Wireless Networking Thread (DEAD)

[Silex]

I ordered the Belkin bt adapter F8T001rw for $25.99 and received the package today. Total came out to ~$35 when adding tax and shipping. One look at it and I was like, "what the heck! this looks like the crappier 10m one!" It had no idea and was very fustrated for them messing up my order. Then I went to the belkin site to relook up the bt devices, refurb and non-refurb.
http://web.belkin.com/config/Search/SearchResults.asp?search=bluetooth&catID=1
At this link, I found out that theres actually a newer F8T001 (100m) and F8T003 (10m) and although the price says $59.99 and $49.99 respectively, when you click on the links they come up as the same price as the refurbs! Good deal since this is the v2 and I'm sure they worked out the kinks in this one! Plus it's oh so small! I've included the direct links below. OP if you can, update your bt post with these new ones also

Bluetooth? USB Adapter F8T001
http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Product_Id=126336
Bluetooth? USB Adapter F8T003
http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Product_Id=134431

edit: It appears they are substituting the newer v2 since they are oos of the refurb.

 

[myelvis]

Is it worth to go for a 802.11g routers when most of cable companies network still give max of 10mbps .

Just curious coz having a 100mbps router and a 11mbps router on a 10mbps network will give same results ???

Pls help as i am planning to buy a wireless router and i am all swept away by G routers for their encryption and mind boggling 100 mbps speeds ??

is it really worth ???

 

[albrandwood]

Originally posted by: myelvis
Is it worth to go for a 802.11g routers when most of cable companies network still give max of 10mbps .

Just curious coz having a 100mbps router and a 11mbps router on a 10mbps network will give same results ???

Pls help as i am planning to buy a wireless router and i am all swept away by G routers for their encryption and mind boggling 100 mbps speeds ??

is it really worth ???

Depends on your planned usage and paranoia level ...
For websurfing and mp3 playback, b is more than sufficient.
If you want to do video work over the wireless, then you'll definitely want g.
If you are paranoid, then you'll need g ...
If you aren't, then b will surfice ...
If you have a bunch of machines, and loads of money, then G is good ...
If you have virtually no money, then b will surfice ...

"Just remember that with most G routers, adding _any_ b device will slow the network down to 11mbps. " turns out I couldn't find any conclusive reference to back this up ... it was something I'd been told, and accepted as gospel. - @shley

 

[myelvis]

 

[myelvis]

Hi again,

WEll thanks for the answer but sorry i was not able to relate it with my question... Again my question is ..........will 100mbps router be any good if ur cable companie's network has bandwidth of 10MBPS ..... as far as my understanding Router in no way can make the 2MBPS input to 100mbps .....

even If u r doin video surfing it depends on ur cable companies bandwidth first then ur router ?

Sorry if i am not making any sense ....

 

[albrandwood]

The speed of the router refers to the internal network, not the broadband connection...

If you are transfering huge files around your internal network (such as DiVx), you will need "g" ... otherwise if you are purely using it for websurfin, then just get b.

@shley

 

[tedkelly]

Be sure to check around on prices.

Note that if you're getting in on the D-Link $9.99 b router (a great deal), the 614+, be sure to get the + versions of the cards (520+ or 650+) for your home network. You have a shot at higher speeds via their proprietary system. (While still running b standard on other networks you are on.)

Cards are around $30 after rebate, including shipping, if you shop around a little. Check out techdepot, buy.com and amazon.com for prices. Be sure to buy from somewhere that qualifies for the rebates.

 

[Darn]

Sorry if this info is already here but I did a quick scan of this post and didn't see it mentioned. PCmall.com has USR8054 wireless G bundle with either a pci or pcmcia card for around $60 including ground shipping and after 4 (four)mir. I found this in a thread posted by ghamphy 1 . I know that this requires 4 mir's but from what i've seen this router has the fastest transfer speed after $125 in rebates it is practically free. I already ordered mine @ $174 -30mir -35mir -30mir -30mir +10.59 shipping = $59.59 for router and pci card.

thats my .02

and again credit goes to ghamphy 1 for the original post

D

 

[gja88]

Can anyone point me to some articles or lists which show which g routers slow down to b speeds when a b client is on the network?

