Wireless Router Reco

adam2434
adam2434 Posts: 995
edited November 2008 in The Clubhouse
Planning to install a wireless router at home for connection to existing desktop PC, PS3, PSP, and maybe a laptop and Squeezebox down the road. Might use Cat5/6 for the Squeezebox and will use Cat5/6 for the router to desktop.

Looking for a reco on a basic, reliable, inexpensive router to use with Vista.

Kind of leaning towards a Linksys for around $50 from Amazon. These are older "g" models, but I think that may be good enough for my needs. Not sure if I need "n" capability, unless it's smart for future-proofing.

Any thoughts or experiences to share?

Thanks,

Adam
5.1 and 2.0 ch Basement Media Room: Outlaw 975/Emotiva DC-1/Rotel RB-1582 MKII/Rotel RB-1552/Audiosource Amp 3/Polk LS90, CS400i, FX500i/Outlaw X-12, LFM-1/JVD DLA-HD250/Da-Lite 100" HCCV/Sony ES BDP/Sonos Connect. DC-1/RB-1582 MKII/Sonos Connect also feed Polk 7C in garage or Dayton IO655 on patio.
2.1 ch Basement Gym: Denon AVR-2807/Klipsch Forte I or NHT SB2/JBL SUB 550P x 2/Chromecast Audio.
2.0 ch Living Room: Rotel RX-1052/Emotiva DC-1/Klipsch RF-7 III/Sony ES BDP/LG 65" LED.
2.0 ch Semi-portable: Klipsch Powergate/NHT SB3/Chromecast Audio.
Kitchen: Sonos Play5.
Post edited by adam2434 on

Comments

  • Kex
    Kex Posts: 5,151
    edited November 2008
    I don't use Vista, but I have used both Wireless "b" and Wireless "g", and haven't noticed a big difference really for normal use. They both worked well, and did what they were supposed to. Reception in different rooms has varied in different houses in very unexpected ways though: the only real issues with a dropped, or slow, connection was a house in Santa Monica, but that may have had something to do with the neighbor's giant short band radio antenna in his back yard, or something related to electronics that he was using! No issues whatsoever since. YMMV.
    Alea jacta est!
  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited November 2008
    Just spend a few more bucks, get "n" and don't worry about it.

    I went from a Linksys wireless G to their N and it was a bit faster.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
  • shadowofnight
    shadowofnight Posts: 2,735
    edited November 2008
    Range is what made me go N over G....with the G the back 2 bedrooms would be at 40% signal and if I walked to the backyard with the laptop it would drop to 20-30%....going N gave me perfect signal strength anywhere on my property.
    The first rule of Fight Club is you don't talk about Fight Club
  • adam2434
    adam2434 Posts: 995
    edited November 2008
    Thanks for the input.

    Does the connected hardware need to have n certification to receive the benefits of an n router?

    For example, the PS3 box says b/g, but does not indicate n. I would imagine that my son's PSP is also b/g.
    5.1 and 2.0 ch Basement Media Room: Outlaw 975/Emotiva DC-1/Rotel RB-1582 MKII/Rotel RB-1552/Audiosource Amp 3/Polk LS90, CS400i, FX500i/Outlaw X-12, LFM-1/JVD DLA-HD250/Da-Lite 100" HCCV/Sony ES BDP/Sonos Connect. DC-1/RB-1582 MKII/Sonos Connect also feed Polk 7C in garage or Dayton IO655 on patio.
    2.1 ch Basement Gym: Denon AVR-2807/Klipsch Forte I or NHT SB2/JBL SUB 550P x 2/Chromecast Audio.
    2.0 ch Living Room: Rotel RX-1052/Emotiva DC-1/Klipsch RF-7 III/Sony ES BDP/LG 65" LED.
    2.0 ch Semi-portable: Klipsch Powergate/NHT SB3/Chromecast Audio.
    Kitchen: Sonos Play5.
  • shadowofnight
    shadowofnight Posts: 2,735
    edited November 2008
    My PS3 works fantastic with the N router...and I have the PS3 in the living room...quite a ways from the router.
    The first rule of Fight Club is you don't talk about Fight Club
  • mmadden28
    mmadden28 Posts: 4,283
    edited November 2008
    adam2434 wrote: »
    Thanks for the input.

    Does the connected hardware need to have n certification to receive the benefits of an n router?

    For example, the PS3 box says b/g, but does not indicate n. I would imagine that my son's PSP is also b/g.

    The n router should be backward compatible to g (and maybe b). If the wireless device is not 'n' you won't get 'n' class features but it will still function as 'g' (or 'b').

    Devices that connect to the router via cable - the router simply behave's as a standard switch. If you're concerned about 100Mb/s vs 1000Mb/s keep an eye on that when hunting.

    Vista compatability is only required for the drivers on the wireless devices such as a Vista laptop. Its irrelevant if its a hardwired desktop or other device (Squeezebox). The router doesn't care.
    ____________________
    This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

    HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
    2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
    Pool: Atrium 60's/45's
  • bigaudiofanatic
    bigaudiofanatic Posts: 4,415
    edited November 2008
    Linksys 802.11n router get on and dont worry about it they are great routers.
    HT setup
    Panasonic 50" TH-50PZ80U
    Denon DBP-1610
    Monster HTS 1650
    Carver A400X :cool:
    MIT Exp 3 Speaker Wire
    Kef 104/2
    URC MX-780 Remote
    Sonos Play 1

    Living Room
    63 inch Samsung PN63C800YF
    Polk Surroundbar 3000
    Samsung BD-C7900
  • MKZ
    MKZ Posts: 1,068
    edited November 2008
    Make sure to install the firmware with DD-WRT.
    Here is the supported hardwares.
  • edbert
    edbert Posts: 1,041
    edited November 2008
    MKZ, what are the benefits of doing this?
    I know just enough to be dangerous, but don't tell my wife, she thinks I'm a genius. :D

    Pioneer VSX-816
    Monitor 40's - fronts, bi-amped
    Monitor 30's - surrounds
    CS1 - center
    PSW10 - I'll let you guess
    Blue Jeans Cable - speaker cable
    Daewoo 27 incher - one step up from a console
    Sony Progressive scan DVD
    XBOX

    SOPA since 2008
    Here's my stuff.
  • edbert
    edbert Posts: 1,041
    edited November 2008
    Thank you sir! I need to get on this. I might have to work on that this weekend sometime since we always seem to have sometime of wireless connectivity issues. As a result of those links I also discovered how to stream music to the living room and use my wife's new iPod Touch as the remote! I love the internet.
    I know just enough to be dangerous, but don't tell my wife, she thinks I'm a genius. :D

    Pioneer VSX-816
    Monitor 40's - fronts, bi-amped
    Monitor 30's - surrounds
    CS1 - center
    PSW10 - I'll let you guess
    Blue Jeans Cable - speaker cable
    Daewoo 27 incher - one step up from a console
    Sony Progressive scan DVD
    XBOX

    SOPA since 2008
    Here's my stuff.
  • adam2434
    adam2434 Posts: 995
    edited November 2008
    Thanks again to all for the input. I'm now leaning towards the Linksys WRT150N.

    Based on the reviews I've been reading, seems like about all routers from all companies have a fairly high percentage of folks who can't get the routers to work, then have horrible helpline experiences.

