Wireless Router question

[SiLvErLIgHT06]

I'm a complete idiot when it comes to computers. i just purchased a new laptop from dell, now i need a wireless router to connect to the internet. I have Verizon DSL and the modem is connected to my desktop. Which routers do you guys recommend. I really don't want to spend over 65 bucks. Also, how could i make it a secure connection? Meaning nobody would be able to pick up signal from my router. Any help is appreciated. Thank you!

[FijiDeez]

http://www.amazon.com/Linksys-WRT54G.../dp/B00007KDVI

Money.

[e60.deluxe]

dont get the WRT54G.

http://www.amazon.com/Linksys-Cisco-...3212030&sr=1-3

ill be glad to tell you how to set it all up after you bring one home as it varies.

[BigT]

I've heard that the Linksys shown by e60 is the best. I recently purchased one on sale from Best Buy. It came with a setup disk which walked me though installing and setting it up. Setting up security was one of the steps and was very easy.

Also, the setup program gave me several options for which type of security to use. I talked to a friend of mine who works for a company as their IT/Networking person and he said to use WPA2 security. Just one opinion (I'm sure other people will have different opinions).

[SiAzul]

I have a question, how far do these routers signal reach? If I hook one up in my house will my laptops internet work if im outside? or is there any way or product to increase the distance?

thanks

[phantazma]

Originally Posted by e60.deluxe

dont get the WRT54G.

http://www.amazon.com/Linksys-Cisco-...3212030&sr=1-3

ill be glad to tell you how to set it all up after you bring one home as it varies.

Actually the Linksys WRT54g is pretty good. You can hack it so that it runs a Linux kernel (DD-WRT) and adds hundreds of more settings. You can also turn it into a wireless card for the Xbox 360, which I have done.

Most routers comes with a CD and instructions how to secure the wireless. It's not hard at all.

[e60.deluxe]

Originally Posted by phantazma

Actually the Linksys WRT54g is pretty good. You can hack it so that it runs a Linux kernel (DD-WRT) and adds hundreds of more settings. You can also turn it into a wireless card for the Xbox 360, which I have done.

Most routers comes with a CD and instructions how to secure the wireless. It's not hard at all.

the problem is those guys at linksys are being unethical. they changed the name of the WRT54G to the WRT54GL and then they took the WRT54G, cut the RAM in half and switched from a Linux based firmware to VxWorks which results in a much crappier router than before. take a look at the bottom of your router, i bet its Version 1-4. all the ones being sold in the last 2 years are V5.

V1-V4 WRT54G = WRT54GL = A+.
V5 WRT54G = piece of shit.

[phantazma]

Linksys did remove some memory and reduced clock speeds to save money, but for $30, it's worth it. I trust anything that has Cisco on it. The only problem I had on mine was that I had to set the security to WEP for my laptop to work. I got a crappy wireless card in my Dell. WPA is a whole lot better if you're able to use it.

[e60.deluxe]

the clock speed is the same as V4 and GL. the problem is the VxWorks is a buggy piece of shit OS that doesnt want to work properly half the time. if you have DD-WRT you have the Linux based OS.

[FijiDeez]

Originally Posted by e60.deluxe

the problem is those guys at linksys are being unethical. they changed the name of the WRT54G to the WRT54GL and then they took the WRT54G, cut the RAM in half and switched from a Linux based firmware to VxWorks which results in a much crappier router than before. take a look at the bottom of your router, i bet its Version 1-4. all the ones being sold in the last 2 years are V5.

V1-V4 WRT54G = WRT54GL = A+.
V5 WRT54G = piece of shit.

Good catch e60. I haven't read up much on them since mine is golden. I have a V4, must have been right before the switch over.

[BigT]

Mine says V8. *shrugs*. It has worked ok for me, but I don't have anything to compare it to.

[e60.deluxe]

Originally Posted by BigT

Mine says V8. *shrugs*. It has worked ok for me, but I don't have anything to compare it to.

i didnt realize they had updated since V5. a quick search shows that its the same hardware and VxWorks but just updates. probably just got the bugs out.

[Wakeboarder11]

i perfer linksys and dlink routers, but if you dont know much about computers id get linksys due to the fact that they are MUCH easier to set up because they have a setup cd for the router that comes with the router itself

[skiz]

Originally Posted by e60.deluxe

the problem is those guys at linksys are being unethical. they changed the name of the WRT54G to the WRT54GL and then they took the WRT54G, cut the RAM in half and switched from a Linux based firmware to VxWorks which results in a much crappier router than before. take a look at the bottom of your router, i bet its Version 1-4. all the ones being sold in the last 2 years are V5.

