Solved Router Questions

[Robert11]

Hello,

May finally break down and get the new iPad.

So, I imagine I will now need a Router (to talk with the iPad).
Know next to nothing re Routers.

Looked at some at Best Buy, and have the following questions:

a. Years ago, many, I had a Router and hooked my PC thru it via a cable; not
wirelessly. Worked fine, and want to do it again this way, as no need for the PC to be wireless. I imagine it will be a much more "stable" connection if hardwired.

Would I use one of the 3 or 4 Ethernet Ports to do this ?

b. I see several Routers have a USB Port on the more expensive ones.
What would this be used for, possibly ?

c. Any consensus as to which brand is the most reliable these days, or perhaps more important which to stay away from ?

What to look for, make sure it has, etc. ? The 2 freq's used on some important ?

d. And for someone like me, which brand/model offers the truly easiest setup, configuring, etc. ? I remember for my old one many years ago, I had a devil of a time getting it going.

Much thanks,
Bob

 

[Tekno Venus]

would i use one of the 3 or 4 ethernet ports to do this ?

Yes, to connect your PC to the router via cables, you use one of those ethernet ports

I see several Routers have a USB Port on the more expensive ones.
What would this be used for, possibly ?

This can be used for connecting a USB printer to which would make it wireless. You can also connect an external HDD (like I have at home) to it which means any computer connected to the router can access it.

Any consensus as to which brand is the most reliable these days, or perhaps more important which to stay away from ?

And for someone like me, which brand/model offers the truly easiest setup, configuring, etc. ? I remember for my old one many years ago, I had a devil of a time getting it going.

I use a belkin and have had a few issues with it but it was easy to set up. It is down to personal preference but D-link have a decent rep. The netgear I used to use kept dropping out on me but some of their high-end routers are good.
Generally you get what you pay for in routers. The more expensive ones are often more reliable and have more features.

Hope this helps
Stephen

 

[Robert11]

From OP:

Hi,

Much thanks.

Appreciate your time in helping me out with this very much.

Best regards,
Bob

 

[Tekno Venus]

You're welcome

 

[bobkn]

My late take:

Use the Ethernet connection.

USB is an option, but it would require additional drivers on the PC.

Brand? Mine is Linksys (Cisco). It has been reliable. At long intervals I've had to power cycle it when the connections weren't working correctly, but that was trivial. It is managed through the web browser. (I think that's not ususual.)

Your iPad supports the wireless n standard, so don't get a router that tops out at g.

Be sure to study up on the router's security settings, unless you wish to share your connection with the neighborhood teenagers.

 

[Tekno Venus]

USB is an option, but it would require additional drivers on the PC.

No it does not. I have an external USB HDD hooked up to my Belkin router via the USB port on the rear. Then I went to Computer and clicked on Map Network Drive. The drive appeared under the Router and upon clicking on it and then finish I could browse all the files on the drive. I use it for backups as I have a laptop and I can then back up anywhere in the house. It does have much slower transfer speeds though

 

[bobkn]

USB is an option, but it would require additional drivers on the PC.

No it does not. I have an external USB HDD hooked up to my Belkin router via the USB port on the rear. Then I went to Computer and clicked on Map Network Drive. The drive appeared under the Router and upon clicking on it and then finish I could browse all the files on the drive. I use it for backups as I have a laptop and I can then back up anywhere in the house. It does have much slower transfer speeds though

I was referring to the connection between the PC and the router.

Are you using USB as well for that? (I hope not.)

 

[PooMan UK]

I see several Routers have a USB Port on the more expensive ones.
What would this be used for, possibly ?

This can be used for connecting a USB printer to which would make it wireless. You can also connect an external HDD (like I have at home) to it which means any computer connected to the router can access it.

Very few Routers offer a print server type connection through the USB port. The USB port is predominately used for sharing an external usb HDD or memory stick etc. but simply connecting a printer to this port will not work. So if you require this option do your homework first to find out if the router you choose can perform this action.