Network newbie requests help

[shredman]

I'm completely new to networking and need some advice. I'm a cable internet user with one main pc and a laptop. Right now all I use is the cable modem and a line directly to my main desktop. I would like to add a wireless connection for my laptop (it has intel 4965agn) without hurting the speed of my desktop...ie...keep max speed on my desktop and have wifi available for occasional laptop use in the use (also maybe a console if I buy one...xbox360 or ps3 maybe DS).

I'd like:
-keep desktop at current speed (so I would need a gigabit port?)
-wireless n for best speed to laptop or console
-good security
-not too hard to setup
-be able to switch off wifi easily when not in use.

thanks in advance, appreciate all comments...

 

[Dahak]

pretty much any wireless router will do what you want. as the incoming internet is always slower than what your pc could run.
as for the security, again any new router will have to good security, I usually set them up with WPA and a long password
most routers have a wizard mode to allow you to do the setup relatively easily
usually turning off the wireless, you do have to go into the router and disable/turn it off.

 

[shredman]

Ok, thanks Dahak....any suggestions on models anyone? My incoming cable internet advertises 5Mbps down.

 

[ImDonly1]

I would say the D-Link DIR-655 is one of the popular ones. Not too sure not really into the wireless N. But as the other guy said, no you do not need one with gigabit. As you just mentioned your internet is 5 Mbps down... a normal router is "up to" 100 ( you never hit 100 ). Only reason to get a gigabit router is if you were transferring large files between your laptop and your computer (like moves, etc that are bigger than 700 MB in size.). Check out the broadbandreports.com forums and read what people are saying about some of the models. The wireless N routers are a bit pricey though, probably around $120+. The other stuff regarding ease of setup and security I would say all routers are about equal in that.

I am sure you can get a less costly alternative (the DIR-655 is one of the top routers).

 

[degibson]

If you do plan to get a console, be advised that others on these forums have had unpleasant experiences with connecting their consoles via wireless. Dropped connections, etc... In short: if you get a console, go wired.

 

[shredman]

Ok, so what you are saying is that the router wont be a bottleneck for my desktop even if it's only got a 10/100 WAN port? and also 100 will be fine for the wireless as well because my cable is only at 10Mpbs (upgraded it yesterday) anyway?

If that's true, looks like a don't need an expensive one after all....what advantage is there to using wireless N over G?

 

[filetitan]

buy a router/switch such as a D-Link router, then for bandwidth management, go to QoS quality of service, and set the allowed bandwidth by mac, port, or ip.

 

[dsity]

most likely your router would be advertised as 54mbps or 108mbps for wireless..... so as long as your internet speed does not exceed that you are fine. You are telling us your max is 10Mbps so you are good.

(your laptop's wireless probably can only go to 54mbps)

IF your desktop is has a 1000mbps (1 gigabit) card your internet would not be bottlenecked what so ever.

 

[ImDonly1]

Wireless N is faster than G, however it is somewhat new. Wireless N in theory offers fasters speeds and range, but as you will notice the advertised speeds 54 or 108 Mbps are highly exaggerated. The wireless g supports 54mbps and "turbo models" offer 108. Wireless N supports 300 mbps. You will get 25 Mbps for 54 advertisement and somewhat higher with the 108 Mbps. Do not expect anything great out of the N either, not too sure on what wireless N offers. Which is still fine for internet browsing, but somewhat slow for copying files over the network that are bigger than 700 MB.

Another thing to note is as pointed out by bsity, if your network card in your computer is not a gigabit 10/100/1000 one, then a gigabit router will not benefit you at all. Same goes for buying a gigabit router and transfering files between your desktop, hooked up by wire, and your laptop hooked up by wireless. The wireless will limit the transfer.

If you want G look for a linksys WRT54...whatever they name it now. Make sure you get the right one as they are flashable to DD-WRT etc. Same thing as some buffalo routers. (these routers do not have gigabit ethernet). and they are only about $30-45. You can get a high end G router for $90 (the d-link dgl-4300 it has gigabit). A wireless N router, which is so-so brand is about $80 and for a higher end one such as the dlink dir-655 you could pay $120. The dir-655 is an updated dlink dgl-4300 i believe.