Which wireless router should I buy?

Flobajob

Hi everyone,

I think I need to buy a new wireless router because the one I've got currently doesn't have enough range. At present I am using this (Belkin 802.11g) and the signal my desktop computer receives is often at very low, and every now and then it just disappears completely and I lose my internet connection. I basically want an ADSL router for not much more (and preferably less) than £100 which will give me a better signal.

Incidentally, I have thought about getting a better antenna, but the router won't take a different antenna, and I quite want to be able to use a laptop throughout the house (which I currently can't do as the signal doesn't reach that far), so that isn't the best option. Also, a repeater isn't going to work so well as there is no convenient place to put it between the router and the desktop pc.

I've had a look through the forum and on ebuyer etc, and the best bet seems to be to go for a wireless n router - the problem is that there are so many out there that it is difficult to know which one to choose.

Also, I have read about asking my ISP for one free, but will it be any good? Currently I am with Talktalk.

Thanks in advance for your help,

Michael

penrhyn

If its a desktop why not forget about wireless and use homeplugs.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Max-Value-200Mbps-Home-Double/dp/B001AIKBB4/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1269450328&sr=8-4

JasX

penrhyn wrote: »

If its a desktop why not forget about wireless and use homeplugs.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Max-Value-200Mbps-Home-Double/dp/B001AIKBB4/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1269450328&sr=8-4

Because they cost £70, you'll need one per PC, use electricity and tend to be non-standardised/non-upgradable.

Also OP quite clearly stated a laptop was also involved

For a real MSE solution you could invest 20p odd in one of these:

http://www.pcmech.com/article/extend-your-wi-fi-signal-for-less-than-a-dollar/
http://www.freeantennas.com/projects/template2/

Failing that try and get one from your ISP and see how good it is? you could likely configure it as a repeater too if needs be (is there really NOWHERE you could hide it?)

can you move your existing router to a phone point closer to the PC / somewhere else in the house.

Failing that yes you coudl go wireless N, presumably you'd then nedd to upgrade the wireless receivers in the PC and laptop to wireless N too to get the extended range? otherwise you just have a wireless N capable router operating in 'heritage' wireless G mode

debitcardmayhem

Try inssider and wander inside your large mansion/bungalow/shed and see if the signal is better in some rooms than others. A N-router won't help too much unless your lappy has a N-class wireless card. Check out the channels round about and relative strengths. Download inssider (free) from here <--