i'm thinking of buying a wireless router..but some of the specs are still vague. so i would really appreciate it if you would tell me the important specs and the standards of a good router. :)
2007-05-26 00:49:21 · 6 answers · asked by spicyhamm 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Computer Networking
Most units are 802.11 a, b, and g compatible which is the current standard - and you should have this.
The cheaper home grade units are fairly easy for hackers to crash through. I suggest a better unit than the low cost entry level ones.
The unit must have encryption, a preshared key or password for entry by users, and MAC address validation as MINIMAL safety and security measures.
If you plan to establish VPN connections, the router should be able to host VPN.
Regardless of which unit you buy, be sure to check with the maker's web site for the most recent firmware and upgrade to the latest firmware.
Take time to properly configure the unit. Most use Web based GUI formats which are easy to follow. More sophisticated units also use Command Line to configure which enables you to do more elaborate configuration and troubleshooting but for most household applications the Web GUI format will do well.
I have installed many routers (wired and wireless) for business applications and for home business applications. I stay away from the cheap ones sold at consumer electronic stores. Usually the store clerks have minimal knowledge and often are incorrect. Go to a retailer that sells to the installers and get a better unit. I don't want to endorse or complain about any brand in this forum and will not do so.
2007-05-26 01:52:49 · answer #1 · answered by GTB 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have not said which specs are vague. You have also omitted saying which wireless adapters the router needs to support. Assuming that you will buy anything that is needed:
Find a Linksys or Netgear wireless router that supports 802.11G protocol. 802.11B is older and slow. Wireless N is still coming out. You should spend between $50-$80 for the router. The Linksys WRT54GS is a good choice and widely available.
2007-05-26 01:13:44 · answer #2 · answered by Thomas K 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think specs isn't important in buying a router, rather the protocol they are using. Its like a language to them and if you buy some router that can't communicate with others what is the sense of buying a router.
2007-05-26 01:28:02 · answer #3 · answered by jc 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For your home? Nothing but brand. Linksys or Netgear. NOT belkin. Protocols? budget= combo b/g big money= N
As far as specs - distance is good if you need it. using both b and g will allow backwards compatibility with some older laptops. b is fast enough for internet but not a home network.
As far as standards - look up IEEE 802.11
2007-06-02 09:26:37 · answer #4 · answered by jarrod d 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to these links:
http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1166859512401&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper&lid=1240176789B05
http://www.netgear.com/Products/RoutersandGateways/RangeMaxNEXTWirelessRoutersandGateways.aspx
Get the latest: 802.11n. Also, you did not specify where are you going to use this. SImply put - the faster the better, go for high wireless encryption for secure data transfer, etc.....
2007-05-30 05:58:50 · answer #5 · answered by mmrtnz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any Linksys brand is good. It also allows plug-ins for ethernet cables so you can have both wireless and non-wireless.
2007-06-02 13:24:19 · answer #6 · answered by blondie0016 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