Shopping for the right wireless router for your network can be frustrating since there are so many choices. You may be able to save some money in some cases. Good safety is also possible.
The main brands of routers on the market, at this writing, are Linksys (now artificial by Cisco), Belkin, D-Link and Netgear. Many shop only carry Netgear and Linksys. It mostly doesn't matter which brand you pick. They all are vastly improved from years ago. Some technicians may propose one over the other.
You will need to choose from some speeds and safety levels. For the Home user you can use 802.11 G or 802.11 N. The new "N" safety level is very acquire and regularly you can get more range out of the new wireless routers. Speeds are all the time shown on the goods boxes. For home networks this is regularly not real important. You should talk to a sales clerk to be sure what you are buying.
What about cost?
The cost of Wireless Routers turn rapidly and there is quite a range in price. You can get some as cheep as .00 and well over 0. The more ports, speed, safety and features they have the more they will cost. Also, the newer 802.11 N wireless routers are more high-priced than the 802.11 G wireless routers. Older "G" Routers can be bought for less than at some stores. The "G" routers will provide sufficient safety and they are much cheaper for most home installations.
Possible problems
Normally any of the wireless routers mentioned set up fairly easy. Exceptions are as follows:
- They regularly come with a setup disk. I have seen some of these disks that are bad. Some will not faultless the setup process or will not work for other reason.
- The operating system will not identify the wireless connection.
- The wires are not connected properly. This is especially true if you don't hook the network cable properly.
What can I do if I can't get it installed?
- Reboot your computer. Sometimes this will solve everything.
- Download the driver from the internet.
- Call Tech Support. (This is regularly your best bet)
If you already have a Wireless Router do not buy one. If you install both of them you could end up blocking the internet connection or it could periodically cut out the connection. Att, charter and other providers do issue wireless router if you ask for them. If you are unsure if you already have one, call your Internet Provider.