Looking for best range router.

[golfking222]

I'm giving away my old Linksys WRT54G and I'm looking for a new router. I need something with a lot of range because I plan to have the router in the basement below a desk while using a laptop upstairs in a bedroom. The Linksys used to work, but it's beginning to die and the signal hasn't been reaching the bedroom for a while. I'm thinking of moving the router to a different position, but that isn't really what I want to do because I have a couple computers wired to the router.

So to summarize,

I need a wireless router with the longest range that also has ports for wired connections, but not over $110.

[AMD'er]

and an access point between your router location and your bedroom. That way it may increase your strength upstairs...

[Randyman...]

If your current Linksys is still working, but just not strong enough, I'd keep it and do what AMD'er said. This is exactly what I am in the process of doing. I picked up a used WRT54G on eBay for $40 shipped, and I'm going to put DD-WRT firmware on it, and use it as a "Repeater/Range Extender" for my primary WRT54G.

:cool:

[Madwand]

Agreed -- consider using the WRT54G with DD-WRT. DD-WRT also has a transmit power increase option which you could try (and you should use this feature if you're running DD-WRT, because AFAIK, it reduces the power by default). Even if you decide to go with another router, the WRT54G could be used as a wireless bridge or as a repeater bridge, giving you more flexibility. You might even find that it receives better than your existing wireless adapter.

For a standard-g router with a good range and reputation, consider the Buffalo WHR-HP-G54. It's got a built-in radio amplifier that works well. This can also run DD-WRT down the road if you choose, but should work fine with native firmware in standard usage.

[PosterManiac]

Agreed -- consider using the WRT54G with DD-WRT. DD-WRT also has a transmit power increase option which you could try (and you should use this feature if you're running DD-WRT, because AFAIK, it reduces the power by default). Even if you decide to go with another router, the WRT54G could be used as a wireless bridge or as a repeater bridge, giving you more flexibility. You might even find that it receives better than your existing wireless adapter.

Well putted. We have been using that it for 7 months now. Excellent router and easy to use too.

Cheers

[treepop]

does the Buffalo's "WHR-HP-G54" Amplified antenna really increase range? Is it better then say the WRT54GL. I was looking at the reviews and saw that people suggested the Buffalo WHR-HP-G54 because it was cheaper then the Linksys WRT54GL, but that is no longer true on Newegg.

I also read somewhere, there were quality control issues with the Buffalo WHR-HP-G54. Is this still the case and if price was not ann object which of these 2 routers would be better for:

1.) range
2.)maximizing download rates ( I noticed with my current D-Link DI-514 I am getting a dl rate of 3,000+ kbps through my wifi connection, but am able to attain 14,000-17,000 kbps while plugged dirrectly into my cable modem. I want to hit those same DL rates over my wifi router!)

Thanks for any and all info you guys can shoot my way! :)

[treepop]

since I am paying around $90 for a BUFFALO WHR-HP-G54, would it be more wise to purchase an 802.11N router for like $10 more instead?


Thanks

[AMD'er]

since I am paying around $90 for a BUFFALO WHR-HP-G54, would it be more wise to purchase an 802.11N router for like $10 more instead?


Thanks

If its only going to be a $10 difference then I would pay the 10 and get the N version. We will all someday be going in that direction so its best to do it now then to double up later...

[Enablingwolf]

The thing about range of the router. The weakest link is what connects to it.

I can bump my router to illegal ranges, per the FCC laws. The catch is. Will the cards I want to connect be able to push the power to Xmit?

That is where the intermediate comes in. If you need more power to connect to the final leg in any network. Be it a AM transmitter or 2.4Ghz. You might need to relay the traffic.