Choosing a wireless G router

[FusionTech9]

I am shortly going to be recommending my friend purchase an EMachines M6805 A64 3000+ laptop with the integrated 802.11g adapter. This is a Broadcom 54g MaxPerformance 802.11g adapter built-in. I will be installing their new home network, and need to choose a router. I've always used Linksys equipment for all the setups I do. I've had good success with them, but am considering using a different company if I can get better results. I've read reviews of the Linksys - WRT54G that have been less than glowing lately. I used the older wireless AP they had out, but have never used this specific model. The Linksys Etherfast Wireless AP + Cable/DSL Router 4port Switch is what I would default to choosing, but should I instead consider the NetGear WGT624 Wireless 802.11G 108 Mbps Firewall Router 4port or a D-Link alternative?

The house is large and spacious, but the aim is to reach around 150-160ft outside to their dock by the lake. Can this be achieved? Tom's Hardware listed the following Linksys Router as their test router and they achieved 160ft range with almost all built in network adapters: the Linksys Wireless A+G 54Mbps ACCESSPOINT 802.11a/802.11b/802.11G Compatible. This product lists at around $200. Will it offer better range than the other linksys router, or is it just more pricey due to the support of 802.11a?

The only network devices will be 802.11g (I believe) - I've read about the constrictions that can occur when functioning in B and G mode simultaneously. Any recommendations as to the most reliable and long-reaching router I can purchase? It also needs to have the 4 port wired ethernet deal as there will be one desktop on the network.

Thanks.

 

[JackMDS]

Link to: 802.11a/b/g SOHO Routers & Access Points: Performance.

:sun:

 

[FusionTech9]

Thank you - that is very helpful. Here is a question though - with the NetGear WGT624 Wireless 802.11G 108 Mbps, will i need a 108Mbps to get that range or is it just for the speed increase? Do you know if the Netgear product is as reliable. I've read pretty good reviews about it so far I think.

 

[bambam]

Nice chart. -thanks for the link . I wast hoping to "community network " with a neighbor about 150 ft away but it looks like it won't be simple ( need more equipment like booster/repeater and/or antenna like cantenna etc .

 

[Cheetah8799]

150ft is possible in good conditions. Make sure the router is in a window, or has an antenna placed in a window facing the furthest usage point, and it might work ok. You can use netstumbler on your laptop to monitor the connection as you walk out to see how far you can go.

http://www.netstumbler.com/

The laptop built-in wireless adapter may also not be good because the antenna will be mounted inside the laptop case. You'll have to figure out what side of the laptop it is on, and check to see what happens when the user is between the nic antenna and the router. A human body will affect the wireless connection, especially if the connection quality is already low.

 

[FusionTech9]

Yeah, I was thinking it'd probably be better to purchase a separate card for the laptop cause it would have greater range, but i don't know if it worth that much money. I will try using smart positioning and clear sight lines: if i miss, oh well.

Still one question. If I use that 108Mbps Netgear, will I get as good reception with a 54g card?