V1-V4 WRT54G = WRT54GL = A+.
V5 WRT54G = piece of shit.

[Gregwire]

This is the way I set mine up.

I first had to hardwire it into my computer and internet. It will then set itself up automatically. Then I logged on via the hardwire to change the security settings in the router. Once it was all set up, I was able to unplug my laptop, use the code and login wirelessly.

The settings for the routers firmware are accessed via the "default gateway".

Step 1: Find this number,
To find it (on a PC) go to Start->run ->type "CMD" and ok
you will get a black dos prompt screen. type "ipconfig" and hit enter.

This will give you a pile of useful network connection information, including your default gateway.

Type this number into the URL of any internet browser (including all the decimals). This will open an options window that would look just like a website. In here, you can set your wireless range, turn on/off a password, restrict all users with individual acceptions ...

hope this helps! and I didn't confuse anyone too much. This usually works for me, but it might not for some types of routers.

by the way, I've got a WT54GC ...which is the 2.4 Ghz linksys router in a "compact" version. It looks cool, heats up, often kicks out but only cost $20 bucks!

...and once you get it working....and if it has the occasional kick out. Just unplug it for 30 seconds and then plug it back in. 90% of the time, it will solve any problems.

[Spud387]

I currently have the WRT54GL hacked running DD_WRT firmware.

Personally if you stick with an off the shelf linksys or d-link you really can't go wrong. So find which ever is a good price, try to avoid compact models (ones without antennas) for better range.

One thing you didn't mention is if the wireless card in your laptop is Draft-N or wireless G.

[GameTraveler]

Originally Posted by SiLvErLIgHT06

I'm a complete idiot when it comes to computers. i just purchased a new laptop from dell, now i need a wireless router to connect to the internet. I have Verizon DSL and the modem is connected to my desktop. Which routers do you guys recommend. I really don't want to spend over 65 bucks. Also, how could i make it a secure connection? Meaning nobody would be able to pick up signal from my router. Any help is appreciated. Thank you!

Well, it doesn't matter the brand you eventually get. The chipset that the routers (more than 20 brands) are based upon only a few actual chipset manufacturers (less than 5, I think, like Marvell and Atheros).

First, I'd suggest getting the router at someplace like Fry's Electronics or someplace that has a good return policy. Best Buy's return policy may or may not have a restocking fee. I don't remember, but check the fine print.

Second, buy one that supports the version of wireless that you have. You can search for all the reviews and comparisons until your eyes bleed. It may save you time and money to read up on the technology first. Also, buying a cheap wireless acces point/router that supports A or B won't be of much value, if you're laptop supports G.

Brands should matter little in comparison to features and price. Cisco today is not the Cisco that it used to be when it was the sh*t. And before Cisco bought Linksys, Linksys didn't have a spotless reputation.

Third, your security after you plug it in:

• Change the SSID from the default--you'd be surprised how many default named wireless routers are out there.
• Change the password--and don't forget it, or else keep a ball point pen or paper clip handy nearby :)
• Use Wireless Pre-Shared Key for both the router and your laptop--not all devices support WPA2-PSK.
• If you get more adventurous, then enable the MAC Address access list. Otherwise, you're done!

Oh, and when you buy that router, buy a spare cat5/network cable (don't let the salesman oversell the cable to you, at the small distance, the cable type of Cat 5 or Cat 6 will make little difference). Preferably buying the cable from Fry's Electronics as well, since BB and other retail stores will have the overpriced Belkin or other brand--With cable at $.05 a foot and $.14 per RJ45 plug, you could get yourself lunch with the over priced difference.

Some routers may or may not include an extra network cable in the box, and you'll need one to connect your desktop to it.

YMMV

[APupNamedSmokey]

For a person like that doesn't know alot about computers you should just go for something simple. Anything that comes with a helpful setup CD is good. And I'm sure that those CDs have tutorials on how to setup your wireless security. Whatever you do though, don't get something just because you hear its the best, or because you can hack it to be something better lol. If you want good quality instead of easy setup then do your own research and look at reviews.

www.cnet.com, www.newegg.com, www.tomshardware.com - these are sites that give good reviews for all kinds of products.