Wireless home networking

[Bluehippo]

I just moved out my apartment into a new house and I'm finally using my router's wireless ability. Unfortunately I just realized my router sucks. I think it may have some damage. Whenever two devices are simultaneously using the wireless, it only responds to one at a time. You might try to go to a website, but it won't load until 2 minutes later if another device is using the router.

I am thinking of replacing my router, but I don't know which one I should buy. I don't know if I should buy a wireless-G or wireless-N router. I barely know anything about wireless N except that its faster and has longer range. But would it have a significant effect? Currently when I use my wireless g router, I can get about 6 mbps using ethernet, and 4 mbps using wifi. Besides internet, I am also planning to stream videos through the wireless network.

So what kind of router should I buy? Also I noticed there are big price differences. What makes some better than others? What to look for one buying one? Thanks.

 

[chev65]

Wireless N is much better for streaming no doubt. From my 30Mbps cable connection I get 15Mbps out in my garage through two walls and accross my yard. Streaming HD movies out there works perfectly. I use the D-link DIR-655 but there are other decent brands to choose from.

The 2.4-5GHz dual band routers are ok but do cost more and are only required if there are many other 2.4 band networks in your area.

 

[Orbital Shark]

Here's a table of WiFi definition speeds

Classification (b/g/n)
WiFi: 802.11b
D/Link = 11
U/Link = 11
Range = 30 meters

WiFi: 802.11g
D/Link
54
U/Link
54
Range
30 meters

WiFi: 802.11n
D/Link
200
U/Link
200
Range
50 meters

D/Link = Download
U/Link = Upload

All speeds are in MB/s. As you can see, n is far superior in speed and is the best choice for any home network.

Hope it helps


OS

 

[Bluehippo]

Thanks for the info. But how do I know which wireless N router to buy? On newegg there are some as low as $30 and some over $100. If I buy a cheap one like this, Newegg.com - ENCORE ENHWI-2AN3 802.11b/g/n Wireless Router With Repeater up to 300Mbps/ 10/100 Mbps Ethernet Port x4 are there any key features missing? What makes some cheap and some expensive? (sorry for my noobness, but I don't know much about routers lol)