area123
join:2003-09-24
Nowata, OK
| wireless router for dsl.
I am considering getting a laptop and want to have wireless capability. Can you recommend a wireless router? I have seen several specials on wireless routers but I'm not sure about the terminology (i.e. switch , router, etc). For example I've seen an smc wireless broadband router w/ integrated 3-port switch for $24 (on sale). Also the d-link & belkin wireless routers seem popular but cost about $70 each + the card is about $40. Does the card have to be the same brand as the router? I'd rather just jump in a get a wireless rather than buying a wired router. Also, I don't really care about networking pc's so I think the 10mbps will be fine. I know the difference between g&b, I just want to get one that is proven and will work with dsl. |
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Cybertoad
join:2001-11-08
Houston, TX
| Yes, wireless works just fine with DSL.
That's a darn good price for the SMC. If you can
get a wireless SMC for that, I'd go for it!
D-Link is usually okay but they are somewhat more
complicated to setup and configure than the Linksys
which is incredibly easy to setup.
The router is what controls your internet connection
and acts as the gateway between your local network
and the internet.
The switch is what allows you to have multiple computers
using the same DSL line at the same time. Most routers
have a switch built in with differing amount of ports.
You will need as many ports as you have computers at
home or you'll need to buy a separate hub to uplink to.
The SMC you mentioned above would allow you to have 3
computers connected without having to buy separate
hub hardware.
The wireless card for your laptop does NOT have to be
the same brand as the router as long as they are rated
with the same communication standards. HOWEVER, it's
always a good idea to match like brands just to better
insure full compatibility. |
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razorback6
join:2001-09-06
Sherwood, AR
| reply to area123
i have a LinkSys BEFW11S4 router/wireless access point,
and i run my pc hardwired to it with two other pc's connected via wireless access. i've never had any problems at all, and i do everything including multiplayer gaming.
it's a good solid piece of hardware. get the firmware updates tho.
.
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"a flute with no holes is not a flute." |
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MogX
Kim Jong
Premium
join:2003-03-30
Pearland, TX | reply to area123
I agree, Linksys BEFW11S4 router/wap has been great. |
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Cybertoad
join:2001-11-08
Houston, TX
| said by MogX  :
I agree, Linksys BEFW11S4 router/wap has been great.
As an added bonus, the Linksys BEFW11S4 is very easy
to setup and one of quickest setups for a wireless. |
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prosecutor
Do Your Duty--Be A Juror
Premium
join:2002-11-15
Plano, TX | reply to area123
I have the Linksys, too, and it works well when I can get my DSL to work. It costs a little more than the others, but I think it is considered a higher quality name plate. |
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JasonE
Premium
join:2003-06-15
Florissant, MO
| reply to area123
I currently use a Speedstream 2624, made by Siemens. I really like it so far. The model I have has a built in print server, which is a huge plus for me. I went from a Linksys 4 port router, to this Speedstream wireless. I actually like the old Linksys better, it was a little easier to do "advanced" things like opening ports up, port forwarding, etc. Wireless setup is a breeze though, and the router configuration is handled by a pretty good wizard. The only software I had to install is for the print server. I picked this router up on EBay for a steal, so I really can't complain too much. Overall, 4 out of 5 stars, thumbs up! |
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kmac1
Off in new directions
Premium,VIP
join:2001-06-07
Port Neches, TX
| reply to area123
I'd have to go with the SMC here myself.
SMC7004AWBR - Barricade™ 4-Port 11Mbps Wireless Broadband Router
Tons of features, easy to set up, network print server and a RS232 COM port for dial-up backup.
--
Put your spare CPU cycles to WORK! Join the BBR DC Teams and join in on helping helping find ET or cures for diseases. SETI and Team Helix. Join in on the fun! |
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prosecutor
Do Your Duty--Be A Juror
Premium
join:2002-11-15
Plano, TX
| That SMC sounds nice. And at $24 that's a heck of a price. My Linksys with a wireless card for my laptop was $99 after the rebate.
[text was edited by author 2003-11-04 13:11:54] |
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