus=Published&sprt_dispct=How%20To&sprt_ctattr=0
Nice
by Mike Rafferty - 12/24/05 6:32 AM In reply to: Ditch router get powerline networking by Earth911Very nice post!!
both the same
by jeffreydon - 5/19/06 11:33 AM In reply to: Wireless G - Linksys vs Netgear vs DLink by cgsaueri have worked with both Linksys and Netgear routers.
honestly, they both work the same.
i really don't see or notice any performance differences.
but if you get either brand, make sure the wireless router and wireless card are the same brand.
i have a 3 computers in my house.
i have a netgear firewall router, on my laptop, i have linksys wireless card
for some reason, when i use wep encryption, the laptop can connect to the access point, but can connect to the internet, so i have to turn off the encryption.
but i use acl to prevent my neighbors jumping on my wireless network.
as far as is if 108mpbs is neccessary, it's not neccessary neccessary, but if you like speed and don't like waiting, then you should got with the G router.
:Linkys vx d-link
by Patience9 - 1/7/07 10:02 AM In reply to: Wireless G - Linksys vs Netgear vs DLink by cgsauerafter my one call to D-Link support, I wouldnt' even allow them in my house.
Routers
by phantomsoul - 8/6/07 11:24 AM In reply to: Wireless G - Linksys vs Netgear vs DLink by cgsauerLinksys is probably the best brand, but will also probably cost the most as compared to routers from the other brands with similar feature sets.
Also, from my experiences and the experiences of many I've talked to and read about, DLink routers appear to have some unresolved issues with stability -- nothing major, but the little bumps and burps you start to notice in them over time start to get annoying after a while. However, the flip side is that they also usually sell for less than their Linksys counterparts -- so at the end of the day, I guess you get what you pay for.
As for the N-type network, let's first remember that the N specification has not yet been completed by IEEE and the N routers are actually N-draft, meaning the final specification is subject to change, and if it changes enough, it could render the draft-spec routers obsolete. Also, its my understanding that unless you transfer large amounts of information over a short range (we're talking gigabytes at a time within line of sight to maybe 50 feet), you really don't notice much of an improvement between an N connection and a G connection. The bottom line: if you have to ask why go N, you don't need it. The G network will do fine.
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