Wireless router for a numpty!

[Tyre Smoke]

I sm looking to install a wireless router for my PC. I have a laptop that i'd like to use elsewhere in the house (downstairs from the PC and router). The house is modern (stud walls) and have used a Linksys router before but the coverage was very patchy away from the router - as stated downstairs through at least one wall and about 30 feet as the crow flies.

So...

Any recommendations as to which router to buy? I have a laptop which has no built in wireless capability but I still have a Linksys WPC54G (ver 1.2) notebook adapter, can I still use this or is it better to ditch this and use something more up to date? Also, is there such a thing as a 'relay station' that I can plug in downstairs to increase the range of the wireless network. Will this need to be hard wired, if so Mrs Smoke is going to go mad if there a wires being routed down walls, etc. What about setting up the wireless router downstairs and using the network card in the PC (too slow?) or just using the router downstairs plugged into the phone socket and using the broadband modem (hard wired) in the PC as I do now - surely there has to be some sort of link to the PC?


See? Told you I was a numpty! Any help gratefully received.

[tomo2006]

I have installed this new belkin and the coverage has now doubled and looks great


www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/120468

[k50 del]

Definately a Netgear unit, the last one I installed works fine more than 40 feet from the router through 3 well built walls.
Which model to go for depends on whether you are on ADSL or Cable Internet.

If ADSL then the DG834G is your baby
www.digidave.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=29&products_id=179&gclid=COe9vJLl0IkCFTVYQgod7Hw9OA

If Cable then the WGR614 is the animal to have.
www.dabs.com/productview.aspx?quicklinx=2hz6

Both are very simple to set up and more importantly, Simple to secure.

Make sure you use WPA-PSK encryption and hide the SSID in order that random people can't see, let alone use your network.

[Tyre Smoke]

Thanks for that k50del looks like the ADSL router is what I'm looking for.

One other question, can I hook a printer up to it?

[trooperiziz]

Just a word of caution, but I've had no end of trouble with Netgear stuff. The Belkin I replaced them with has been flawless.

[jamieboy]

...and I've had two Netgears, one great and one rubbish, and one Belkin that's been absolutely fine. I think at this price point they're all much of a muchness.

[k50 del]

Tyre Smoke said:

Thanks for that k50del looks like the ADSL router is what I'm looking for.

One other question, can I hook a printer up to it?

If your printer has an intelligent ethernet board (something like HP's JetDirect system) you can do it very simply, otherwise you'll need either a dedicated print server, or you'll need to attach the printer to the permanently connected PC and share the printer through Windows (assuming that you're using Windows)
If you need more technical advice, feel free to drop me a line through my profile.

[Tyre Smoke]

Thanks for that, I'll get the router and see how I fair!

[bogie]

Netgears tend to be more user friendly, with more focus on the consumer installer...so I always recommend them for novices

[falcemob]

trooperiziz said:

Just a word of caution, but I've had no end of trouble with Netgear stuff. The Belkin I replaced them with has been flawless.

Same here, I am on my second Netgear DG845, present one with Sky BB and it keeps dropping the signal and needs to be rebooted or runs slowly, other times it's fine.

[trooperiziz]

falcemob said:

trooperiziz said:

Just a word of caution, but I've had no end of trouble with Netgear stuff. The Belkin I replaced them with has been flawless.

Same here, I am on my second Netgear DG845, present one with Sky BB and it keeps dropping the signal and needs to be rebooted or runs slowly, other times it's fine.

Sounds very familiar!

[That Daddy]

Yep my Netgear 834GT cooked itself RMA staff think your stupid running off there little checklist,wouldent use another, wireless range was crap also.i use Kcorp now blinding bit of kit.