Wireless Routers?

[Sarah D. Jones]

Thanks. I was wondering if someone could shed some light on wireless routers? I am in need of replacing my wireless router and I am having difficultes deciphering which device is the right device for me. I have an Asus Nspire so I believe I have a G internal wireless. I noticed that there are several varieties of routers (G, enhanced G, G Mimi, N). Is there some place that explains what to look for when shopping, etc? I only run my laptop and my desk is located within eye view of the DSL modem and my subsciption is 1.5 speed. The problem I am experiencing is when I test my speed I am only pulling 544 kbps with the wireless router and when I connect directly into my ethernet connection I can pull 2675 kbps. Unfortunatley due to the layout of my home I must be wireless. All feedback is welcomed.

[Edrog]

Unfortunatly the Maximum speed on a wireless g is 54mb/s,this is due to freqency not anything in the router,as the routers transmit and recieve in the 2.4 ghz bandwith. The wireless N, routers will have the same speed but more distance,and they also will need an N card on your computers to use it. The enhanced,and mimo routers will only increase your speed if you use multiple computers wirelessly,but they will still not be able to go faster than the 54Mb.

[Sarah D. Jones]

Thanks. So you are saying that purchasing another router would not allow me to wirelessly receive the speed I subscribe? Interesting...so how do you receive a higher transmission rate? Do you do as libraries and other businesses and make your home a hot spot? I was under the impression that a wireless router made your home a sort of hot spot. Also, I was under the impression that wireless N worked with all a, b, g, enhanced g, and n (at least that is what the boxes read). How off am I?

[XDAHMERX]

Wireless N is 100% backwards compatible. With your G card in your notebook you will only receive 54mbps even though N is capable of 300mbps. If you had an N card and an N router you would receive a full N speed. However your wireless connection with G is already 36 times faster than your internet connection. The speed you see advertised is more associated with your local side not your internet. If you transfer large files between multiple computers in your house a N connection would get them there faster than a G would. However the internet would not be any faster. If you want more range in your house I would recommend an N but if your only feet away a G will do fine. Don't waste money on buying a Super G, MIMO, or range boost if your replacing. Buy a N it is the newest technology out and not much more money than the others, but like I said if your G is working why replace it.

[Sarah D. Jones]

Thanks. I believe I am lost due to my last visit from the internet tech guy. I upgraded service to 1.5 and the speed test using direct ethernet connection shows that I am getting almost 3.0 which is fine with me. When I use the router to go wireless the speed test comes back 525 or so. The tech guy said my router is bad and I need to get a new one. So I am attempting to determine if I actually need a new router or if something is set wrong or I am wasting my time and need to just put in a new phone line to my desk and use direct ethernet connection. Thoughts?

[XDAHMERX]

Try a speed test from http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest/ it is the most accurate. I wouldn't see why your internet connection would be slower with a router hooked up. A internet speed test really doesn't test the local network just the internet connection. What kind of router do you have?

[Sarah D. Jones]

Thanks. I have a Netgear WGR614 (54mbps). I bought it in 2006. My speet test at speakeasy.net returned 558 kbps (download) and 104 kbps (upload). Maybe I bought the wrong type router?

[XDAHMERX]

The only problem I can see with compatibility is if your DSL modem already has a built in router. If so you might try putting the Ethernet cable from the modem into one of the 1-4 ports on the router instead of the WAN. If you try this you will need to restart your computer after moving the cable. I read that there is a know problem with that router dropping signal for no reason. You might try using Net Stumbler. http://www.softpedia.com/progDownload/NetStumbler-Download-17714.html Just select a mirror to download from. After installing this program it will let you monitor the signal from the router. If you see the signal droping in and out for no reason that may also be the problem.