    Are these things pretty straightforward to set up for someone with zero network experience?
    5.1 and 2.0 ch Basement Media Room: Outlaw 975/Emotiva DC-1/Rotel RB-1582 MKII/Rotel RB-1552/Audiosource Amp 3/Polk LS90, CS400i, FX500i/Outlaw X-12, LFM-1/JVD DLA-HD250/Da-Lite 100" HCCV/Sony ES BDP/Sonos Connect. DC-1/RB-1582 MKII/Sonos Connect also feed Polk 7C in garage or Dayton IO655 on patio.
    2.1 ch Basement Gym: Denon AVR-2807/Klipsch Forte I or NHT SB2/JBL SUB 550P x 2/Chromecast Audio.
    2.0 ch Living Room: Rotel RX-1052/Emotiva DC-1/Klipsch RF-7 III/Sony ES BDP/LG 65" LED.
    2.0 ch Semi-portable: Klipsch Powergate/NHT SB3/Chromecast Audio.
    Kitchen: Sonos Play5.
  • mmadden28
    mmadden28 Posts: 4,283
    edited November 2008
    adam2434 wrote: »
    Thanks again to all for the input. I'm now leaning towards the Linksys WRT150N.

    Based on the reviews I've been reading, seems like about all routers from all companies have a fairly high percentage of folks who can't get the routers to work, then have horrible helpline experiences.

    Are these things pretty straightforward to set up for someone with zero network experience?

    Anymore they should be fairly simple with the wizards and such. Keep in mind its possible the people that they had success and no issues did not post thier experinces. Its the ones that had problems that had to go tothe support sites, etc so you'll likely see more unhappy folks then happy. So the ratio could be skewed.

    YMMV, but most of the complexities depend on your ISP and the construction of your house, and the range you are expecting and the support of the remote devices. It can get complex, But actually setting them initially should be straight forward.
    ____________________
    This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

    HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
    2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
    Pool: Atrium 60's/45's
  • adam2434
    adam2434 Posts: 995
    edited November 2008
    mmadden28 wrote: »
    Anymore they should be fairly simple with the wizards and such. Keep in mind its possible the people that they had success and no issues did not post thier experinces. Its the ones that had problems that had to go tothe support sites, etc so you'll likely see more unhappy folks then happy. So the ratio could be skewed.


    Yeah, I was referring to the Amazon and CNET product reviews I been reading for research.

    I'm going to just order it and make it work.
    5.1 and 2.0 ch Basement Media Room: Outlaw 975/Emotiva DC-1/Rotel RB-1582 MKII/Rotel RB-1552/Audiosource Amp 3/Polk LS90, CS400i, FX500i/Outlaw X-12, LFM-1/JVD DLA-HD250/Da-Lite 100" HCCV/Sony ES BDP/Sonos Connect. DC-1/RB-1582 MKII/Sonos Connect also feed Polk 7C in garage or Dayton IO655 on patio.
    2.1 ch Basement Gym: Denon AVR-2807/Klipsch Forte I or NHT SB2/JBL SUB 550P x 2/Chromecast Audio.
    2.0 ch Living Room: Rotel RX-1052/Emotiva DC-1/Klipsch RF-7 III/Sony ES BDP/LG 65" LED.
    2.0 ch Semi-portable: Klipsch Powergate/NHT SB3/Chromecast Audio.
    Kitchen: Sonos Play5.
  • MKZ
    MKZ Posts: 1,068
    edited November 2008
    I bought that WRT150NRM refurbished few weeks ago @frys for $30. It came with brown box but it looks brand new and still have plastic on it. I think still not bad for $40.

    I also bought 2 other netgear WNR834B V2 for $25 and WPN824 for $20. They are really nice as well.

    http://shop1.frys.com/product/5594970?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

    http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=Linksys+WRT150N&x=0&y=0

    http://shop1.frys.com/product/4220804
  • mmadden28
    mmadden28 Posts: 4,283
    edited November 2008
    Setting up a roaming setup?
    ____________________
    This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

    HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
    2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
    Pool: Atrium 60's/45's
  • MKZ
    MKZ Posts: 1,068
    edited November 2008
    Nah, 1 for my wife's parent and others for back up in case I'm mess up playing around and they are cheap. :o:D
  • edbert
    edbert Posts: 1,041
    edited November 2008
    ha HA!!!! Let me tell you, definitely upload the DD-WRT that MKZ recommends. It turned my 5 year old router into a new machine!

