ChatterBank1 min ago
Which wirelss router to buy?
2 Answers
Having finally bought a new Acer Laptop, and subscribed to BT as the ISP, my girlfriend now needs to buy a suitable router/modem. BT offered their Home Hub for a �30 payment, but it looks quite tall, and as she needs it to look unobtrusive, decided not to go for it. They will be sending her their standard Voyager 220 which is a wired router/modem. Having looked in places like PC World etc, their seems to be so many types. Some come bundled with a usb key, which I guess isn't needed as the laptop already is wireless ready. Others appear suitable just for cable.
So from personal experience, can anyone recommend something which "does what it says on the tin" and is simple and straightforward to set up and use, and if possible has an accessible on/off switch! She is not an eco warrior, but why leave it switched on all the time when out at work/in bed. The computer gets switched off.
Thanks in advance
Countrykid
So from personal experience, can anyone recommend something which "does what it says on the tin" and is simple and straightforward to set up and use, and if possible has an accessible on/off switch! She is not an eco warrior, but why leave it switched on all the time when out at work/in bed. The computer gets switched off.
Thanks in advance
Countrykid
Answers
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For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.Going wireless is fraught with potential problems (it's not like buying an iPod) - if you live in an area where everyone already has it ... you will end up with a connection which crawls. Wired connections are solid, reliable, secure .... and much much faster.
if you require wireless .... it's always going to look obtrusive .... whatever you get .... if you hide a wireless router (esp behind something low down and solid) it won't work.
any of the big names .. linksys netgear etc etc will do the job (go for 802.11n) - however there are lots of compatibility issues so .... see if the lappy works as is .... if not don't be too surprised ... get an adapter from the same mfr as the router and all should be well.
when you do the setup DON't FORGET to use encryption ... wep or wap .... http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,1277020,0 0.asp
and ... I'd say don't switch it off .... dsl has issues - and you just mught find yourself with a long wait to get the connection back up.
if you require wireless .... it's always going to look obtrusive .... whatever you get .... if you hide a wireless router (esp behind something low down and solid) it won't work.
any of the big names .. linksys netgear etc etc will do the job (go for 802.11n) - however there are lots of compatibility issues so .... see if the lappy works as is .... if not don't be too surprised ... get an adapter from the same mfr as the router and all should be well.
when you do the setup DON't FORGET to use encryption ... wep or wap .... http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,1277020,0 0.asp
and ... I'd say don't switch it off .... dsl has issues - and you just mught find yourself with a long wait to get the connection back up.