Tang Tonic
New Around Here
Hi,
First off, let me say that I am a newbie to the technical side of networking. I understand the difference in wireless network types, dual bands, and just about enough to confuse the heck out of me when it comes to making a decision on which router to get. So let me tell you what I got and what I want to do...
I have an Hp G60 with an atheros b/g adapter. Initially I would by a USB client adapter to give the laptop wireless n and dual band capability. Eventually I will upgrade to a newer laptop with the latest technology. My girlfriend has about a 2 year old Mac that she will be connecting to the network as well for basic internet browsing. I am not sure about her wireless card, but we would upgrade with USB if necessary.
I will be using the network for internet browsing and downloading music. I also plan on streaming my music to my stereo through an apple airport express (so the network must be compatible with airport express) as well as eventually streaming media to my TV using a ROKU or something like that. I don't have an HDTV yet, but plan on upgrading one day, so it would be nice to have HD streaming capabilities. I don't play video games, but I do have a large music collection that I have on the laptop which streams the music. I also have a copy of my music library and all my pictures on a buffalo hard drive. For this reason, the Buffalo WZR-HP-G300NH has been appealing to me. However, I don't know if I would keep my music on a NAS or the laptop which would be doing the streaming. I prefer to have real-time access to the library.
Now for the final details about where I live. Currently its a one-bedroom apartment, in 6 months, we will be moving into a larger 2 bedroom house. Since we live in the Caribbean, all walls, including the interior, are cement block. The router would be in the bedroom which is where the DSL line comes in from the landlord's router upstairs. We will be using the network mostly in our living room which is down the hallway from our bedroom about 20 feet. We would not always be in a line of sight with the router but the maximum distance would be about 150 feet- but through two cement block walls. (Another reason the Buffalo WZR-HP-G300NH is appealing to me). Also, the point about the DSL internet I guess is important too. I have done an internet connection test on speedcheck.net and the best I have seen is 1.71 Mb/s for download. So maybe I should just stick with wireless G?
So far I have looked at the Buffalo WZR-HP-G300NH pretty extensively. I worry about my health with that high powered transmitter, but I guess it does have a hibernate mode. I also kinda understand that higher signal output doesn't always equate to better speeds, especially when farther away (is this correct?). Also it doesn't have dual band capability. I don't know if I need it, but there are a few wireless signals around where I live and we have a portable phone. I have heard mixed reviews in general about the buffalo router, people either seem to love it or hate it. I would like to get more into the technical side of networking and it seems like the buffalo allows for that.
I have also looked at the Engenius ERS-7750 and ERS 9850 and am seriously considering one of these. I don't know which model would be better for me and I don't know if the range will be enough. But the price is great and it seems very friendly with macs. If I went this route, which would be the cheapest and easiest way to boost the signal strength? I know they have wireless extenders on their website but I don't know where to begin with that.
The Netgear 3700 seems like overkill for what I'm trying to do and the range seems to be lacking- also a little overpriced. One of the Trendnet seems like it could be a good fit.
Anyways, if you have made it to this point, thanks for reading and I appreciate any help you can give me.
PS- If any of these are more compatible with an apple airport express, that would be helpful information. Thank you.
First off, let me say that I am a newbie to the technical side of networking. I understand the difference in wireless network types, dual bands, and just about enough to confuse the heck out of me when it comes to making a decision on which router to get. So let me tell you what I got and what I want to do...
I have an Hp G60 with an atheros b/g adapter. Initially I would by a USB client adapter to give the laptop wireless n and dual band capability. Eventually I will upgrade to a newer laptop with the latest technology. My girlfriend has about a 2 year old Mac that she will be connecting to the network as well for basic internet browsing. I am not sure about her wireless card, but we would upgrade with USB if necessary.
I will be using the network for internet browsing and downloading music. I also plan on streaming my music to my stereo through an apple airport express (so the network must be compatible with airport express) as well as eventually streaming media to my TV using a ROKU or something like that. I don't have an HDTV yet, but plan on upgrading one day, so it would be nice to have HD streaming capabilities. I don't play video games, but I do have a large music collection that I have on the laptop which streams the music. I also have a copy of my music library and all my pictures on a buffalo hard drive. For this reason, the Buffalo WZR-HP-G300NH has been appealing to me. However, I don't know if I would keep my music on a NAS or the laptop which would be doing the streaming. I prefer to have real-time access to the library.
Now for the final details about where I live. Currently its a one-bedroom apartment, in 6 months, we will be moving into a larger 2 bedroom house. Since we live in the Caribbean, all walls, including the interior, are cement block. The router would be in the bedroom which is where the DSL line comes in from the landlord's router upstairs. We will be using the network mostly in our living room which is down the hallway from our bedroom about 20 feet. We would not always be in a line of sight with the router but the maximum distance would be about 150 feet- but through two cement block walls. (Another reason the Buffalo WZR-HP-G300NH is appealing to me). Also, the point about the DSL internet I guess is important too. I have done an internet connection test on speedcheck.net and the best I have seen is 1.71 Mb/s for download. So maybe I should just stick with wireless G?
So far I have looked at the Buffalo WZR-HP-G300NH pretty extensively. I worry about my health with that high powered transmitter, but I guess it does have a hibernate mode. I also kinda understand that higher signal output doesn't always equate to better speeds, especially when farther away (is this correct?). Also it doesn't have dual band capability. I don't know if I need it, but there are a few wireless signals around where I live and we have a portable phone. I have heard mixed reviews in general about the buffalo router, people either seem to love it or hate it. I would like to get more into the technical side of networking and it seems like the buffalo allows for that.
I have also looked at the Engenius ERS-7750 and ERS 9850 and am seriously considering one of these. I don't know which model would be better for me and I don't know if the range will be enough. But the price is great and it seems very friendly with macs. If I went this route, which would be the cheapest and easiest way to boost the signal strength? I know they have wireless extenders on their website but I don't know where to begin with that.
The Netgear 3700 seems like overkill for what I'm trying to do and the range seems to be lacking- also a little overpriced. One of the Trendnet seems like it could be a good fit.
Anyways, if you have made it to this point, thanks for reading and I appreciate any help you can give me.
PS- If any of these are more compatible with an apple airport express, that would be helpful information. Thank you.
Last edited:
