I am new to the forum!
I have spent several days researching here at SmallNetBuilder and my understanding of the issues and options has grown tremendously. But, I still have a few questions that I haven't found answers to. Any help and direction will be appreciated!
I currently have a pretty good XPpro machine wired to an old Linksys BEFW11S4 which is connected to the cable modem for our ISP's 6/1 Mbps service that is soon going to 12/2 Mbps when Docsis 3.0 comes to our area. I have an old laptop running WinMe (don't laugh) that used to be connected wirelessly to said router via a PCMCIA card until the card died. I bought a new card a couple of years ago, but could never get it installed correctly (registry issues with the old card I think), so we have just had that machine wired to the router, too. But, the laptop is dying in several ways, so Santa bought 2 new laptops for Xmas that will replace the old laptop and connect wirelessly; we will still run the wired XPpro machine.
Since we are ditching the old lappy, there is no reason to stick with the 11B router and since the new lappys will each have 11N capability, I should go straight to a new 'all-N' network and skip the 11G altogether, yes?
Another question is about compatibility. I have read in the articles here that you should 'match' the router and the adapters. I don't have that luxury. One lappy will have an Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-Card and the other will have Acer Nplify WLan. So based on that, how do I choose a router?
Do I need / should I get a router with gigabit switches for my wired connections? I really don't swap files or stream HD but I'd like to look to the future a bit when making this router decision.
And what of this dual-band and the 5.0 frequency? I can see 3 or 4 of us surfing the Net at the same time. I think these lappy adapters are 5.0 capable, but will I use it / do I need dual band?
Should I look for a router with a USB printer port? But then willl my older HP Officejet 6110xi all-in-one work over the network I am proposing?
We have a 2-story house and the router will be in the basement - should I look to a 3 antenna router or does that not matter?
Lastly, Santa will be leaving a Wii under the tree Xmas morning so I need to also consider possibly hooking that up to the network.
I am looking at the Belkin N+ on sale this week at BestBuy for $99. Would that do it? Too much specs for my needs? Too little?
Whew!! Can you tell I am a bit confused and overwhelmed? I just want to make a sound router choice given the variables of my particular network and with foresite to the future of my network and wireless technology in general.
I would be very grateful for the expertise and experience you all have. Thanx much!
I currently have a pretty good XPpro machine wired to an old Linksys BEFW11S4 which is connected to the cable modem for our ISP's 6/1 Mbps service that is soon going to 12/2 Mbps when Docsis 3.0 comes to our area. I have an old laptop running WinMe (don't laugh) that used to be connected wirelessly to said router via a PCMCIA card until the card died. I bought a new card a couple of years ago, but could never get it installed correctly (registry issues with the old card I think), so we have just had that machine wired to the router, too. But, the laptop is dying in several ways, so Santa bought 2 new laptops for Xmas that will replace the old laptop and connect wirelessly; we will still run the wired XPpro machine.
Since we are ditching the old lappy, there is no reason to stick with the 11B router and since the new lappys will each have 11N capability, I should go straight to a new 'all-N' network and skip the 11G altogether, yes?
Another question is about compatibility. I have read in the articles here that you should 'match' the router and the adapters. I don't have that luxury. One lappy will have an Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-Card and the other will have Acer Nplify WLan. So based on that, how do I choose a router?
Do I need / should I get a router with gigabit switches for my wired connections? I really don't swap files or stream HD but I'd like to look to the future a bit when making this router decision.
And what of this dual-band and the 5.0 frequency? I can see 3 or 4 of us surfing the Net at the same time. I think these lappy adapters are 5.0 capable, but will I use it / do I need dual band?
Should I look for a router with a USB printer port? But then willl my older HP Officejet 6110xi all-in-one work over the network I am proposing?
We have a 2-story house and the router will be in the basement - should I look to a 3 antenna router or does that not matter?
Lastly, Santa will be leaving a Wii under the tree Xmas morning so I need to also consider possibly hooking that up to the network.
I am looking at the Belkin N+ on sale this week at BestBuy for $99. Would that do it? Too much specs for my needs? Too little?
Whew!! Can you tell I am a bit confused and overwhelmed? I just want to make a sound router choice given the variables of my particular network and with foresite to the future of my network and wireless technology in general.
I would be very grateful for the expertise and experience you all have. Thanx much!