Wireless Network Adapter & Router Suggestions?

[VitaX]

I'm in the process of picking out parts for my new PC build. I was planning on going with a wireless connection. What are some recommendations for wireless network adapters at this point in time? Or if anyone has an alternative suggestion to this, I'm all ears.

Also, I was thinking about buying a new router as well, our current router is a D-Link 4500. Any suggestions? In our house, there's quite a bit of equipment hooked up wirelessly (PS3, Xbox, some computers spread throughout the house).

 

[JackMDS]

WIFI is not just about pieces of Hardware, it is highly depending on the Environmental variables.

The same Wireless Router can work well in one type of Environment and be a “Dud” in another. Most Environmental variables like, Apartment/House general layout, walls and their inner/outer structure, electrical Noises, furniture size and their placement, etc. cannot be (or it is very hard) controlled.

Thus, in many cases there is No Magic Wireless Router that can cover whatever One desires.

Best result can be achieved with a Dual Radio Wireless Router with a matching Dual Radio client card.

Here is few Good Wireless Routers that can be flashed with DD-WRT and be configured as main Wireless Router, or Access Point/Repeater, if needed.
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Money is Not an issue. Asus RT-N66U -RT-N66U

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833320091

Best value for the price. Cisco E4200 refurb.

http://homestore.cisco.com/en-us/Ro...-router_stcVVproductId133604734VVviewprod.htm

I want sub $100 and new (I am allergic to refurb.) BUFFALO WZR-600DHP HighPower.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833162070

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I want to spend less and do not care about Giga, and NAS, but need good Wireless.

This is decent Wireless Router with Dual radio.

Cisco E2500 refurb. $35.

http://homestore.cisco.com/en-us/Ro...-Router_stcVVproductId138177695VVviewprod.htm
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Dual Band Wireless Card - Rosewill USB $24

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833166046

 

[VitaX]

WD Livewire Powerline AV Network Kit 200Mbps
http://www.amazon.com/Livewire-Power...6056484&sr=1-1

Would this be something I should look into as well? It seems promising after watching this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sue1Zvmh8JA&feature=fvwp&NR=1

I'm not sure if that WD is considered one of the best and most reliable or not. However, a Powerline adapter and that ASUS router should be a good combination, right?

 

[JackMDS]

Yeah, there is marketing and advertizing for every thing that is manufactured (and Internet links to them).

However, that does not mean that it is a reasonable solution.

 

[VitaX]

True, but it does appeal a bit more than putting a pci-e network adapter into your computer. At least for me, that is kind of annoying as it takes up space. So, you don't recommend Powerline then?

 

[s44]

MOCA > powerline, if your house is wired for cable.

 

[VitaX]

Nah we don't have cable out in the country.

 

[OlafSicky]

For your main pc I would run cable if that is not possible get a intel card there is a nice one on newegg with an antenna

 

[VitaX]

For your main pc I would run cable if that is not possible get a intel card there is a nice one on newegg with an antenna

Why not Powerline rather than a card? I thought the video showed the clear advantage in it over a wireless connection. Plus it just seems more convenient. No drivers are needed unlike a pci-e network card. Is there some disadvantage I'm unaware of?

 

[JackMDS]

Is there some disadvantage I'm unaware of?

It is already ten years on the market and still so unpopular.

Why? Because in nost cases it su*ks. It has to work on powerline wires which are "cancers" to any ride on signal that carry info.

You can try, who knows may be you will be lucky.

However, order only if you can return it, No question asks without a significant lose.

 

[OlafSicky]

Why not Powerline rather than a card? I thought the video showed the clear advantage in it over a wireless connection. Plus it just seems more convenient. No drivers are needed unlike a pci-e network card. Is there some disadvantage I'm unaware of?

It depends on your cables sometime it works and sometimes id doesn't If you live in a standard stick construction house I would run cat 6 it will save you lots of headaches.

 

[tracerbullet]

a matching Dual Radio client card.

Mind expanding on this? I'm curious how a bridge stacks up vs. a PCI card or a USB adapter. I'm guessing it comes down to the size of your antenna (heh) and that all else being equal that's a generic order of performance ability?

(I'm curious about this too, and hope I am asking a question related to the 1st post and am not going off in a new direction. It's so easy to find router info, reviews and comparisons and so difficult to find it for adapters.)

 

[VitaX]

Out of curiosity is this Asus router better than this D-Link router?

ASUS RT-N66U Dual-Band Wireless-N900 Gigabit Router

D-Link DGL-4500 Extreme-N Selectable Dual-Band Gaming Router

 

[JackMDS]

Out of curiosity is this Asus router better than this D-Link router?

ASUS RT-N66U Dual-Band Wireless-N900 Gigabit Router

D-Link DGL-4500 Extreme-N Selectable Dual-Band Gaming Router

Beside the fact that the Asus is state of the Art and the D-Link is EOL circa 2007, you can compare specs here.

http://reviews.cnet.com/routers/d-link-dgl-4500/4540-3319_7-32748872-4.html

I personally would Not get the D-Link.

 

[VitaX]

Beside the fact that the Asus is state of the Art and the D-Link is EOL circa 2007, you can compare specs here.

http://reviews.cnet.com/routers/d-link-dgl-4500/4540-3319_7-32748872-4.html

I personally would Not get the D-Link.

Ah well the reason I ask is because we currently own that D-Link router. But our connection just drops at random lots of times. Not sure if its the isp or the router itself. Something is odd though, that's one of the reasons I was looking at potential new routers.

 

[tracerbullet]

Look up DD-WRT and / or Tomato in Google and consider flashing the router to something besides the stock firmware. Might solve some problems.