What 802.11G router/AP and PCI adapter should I get?

[DaveH]

I bought a Thinkpad T42 with built in B/G wireless (annoyingly, I couldn't customize the model I wanted to have A/B/G without getting both mini-PCI cards). I'm currently using a Netgear wireless router with 802.11a and D-Link PCI wireless adapters for the other two notebooks in the house.

I'd like to add 802.11g wireless to the WLAN without spending too much, is it enough to just buy an access point? Any recommended brands/models? Also, is the G standard backwards compatible with A (I'm pretty sure it is with B)? The other two notebooks can stay on A if possible....

[DaveH]

To simplify...

I want it to work.
I want it to be braindead simple.
I want it to be inexpensive.

I don't really need security or any advanced features. I just need to know if it'll plug into my current LAN and work out of the box.

[Flightvector]

Well g is not backwards compatible with anything per se, we are definitely not talking about g as a replacement over a, they are very different standards. Also, the g band is not a newer standard in the standpoint of technology than the a band, it is merely a cheaper and more compatible a-like solution for home users. They simply decided to apply some a features into the b standard.

Almost every home-consumer router that is for the g band will also be able to manage b band connections. g and b differ from eachother primarily in total bandwidth via OFDM but are easily compatible due to the same frequency ranges. a has the same bandwidth capability as g, but runs on the 5.8Ghz band (as opposed to 2.4GHz) and for this reason offers great penetration, low interference, but also at the cost of maximum range (but it does hold up at high bandwidth for longer distances).

I am not sure if you would see any benefit with the g since it is a less robust standard in my opinion, unless the maximum range is a major factor. If you are fine with distance, then a is much better for its use of the 5.8GHz band, where cordless phones and microwaves cannot degrade performance and close walls are easy to penetrate.

APs and routers that are a/g or a/g/b are more expensive than the IBM a/b/g miniPCI card itself due to the need of modulating two separate frequencies. I myself want to move to a (unless n comes first) from g because of telephone interference. I say you are better off sticking with a for these reasons. It definitely seems like the more in-place and commercial-duty standard.

Sorry for the confusing letters

[sktn77a]

Of the curently available standards, a has the advantage it's less common (therefore less potential for interfering networks) but has less range than b/g. Some people say it's faster too, despite the same spec as g. I have a DLink 784 a/b/g router which seems to work well and was only $120 from NewEgg.

[DaveH]

Sorry for the confusing letters

Not at all, it was very clear, thanks! I wanted to move to g mostly for the speed. But if it's no big practical jump over a then I'll just buy the a/b/g MPCI card and sell the Intel 2200 BG on eBay or something.

Has anyone experienced any practical speed increases moving to g?

[sktn77a]

You'll notice a significant difference if you are using your wireless network to transfer large files. For web surfing, however, your broadband connection is usually the rate-limiting factor (1-2mbps for most broadband services vs 2-4mbps for a 802.11b or 15-20mbps for 802.11a/g).

[Nabeel]

You could go with Netgear's Super-G but you also need a Netgear card or pcmcia card =D

[fireracer7]

I am also looking to purchase a wireless router for my home ASAP. We have been using HPNA (which has worked fine), but with the purchase of my laptop and the HPNA stopping to work, I am eager to buy a wireless router. I don't need anything fancy and would not like to spend a lot of money, but would still like to get a highly reliable and good product. The router should be 802.11g since I don't have any 802.11a products. It should also contain a 4-port ethernet hub for one of my desktops. I have been looking at both Linksys and Netgear and am wondering if anyone has an recommendations/cautions on either of these brands (or others). I am assuming most people have a similar scenario/setup and if the could please help me, I would greatly appreciate that!

[DaveH]

Although I've had no problems with Netgear yet, I've read a couple reviews that say that there is an issue between Netgear and Thinkpads w/ intergrated wireless... something like "Code 10" error (try using Google and search for "Code 10 Thinkpad Netgear"). And although LinkSys gets worse reviews than Netgear overall, IBM features their products on their direct sales website, so I assume that means they're garanteed to work. Just more information from my recent research.

[fireracer7]

Although I've had no problems with Netgear yet, I've read a couple reviews that say that there is an issue between Netgear and Thinkpads w/ intergrated wireless... something like "Code 10" error (try using Google and search for "Code 10 Thinkpad Netgear"). And although LinkSys gets worse reviews than Netgear overall, IBM features their products on their direct sales website, so I assume that means they're garanteed to work. Just more information from my recent research.

From what I could find on Google it seems the "Code 10" error is related to the Netgear PC card and not the router. My laptop already has a wifi card so I only need the router.

However, I have been reading reviews of both Netgear and Linksys routers and none seem to be too positive (both get 7.1/10 on many websites). Has anybody had good experience and with what router?

[Leon]

both are good.... if your into hacking, Linksys is better.... bad reviews for routers are often due to people not knowing what they are doing....

[fireracer7]

both are good.... if your into hacking, Linksys is better.... bad reviews for routers are often due to people not knowing what they are doing....

Sorry to bombard you with questions:

Do you recommend any specific models? Which one do you own? What do you mean by Linksys is better for hacking?

Thanks!

[Leon]

I have had many brands at work and at home, right now, I use D-Link.... but only for reason of good deal I got.... brand name wireless routers are getting to be a commodity, look for a good deal in your local electronics store or online on a brand name.... get a 30 day return privilege just in case.... there are sights were they have "hacked" firmware on several websites so you can get greater (illegal) range (although I've never had to do it)....