TIA

 

[albrandwood]

I've just read the manuals for the Linksys, the Netgear, the Belkin and was unable to find any reference to it...

I wonder if it was false information contributed to the options on the routers for a "g" only and a "mixed b/g" network... I never investigated the issue, and relied entirely on what I'd read in passing elsewhere ...

Obviously talking between a "b" and a "g" device will happen at "b" speeds, but beyond that I found no conclusive references .... Appologies for any mis-information I may have been giving.

@shley

 

[AllPurposeNothing]

I've tried reading and understanding these threads but can someone please clarify this for me?

I want to wireless network my XBox to my main PC (currently attached to Comcast). To do this, I will not need a router but instead an access point to attach to the main PC and either (1) a game adapter or (2) another access point connected to the XBox via crossover cable.

Is this correct?

Also, I want to use the router to stream video from the PC via SnapStream to the XBox using XBox Media Player. Will 11b be sufficient for this or is 11g more likely necessary?

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks

 

[aircasper]

Originally posted by: AllPurposeNothing
I've tried reading and understanding these threads but can someone please clarify this for me?

I want to wireless network my XBox to my main PC (currently attached to Comcast). To do this, I will not need a router but instead an access point to attach to the main PC and either (1) a game adapter or (2) another access point connected to the XBox via crossover cable.

Is this correct?

Also, I want to use the router to stream video from the PC via SnapStream to the XBox using XBox Media Player. Will 11b be sufficient for this or is 11g more likely necessary?

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks

although you don't necessarily need a router, the prices are generally the same, regardless of whether you get a standalone wireless accesspoint or a wireless router/accesspoint combo. plus, if you just go for the standalone accesspoint, you'll need to be sure you have a LAN port, so the safest route is to just go ahead and get a wireless router. with respect to hooking your xbox into the network, you can get either a wireless adapter (game-specific or otherwise), or a wireless BRIDGE(they're essentially the same thing for your purposes). most products labelled as wireless accesspoints CANNOT be used as a wireless client. you'll need to be sure that you get a wireless bridge/adapter (such as the xbox wireless-g adapter or the linksys game adapter or any wireless bridge). hope that helps.

 

[AllPurposeNothing]

although you don't necessarily need a router, the prices are generally the same, regardless of whether you get a standalone wireless accesspoint or a wireless router/accesspoint combo. plus, if you just go for the standalone accesspoint, you'll need to be sure you have a LAN port, so the safest route is to just go ahead and get a wireless router. with respect to hooking your xbox into the network, you can get either a wireless adapter (game-specific or otherwise), or a wireless BRIDGE(they're essentially the same thing for your purposes). most products labelled as wireless accesspoints CANNOT be used as a wireless client. you'll need to be sure that you get a wireless bridge/adapter (such as the xbox wireless-g adapter or the linksys game adapter or any wireless bridge). hope that helps.

Here's where I get confused.

Do most wireless routers have a wired output or strictly a wired input? I currently feed my cable modem in through a LAN card in the PC. Would buying the router require me to buy an additional piece of equipment just to get the signal to the PC?

My understanding (which is likely entirely incorrect) is that the access point will give me the wired output to the PC, plus wireless access to the XBox. I'd hate to have to unnecessarily spend another $30 or so just to get the signal to the PC.

Also, if you can answer, does the speed of the wireless transfer (11b or 11g) matter in streaming the video to the XBox? I am currently capturing through SnapStream using the Windows Media 9 option.

 

[albrandwood]

Originally posted by: AllPurposeNothing

although you don't necessarily need a router, the prices are generally the same, regardless of whether you get a standalone wireless accesspoint or a wireless router/accesspoint combo. plus, if you just go for the standalone accesspoint, you'll need to be sure you have a LAN port, so the safest route is to just go ahead and get a wireless router. with respect to hooking your xbox into the network, you can get either a wireless adapter (game-specific or otherwise), or a wireless BRIDGE(they're essentially the same thing for your purposes). most products labelled as wireless accesspoints CANNOT be used as a wireless client. you'll need to be sure that you get a wireless bridge/adapter (such as the xbox wireless-g adapter or the linksys game adapter or any wireless bridge). hope that helps.

Here's where I get confused.

