Whats best router to buy

**millie_007** · #1 (**permalink**) 07-05-2006, 08:54 PM

I want to connect another computer to share my cable broadband connection and wondered if you could advice me on which make and model is the best router to buy which will be fast,also is there anything else I need to purchase other than the router.

Kind regards millie

**hybrid** · #2 (**permalink**) 07-06-2006, 06:23 AM

Hi Millie,

Well, you have 2 options, wired or wireless?

Obviously, if you don't want trailing cables everywhere then I would suggest wireless. There are advantages and disadvantages of using either.

I used a wired router for years and only recently changed to wireless, the later being the better option in my opinion.

With wireless you will need a Wireless - G PCI Adapter Card as well as the router itself. Installation is very simple, if you opt for a Linksys WRT54GS Router - its a simple case of a 'One Button' setup.

The LinkSys WRT54GS also supports 'Speed Booster' compatible devices, which gives you up to 35% increase in speed. The PCI cards I bought are not 'Speed Booster' compatible, so I dont see that increase of speed, nevertheless it works with no problems at all. This wireless router also supports upto 4 devices plugged directly into it via wires, so you can use either wireless or wired.

So here's what you'll need if you go wireless and use Linksys:
Router: Linksys Wireless-G (Model number: WRT54GS)
PCI Adapter card: Linksys Wireless-G (Model number: WMP54G)

Note: You will need one PCI Adapter card per PC, they costs around £20.00 each. I'm not sure if the router is still on special offer, but it was priced at £40.00 in PC World (eventhough I paid £57.00 elsewhere!).

If you go for a wired network, then you will need the relevent cabling and Ethernet ports on the pc's you wish to connect, if your PC doesn't have Ethernet ports then you will need to buy an Ethernet PCI Adapter card for each pc. These are normally between £5.00-£10.00 each, cheaper than wireless cards.

Disadvantages of Wireless: Microwaves can cause problems with signal, always ensure your network is secure (Use WPA if possible for authentication) - details normally come with the router to set this up.

Disadvantages of Wired: Cabling everywhere, can get messy with many PC's connected in respect to cables, not really portable.