[T0t]

Allright, so I just got another computer. Found out I needed a router to connect both computers to the internet at the same time. Anyway, my DSL company is offering a Linksys router and USB adapter card for 130$. Now, I don't know, seems like a rip-off. I've been hearing some bad things about Linksys routers. I read some reviews on newegg and such and they're not all that great. Then again, I don't know much about routers. I was thinking you guys could help me out? <3

Allright, first of all:
What's the difference between 802.11g, 802.11b, etc. And which one should I choose? Also, what's the difference between a wireless-g and a wireless-b router? And, again, which one should I choose?

Some routers specify things such as 'transfer rates up to 54mbps'. Does that mean that's how fast the internet will go, or how fast I will be able to transfer files from one computer to the other?

I know you need some sort of networking adopter on one of the two computers in order for the router to work. Do brands matter? For example, if I were to buy a Zonet wireless USB adapter and also get some Linksys router, would they be compatible?

SUGGESTIONS for routers. I know nothing about wireless networking and there's so many routers on the market. I don't want to go over 130$ (With Router and Adapter included) so I do have a budget.

Router my DSL company was offering for 130$:
http://local.sprint.com/servlet/Cata...duct=770010276

[The_Urge]

LInksys router are pretty decent stay away from their new firmware though. Dlink is good as well as netgear.
$130 is not a great price, but it is not a rip off either. You would be better off if you just went to Staples or something and bought what they had on sale.

Go with 802.11g, it fast and cheap and it works with 802.11b. these wo are compatible but g is much faster and the same price if not cheaper.

This speed will not effect our internet speed. Both b and g are much faster then your standard high speed internet connection. The speed of transfering files will be noticed.

Different brands are compatible as long they are the same standard.

There are basically threee standards of wireless- a,b,g. A is fast and good, but is not compatible with b or g. It is also a bit more expensive. B works with b or g routers but it will is pretty slow. G is the best for the price by far. It works with b hardware and is faster. If you have a g router and b adapter you will only get b speeds, but you can use it.

Get a g router and adapter. Get a Linksys or Dlink or Neatgear, I'm actually not to fond of Belkin. the brand is not hugely important.

I think that it would be a good idea not to ge the USB adapter. Try and get either an external one with ethernet connection (make sure that you have an ethernet connection on your computer) ir a PCI card adapter. Once set up they will give you less problems.

[T0t]

Allright, I'm definately going to try and get 802.11 g, but my last question still stands, 'what's the difference between a wireless-g and a wireless-b router? And, again, which one should I choose?'. I've been looking through a few routers in newegg, and alot of them read '802.11 b/g'. So does that mean they're 802.11 b or 802.11 g?

Also, since the deal my dsl company isn't so bad, I'm thinking about taking the deal up. Only problem is I don't know if the router they offer is 802.11 g(which is what I want). The picture is abit small, so it's hard to identify it. Anyone mind helping me out?

LINK: http://local.sprint.com/servlet/Cata...duct=770010276
http://local.sprint.com/servlet/Cata...duct=770010278

If it's not '802.11 g' then I'll be sure not to take up the deal.

Also, telling me to just buy 'brand' is abit blunt. Suggestions would be appreciated

Thanks guys, I knew you would all be able to help me out.

[DJ-CHRIS]

Originally posted by T0t
Allright, I'm definately going to try and get 802.11 g, but my last question still stands, 'what's the difference between a wireless-g and a wireless-b router? And, again, which one should I choose?'. I've been looking through a few routers in newegg, and alot of them read '802.11 b/g'. So does that mean they're 802.11 b or 802.11 g?

Also, since the deal my dsl company isn't so bad, I'm thinking about taking the deal up. Only problem is I don't know if the router they offer is 802.11 g(which is what I want). The picture is abit small, so it's hard to identify it. Anyone mind helping me out?

LINK: http://local.sprint.com/servlet/Cata...duct=770010276
http://local.sprint.com/servlet/Cata...duct=770010278

If it's not '802.11 g' then I'll be sure not to take up the deal.

Also, telling me to just buy 'brand' is abit blunt. Suggestions would be appreciated

Thanks guys, I knew you would all be able to help me out.

I don't think linksys have ever produced a doubble unit 802.11G unit

B and G are backwards compatable, if you have one you can connect to the other.