Do most wireless routers have a wired output or strictly a wired input? I currently feed my cable modem in through a LAN card in the PC. Would buying the router require me to buy an additional piece of equipment just to get the signal to the PC?

Most (all?) wireless routers have both wired and wireless connections for the home network, with a single wired connection for the cable modem (remember to reboot the cable modem after switching out the PC for a router).

My understanding (which is likely entirely incorrect) is that the access point will give me the wired output to the PC, plus wireless access to the XBox. I'd hate to have to unnecessarily spend another $30 or so just to get the signal to the PC.

no ... an accesspoint connects a wired network to a wireless network. A router contains an accesspoint amoung other things. If you are using a LAN card to connect to the cable modem, then you don't need any new hardware ... if you use USB, you'll need a Cat5 network cable available from any (dis)reputable store such as Staples/OM/OD/CrapUSA/BB/CC/etc

Also, if you can answer, does the speed of the wireless transfer (11b or 11g) matter in streaming the video to the XBox? I am currently capturing through SnapStream using the Windows Media 9 option.

To stream video (from the PC to the Xbox) ... you really want to use G not B

@shley

 

[weepul]

i was wondering if anyone has any experience with the

EDIMAX 802.11b Wireless LAN PCI Adapter, Model EW-7126, Retail

cause i'm looking for a good range pci/usb for my desktop (trying to access across buildings)

//krunk (^_^x)

 

[Nightwatch]

Does anyone know of a Wireless Print Server that will return ink tank info? I have a WPS11 and it does not.

 

[albrandwood]

I doubt that Edimax is any better than any other low-budget device ... If you are planning to use 'B', I'd recommend USB rather than PCI, as you can then move it to get the best signal.

@shley

 

[mindless1]

Going "across buildings", assuming through exterior walls and across a fair distance, I doubt that it'll make much difference whether it's PCI or USB, will probably need directional external antennae.

 

[albrandwood]

Bump - Updated for the following stores:

BB, CC, CrapUSA, OD, OM, ST

@shley

Wanted: Volunteer to maintain this listing over the Christmas period, as I will be in the UK for 2 weeks. Please PM me. Updates via a webform.

 

[CrackRabbit]

Outpost.com has all of these Uniden 802.11b networking items on sale cheap A/R!!


Access Point $2.99
USB Adapter $4.99
PCI Adapter $9.99
PC Card $9.99

Shipping is extra

CrackRabbit

 

[albrandwood]

Originally posted by: mindless1
Going "across buildings", assuming through exterior walls and across a fair distance, I doubt that it'll make much difference whether it's PCI or USB, will probably need directional external antennae.

Not necessarily ... could be going through glass windows to the building next door (or to an outhouse :-D) in which case, USB would still be better than PCI.

@shley

 

[mindless1]

in which case, USB would still be better than PCI.

It's a BIG "in which case" though, might be better to just assume it'll be poor without add-on antennae, instead of making it impossible to add them with a USB adapter, or are there now USB adapters with external (longer range) antenna options too? IMHO, best choice is that PCI
Edimax, allowing substitution of a better antenna later if needed.

Edit:There are USB with similar option to add external antenna, like the D-Link DWL-120, at least that D-Link "looks" like it might have a standard RSMA connector for it's included antenna, but it's just an assumption, I don't have that model myself but (especially since I already have D-Link gear that supports 802.11b 2X mode) I'd take the D-Link over that Edimax I linked above.

 

[cmccrkn]

*Bump*

And a reminder that some of these deals end tomorrow.


albrandwood,
Thanks for the list! I'm now wireless!!

 

[mindless1]

I finally opened up a Belkin 802.11b, F5D6231-4 ver 2000 router I got on Black Friday, plugged it in, and before I even touched the thing it started working in repeater mode... no LAN cables even plugged into it yet, with zero configuration it's connected to a 2nd wireless router and passing DHCP from a third router... this isn't why I bought it, but if it had been, it was just TOO easy.

Anyone have some feedback on which (other) routers will also work as PNP repeaters?

 

[droppedd]

it looks like the Uniden Access Point for $2.99 at outpost.com is dead - no longer listed at their site anywhere. But there is still a $19.99 AR deal on the uniden wifi router/PCMCIA card package.