How do I select the correct wireless router for me?

Question

I have a home PC w/ a cable modem & a laptop that my wife uses for work. We'd like to be able to set her up to work wireless, but still maintain security from wardriving, security breaches, etc.

Answer 1

As all the major brands (Netgear, Linksys, D-Link) use the same type of security (WEP) none are any more secure that the others. And there is no major difference in how they set up and operate. So pick by price if you can find a deal on one.

What you DO want to do to maintance security is be sure that when you set it up, you change the ID and password for the admin account, change the IP address for the router to something besides the default 192.168.0.1, and set up a WEP password. This will make it difficult for anyone to hack in.

Finally, consider turning off DCHP and using static IP addresses. This will prevent any PC except one you have given permission from being able to access your router.

These work equally as well with any brand of router.

Answer 2

Most wireless routers today are very easy to security enable and with a simple password you can control who gets onto your network. It all happens at the set up phase so you only need to do it once. Your wife's laptop will remember the security settings for future use.

My main advice is go to Best Buy and be careful to tell them how big your house is. You'll need a router that covers all the areas of your house where you need coverage. My main mistake the first time was to go for the $49.99 option and find that it only worked in a % of the house.

If you live in an older house with thicker walls you might need to buy repeaters.

Anyway, good luck - wireless connectivity in the home is awesome.

Answer 3

Routers
An essential element in networked office systems are routers. Routers are very similar to hubs in that they allow connections of shared communication between different computer equipment. Computers attached to the shared routers can access the same printers, files, or an internet connection. In addition, network routers add a layer of protection from malicious programs.

Answer 4

I have a linksys, and never had any problems, with it. I run an older computer, upstairs, from my new one, downstairs. It goes about fifty feet, through two solid walls, and a ceiling. Take a look at some of there products..-->
http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C1&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1115416939789&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper

Answer 5

You can use U.S Robotics wireless router. it is good in working, i have checked, i also tried D-Link, but D-Link some time breaks connection unexpectedly