26 replies to this topic

[uwfan]

Last, if you get DSL, invest a few bucks in a router with a firewall. You can get to the Internet much faster with DSL, but the Internet can also get at you faster. Don't depend on a software firewall like the one built in WinXP or Vista. Even Microsoft recommends you not rely on those products exclusively. If you get a router firewall with wireless capabilities use encryption on the link.

Okay...so I made the plunge and will move from 56k speed to 1.5 Mbps next week (I know, I know...some of you are saying...SLOW, baby, SO SLOW... but it's fast for me! ) I'm going with Comcast's basic internet service until I see how things go... and then make any necessary changes if I find that I want more SPEED!

I headed to my friendly electronics store today and stared at routers... figured I would go ahead with an N router rather than a G so that I'm prepared if and when I head for faster speeds (besides it was on sale and my inner cheapskate got the best of me). I see that it says on the box that it has a firewall... is this what I should be looking for?

Thanks in advance to all my techie friends who understand it takes a bit to tug me into the 21st century!

[finGrabber]

WooHoo!!

More speed!!

you really won't believe the difference until you experience it yourself

[shadragon]

Congrats,

Now the bad news. You 'N' rated router has a wireless speed of:

802.11n = 150 - 300 MB/s

802.11g = 54 MB/s

802.11b = 11 MB/s

With your net speed being only 1.5MB/s you could have stuck with an older B model and still had lots of headroom. Now if you have two PC's on that router transferring files back and forth then life will be sweet. However, to the Internet will be limited in speed.

[uwfan]

Okay, I knew I'd get info from my techie friends here..
Still haven't opened the box... and I'm guessing the small n, g, and b after the 802.11 refers to the "N", "G"...and as you mentioned "B"...
I didn't see the "B" routers in the store...

If I do go to a higher internet speed in the future and have two computers on using wifi at the same time are you saying the G will handle things up to a speed of 54 Mbps? and a N will handle 150-300 Mbps?... I knew I was overbuying, but perhaps it was a little excessive... and yet wasn't that much more than the G with the sale price...

Since I can only have one computer on the internet now at a speed of at most 56 kbps... anything looks much faster!

[finGrabber]

You could also plug into the back of the router too

I use my wireless when I'm in a part of the house other than my computer room; if I'm in the computer room, I plug in for faster speed

[georoc01]

The other thing is that not all devices support the old 'B' protocol, only 'G' or 'N'. So stick with what you have.

I upgraded my Tivo last fall to HD and found that the new wireless card wouldn't connect to my older network. I could give you my old one, but I would recommend to just stick with the 'N' you have.

And while it sounds like it shouldn't matter, it does seem to have made a difference, and I'm on the same Comcast service you will be on.

[rkymtwy]

Also be sure to secure, ie password protect, your router when you go through the setup. You would be amazed at the people that skip this step. If you don't you are leaving your network open to anyone that can "see" it.

[Jerrymxz]

Also be sure to secure, ie password protect, your router when you go through the setup. You would be amazed at the people that skip this step. If you don't you are leaving your network open to anyone that can "see" it.

I had 4 people in my last neighborhood that had unsecure routers. I had free internet for over a year. In my new place everyone within range has a secure network. So I had to get the cable modem and I secured my wireless router.

[WreckWench]

I had 4 people in my last neighborhood that had unsecure routers. I had free internet for over a year. In my new place everyone within range has a secure network. So I had to get the cable modem and I secured my wireless router.

So THAT's how you financed your dive trips last year...FREE Internet!

[Jerrymxz]

Works for me!

[uwfan]

Well, one more week with dial up. The port at the pole behind my house is damaged... so I have to wait for that to be replaced and that work isn't done on weekends. The good news, it WILL be up next Saturday as I'm changing phone service to Comcast also... so cash is on the line if it's not done by next Saturday. Looking forward to getting up to speed!

[lynnlchan]

That's a bit of a let down. All set to ramp up to a speedy new router and then you run into a delay.

[uwfan]

Yes, a bit... but I can get on the internet ... so I guess I'm just waiting to REALLY appreciate what I'll have!

[ddierolf]

I hardwired my entire house back when i built it. I will never be a fan of wireless. I can pick u at least 6 or 7 wirless networks in my development.