After lots of internet reading on wireless routers, I've probably learned just enough to get into trouble, so I'm going to ask here.
My setup- older desktop computer on cable company supplied cable modem, through analog TV cable service. Our cable internet is pretty slow & balky at times, goes out fairly often, & I realize that the router can't help this. Still, it would be nice to have when inet is running well.
What I want to do: add wireless internet access, so that I can use a WiFi capable eReader, or tablet(maybe a rooted Nook Color, or maybe one of the new Color Kindles) or laptop computer. It would be nice if would allow a guest unit or two so that my brother & his wife can use their laptops when they come to visit. I currently own no wireless internet unit of any kind, & may be in a Catch-22 situation- no wireless unit to test the new router, and no router to register the new gadget if I buy the gadget first. See what I mean about trouble?
Apparently QoS is a good thing, as is the newer "n" standard(vs b or g), and WPA2 for security- though where we live security shoudn't be a big deal. Claimed fast apeeds should make no difference here, the cable internet we have will surely be the biggest speed limiter of all. Because of that I see no need to go to the dual-band fq models(2.4 & 5 GHz).
Current contenders, all are single band ~2.4 GHz:
*ASUS (RT-N10+) Wireless-N 150 Entry Home Router: Fast Ethernet and support upto 4 Guest SSID(Open source DDWRT support)
Spcifically mentions QoS, N & wpa2, plus up to 4 guest capacity. Looks like a winner at $30 shipped. Link: http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-RT-N10-Wireless-N-Entry-Router/dp/B003H98YK4/ref=pd_cp_e_4
*D-Link DIR-601 Wireless N 150 Home
also N, Qos, WPA2, unsure about guest capability but does mention keeping several computres connected.(maybe through ethernet cables?) under $25 shipped if I buy another $1 worth of something. Link: http://www.amazon.com/D-Link-DIR-601-Wireless-Home-Router/dp/B002VJL0OS/ref=pd_cp_e_2
*Asus 125M Broad Range Wireless Router (WL-520GC)
No N, no mention of QoS, mentions WPA but not WPA2. $30 shippped, $10 mail in rebate(I do NOT trust m-i rebates, been stiffed too many times). Still might be good enough for what I want. Link: http://www.amazon.com/Asus-Broad-Wireless-Router-WL-520GC/dp/tech-data/B000WUAUOY/ref=de_a_smtd
I've just about decided to flip a coin on the top 2 units listed above. I suspect that spending lots more $$ will not help anything. But maybe you have a better idea for a router- just keep our balky internet in mind. Any & all help and suggestions appreciated.
My setup- older desktop computer on cable company supplied cable modem, through analog TV cable service. Our cable internet is pretty slow & balky at times, goes out fairly often, & I realize that the router can't help this. Still, it would be nice to have when inet is running well.
What I want to do: add wireless internet access, so that I can use a WiFi capable eReader, or tablet(maybe a rooted Nook Color, or maybe one of the new Color Kindles) or laptop computer. It would be nice if would allow a guest unit or two so that my brother & his wife can use their laptops when they come to visit. I currently own no wireless internet unit of any kind, & may be in a Catch-22 situation- no wireless unit to test the new router, and no router to register the new gadget if I buy the gadget first. See what I mean about trouble?
Apparently QoS is a good thing, as is the newer "n" standard(vs b or g), and WPA2 for security- though where we live security shoudn't be a big deal. Claimed fast apeeds should make no difference here, the cable internet we have will surely be the biggest speed limiter of all. Because of that I see no need to go to the dual-band fq models(2.4 & 5 GHz).
Current contenders, all are single band ~2.4 GHz:
*ASUS (RT-N10+) Wireless-N 150 Entry Home Router: Fast Ethernet and support upto 4 Guest SSID(Open source DDWRT support)
Spcifically mentions QoS, N & wpa2, plus up to 4 guest capacity. Looks like a winner at $30 shipped. Link: http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-RT-N10-Wireless-N-Entry-Router/dp/B003H98YK4/ref=pd_cp_e_4
*D-Link DIR-601 Wireless N 150 Home
also N, Qos, WPA2, unsure about guest capability but does mention keeping several computres connected.(maybe through ethernet cables?) under $25 shipped if I buy another $1 worth of something. Link: http://www.amazon.com/D-Link-DIR-601-Wireless-Home-Router/dp/B002VJL0OS/ref=pd_cp_e_2
*Asus 125M Broad Range Wireless Router (WL-520GC)
No N, no mention of QoS, mentions WPA but not WPA2. $30 shippped, $10 mail in rebate(I do NOT trust m-i rebates, been stiffed too many times). Still might be good enough for what I want. Link: http://www.amazon.com/Asus-Broad-Wireless-Router-WL-520GC/dp/tech-data/B000WUAUOY/ref=de_a_smtd
I've just about decided to flip a coin on the top 2 units listed above. I suspect that spending lots more $$ will not help anything. But maybe you have a better idea for a router- just keep our balky internet in mind. Any & all help and suggestions appreciated.
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