Which Router?

Xster · December 13th, 2002, 12:34 AM

I need a router capable of WiFi (802.11b) wireless networking and also wired networking (NICs, 10/100). I need to network two desktops (NIC, wired) and one laptop (wireless). I'm not exactly sure of the models out there and which ones are best. If you have any you'd like to recommend plz do because i don't have any experience w/ networking products. If possible, i would like it to cost no more than $200, since the holidays are coming and i need all the $$$ i can save. Thanks a bunch.

Xster

M_Six · December 13th, 2002, 12:44 AM

I wholeheartedly recommend Linksys's BEFW11S4 router and the WUSB11 adapter. I use this combo at home and it works exceptionally. Very easy to set up and use. Plus I've seen it on sale in several stores right now. In fact Amazon.com has it for $99 plus a $10 MIR. That's a fair price.

Xster · December 13th, 2002, 01:13 AM

Would i be able to use the BEFW11S4 without having a switch to have a wired connection to my PCs as it shows here? As you can see, it has one on the right side, the EZXS55W, and i would rather not purchase a switch, PC card, and the router...(as i said be4, not enuff $$$). Thanks fer the quick response btw.

Xster

*edit* it might've been a little unclear, but the question i am asking is, "If i don't get an extra switch, can i still use the router with my existing NIC?"

brucecampbell · December 13th, 2002, 01:29 AM

you should be able to I would also use a linksys

M_Six · December 13th, 2002, 01:49 AM

No, you do not need a switch. And your existing NICs should work fine for the direct connections. The switch would be to extend the number of PCs that could be hooked up to the router. But the router comes with four ports built-in, so you should be fine.

My only caution would be with your choice of wireless adapters. Most wireless adapters on the market should work with the Linksys router, but I know for a fact that the Linksys adapters work seamlessly and are fairly inexpensive. The USB adapter I mentioned may be a little clunky with a laptop, but Linksys also has a number of PCMCIA cards that will work equally well.

Xster · December 13th, 2002, 09:39 AM

Ok thanks for clearing that up. If anybody has an alternative to the Linksys plz share. I need as many choices as possible. Thanks

Xster

osprey4 · December 13th, 2002, 10:04 AM

Amazon has the SMC7004VWBR for $60 after a $50 rebate. Same deal at Outpost.com (it was briefly $40 but no more).

I've seem mixed reviews on this one (but not unlike the Linky). Some people complain the signal isn't too strong. From a security viewpoint, that may not be a bad thing. Also, it has an SPI firewall, supposed to be better than NAT alone.

gino X · December 13th, 2002, 11:11 AM

Perhaps a Netgear MR314 if you can afford it. My friend has one and it worked out for him very well.

HKS · December 13th, 2002, 01:06 PM

Netgear FM114P - 4port switch, Wireless, Print server and firewall in a METAL case.
info here: http://www.netgear.com/products/details/FM114P.asp

Newegg has it for 141 + 6 shipping = 147 shipped

I paid 162 shipped Link: http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduc...ription=fm114p

Flashing of my smc killed the smc. Picked up the netgear and im quite happy. Lots of features, easy to setup and i love the metal case, no plastic here.

The wireless signal can reach my basement from my bedroom 2 floors up. Plus a 3yr warranty

Note: the wireless card is a Orinoco Gold

Kuasimodem · December 13th, 2002, 08:41 PM

D-Link DI-614+ Wireless Broadband Router and DWL-650+ Wireless PC Card Bundle - $147 + shipping from ComReady. You get a 4 port wired switch, 22Mb/second wireless and a matching wireless card for the laptop

I really like Dlink stuff and usually buy my networking stuff from ComReady.