    I used this guys page and everything went smoothly. Pages load faster, I get connected wirelessly faster and time will tell if I ever have to reboot the router or not.

    Thanks MKZ!!
    I know just enough to be dangerous, but don't tell my wife, she thinks I'm a genius. :D

    Pioneer VSX-816
    Monitor 40's - fronts, bi-amped
    Monitor 30's - surrounds
    CS1 - center
    PSW10 - I'll let you guess
    Blue Jeans Cable - speaker cable
    Daewoo 27 incher - one step up from a console
    Sony Progressive scan DVD
    XBOX

    SOPA since 2008
    Here's my stuff.
  • MKZ
    MKZ Posts: 1,068
    edited November 2008
    I'm glad it works edbert. There are many rave reviews and tutorials online if you like to explore more.
  • John30_30
    John30_30 Posts: 1,024
    edited November 2008
    adam2434 wrote: »
    Planning to install a wireless router at home for connection to existing desktop PC, PS3, PSP, and maybe a laptop and Squeezebox down the road. Might use Cat5/6 for the Squeezebox and will use Cat5/6 for the router to desktop.

    Looking for a reco on a basic, reliable, inexpensive router to use with Vista.

    Kind of leaning towards a Linksys for around $50 from Amazon. These are older "g" models, but I think that may be good enough for my needs. Not sure if I need "n" capability, unless it's smart for future-proofing.

    Any thoughts or experiences to share?

    Thanks,

    Adam

    The older linksys WRT54 "G" and "GS" are classics in that they're open-source (linux) firmware, therefore hackable. The '1', '1.1', '2' series- whole lotta RAM in those puppies.
    There's several communities crazy into that like dd-wrt. Several coders along the way, including dd-wrt's red-headed maniac coder, Brainslayer have totally beefed up the firmware.
    Several cool features of that is you can now bump the radio's broadcast strength from the default 28 anywhere up to the max. 255 (which is, however, not recommended as it gets way hot) This, in turn, increases range dramatically.
    But the cool thing I like, among many others, is that after flashing them with the correct dd-wrt fw, you can then pair them up to share wireless one as Broadcast AP, the other as both receiver & AP.

    edit: holy crap. I get to the last posts, and I have totally redundantified what was said.
  • adam2434
    adam2434 Posts: 995
    edited November 2008
    Got the Linksys WRT150N today from amazon.com.

    The set-up wizard was kind of confusing - it indicated that there was no internet connection detected although the router was flashing a connection on its display.

    Nonetheless, we detected the network on my son's PSP and my work laptop, entered the encryption key, and were up and running. I had my son (14 years-old) "help" set it up to expose him to the process, although it was my first time setting one up.

    This thing works great! We have 100% signal strength running 54 mbps at the far corners of the house (one floor up and one floor down from the router). It seems to be working very well so far.

    My son was amazed at how fast pages were loading on his PSP. We had some high-five moments going on, once it was up and running. Very cool!
    5.1 and 2.0 ch Basement Media Room: Outlaw 975/Emotiva DC-1/Rotel RB-1582 MKII/Rotel RB-1552/Audiosource Amp 3/Polk LS90, CS400i, FX500i/Outlaw X-12, LFM-1/JVD DLA-HD250/Da-Lite 100" HCCV/Sony ES BDP/Sonos Connect. DC-1/RB-1582 MKII/Sonos Connect also feed Polk 7C in garage or Dayton IO655 on patio.
    2.1 ch Basement Gym: Denon AVR-2807/Klipsch Forte I or NHT SB2/JBL SUB 550P x 2/Chromecast Audio.
    2.0 ch Living Room: Rotel RX-1052/Emotiva DC-1/Klipsch RF-7 III/Sony ES BDP/LG 65" LED.
    2.0 ch Semi-portable: Klipsch Powergate/NHT SB3/Chromecast Audio.
    Kitchen: Sonos Play5.