Which router is best for thick walled house?

Bella_b

Hi everyone,

I wonder if any of the techies can help me..

We currently have a computer connected to the internet via a Thomson ADSL speedtouch modem which was sent to us when we first set up the connection about 5 years ago I guess. It connects to the phoneline via ADSL filters. The ISP is Tiscali (Pipex Homecall).

I also have a laptop which I would prefer to use, as the desktop pc is old and slow and it would enable the pc to be used by other family members.. as they complain they hardly get to use it!!

I would like to get a wireless router so I could use the internet in other rooms in the house, but have been put off before by thinking that the signal would not be very good. We have a quite big Victorian house with thick walls and don't get very good phone reception (most phone networks) anyway. Would this be a contributing factor to the signal for wifi also?

There must be routers that can be used for houses with thick walls!!
Can anyone recommend some? I would like to use the laptop upstairs, we only have 3 phone sockets in the house, 2 downstairs and 1 upstairs. Would that be a problem?

Also, would a normal router be ok, or would I need a router with built in modem? Would my family still be able to use the current modem downstairs without interruption from my equipment upstairs??

What is the actual difference between G and N wireless routers?

I'm thinking about geting a Netgear or Linksys but am open to any suggestions you can give me.

Sorry about all the questions, but I don't have very much experience with wireless routers. I've connected my laptop to wireless networks before when living elsewhere, but it was the router was already set up and had no problems to connect to it. This time I would be setting up my first wireless network.

Many thanks for your help. If you need me to give you further details about my pc set up, please ask.

Bella

macman

N will generally have a better range. You need an ADSL modem/router.
But otherwise why not use Powerline networking to get the signal to the weak spots?

ddoris

I don't think there is any connection between mobile phone signal and a wireless home network, unless you get good phone signals just outside your house.
N is the newer , faster standard for wireless but you may not notice this unless you are streaming video.
A router/modem usually has 4 wired outputs which are used just like your current setup.

Knarf44

I'm sure something like the Netgear DG834G V5 will be sufficient for your needs. It's a wireless or cable modem which can service 4 different computers. It's available at Ebuyer (online store) at £29.99 until Tuesday. I'm pretty sure the walls won't be a problem but if they are consider buying Powerline Adapters.

These use the mains wiring in your house to distribute the broadband signal. You plug the Router to a nearby adapter, then plug the other adapter into a socket in the room where you want to use your laptop. Run an ethernet cable from the adapter to the laptop and hey presto, you have internet. Again at Ebuyer are a pair for £29.99 until Tuesday. They have a 5 star review rating based on 135 reviews so obviously work quite well.

Bella_b

Thanks for your replies. Knarf I saw that offer and that is one of the routers I am considering! Do you have the link for the adapters? I search for them and all I can find is some for 70 quid or more!! Thanks

macman

Those adapters are only 85Mbps ones. If you want to move large amounts of data, such as video files, then you should be looking at 200Mbps ones, which are the current standard.
But for basic networking, 85 Mbps will do the job.
Just bear in mind that they're not backward compatible, so if you expand the network later you are stuck with that speed.

sharkie

you need both a good router AND also a good wifi Ariel on your laptop. Both have to be able to call and listen to each other.

My laptop gets 6 wifi connections (neighbours). However when I put on my usb antenna I get 20+ connections.

I have the older 500mw one of these from ebay and think they are great. you may be able to get away with just one of these without stumping up for a new router. Networkable mains plugs may be another option.

Knarf44

As Macman said, if it's just a basic network you want then the 85Mbps ones will do the job but if you intend to transfer or large files then the more expensive ones will be required.

Netgear also do Adapters, they have a model XAV101 that are 200Mbps for £49.98 from Trustedgoods.com website.

savemoney

Wireless n improved mine, I did spend around £300 in all on router (Draytek) adsl 2 and network cards and long 5db aerials

I also have 2 homeplugs 200Mbps in freesat box, wii, xbox360 and blue-ray player for additional speed

totalsolutions

Get the most powerful "N" router with three aerials from a good brand manufacturer, cheap/discount is not a key option. Buy on sale or return. Take it home and try it for yourself. Only you will know all properties are different. Other than Wi-Fi can you run cat 5 cables around?

Bella_b

Thanks for all your responses. It's been very useful so far to know all the possible options. I don't think it will be a good idea to run cables around, I prefer the idea of wireless. The adapters sound like a good idea but seem a bit pricey.

I'm still a bit unclear about a few things though, I would have to change my current modem for a router/modem right? That would have to be plugged into my desktop pc downstairs and then upstairs I would hopefully be able to use my laptop wirelessly.

If I get a Netgear modem/router.. would I have to get Netgear adapters as well or would another brand be compatible with it as well.. such as Comtrend or Solwise?

Thanks