Routers?

General Topics
1

I am just getting a cable broadband connection and know that I should get a router. I assume wireless is the best although my old computer will be connected by a ethernet cable to the main computer, and the laptop will be using the wireless capabilities in a different room.
Which brands are reliable, and which features are important? I know I need a firewall, but are all firewalls created equal? I have checked in this forum and on the Internet for information, and am inundated with info. Some say that Linksystems is great, others that it has many physical problems. Netgear seems to be popular, and I found a great review on the new Buffalo router. Prices are all over the board, but I assume that is because of new and better machines being developed all the time.
Sorry to ask an often asked question, but I am hoping to get the newest news here.

I don’t know if it matters but I have a Motorola Surfboard Cable Modem SB 5120 and my cable provider is Adelphia.

Thank you for ahead for any response.

RoRo

2

Hi roro, I use a netgear router, but linksys,dlink, ect should be just fine. A lot routers have firewall capabilities built in. The main thing is to configure the wireless settings so you don’t have other people able to use your connection. So why not buy a wireless adapter for your old computer and get rid of the wired connection?Hope this helps. tim

3 
    A Wired Conn.  is more Secure than a Wireless. www.dslreports.com has Router & Cable Forums.
4

If your going wireless make sure your router and wireless card support

WPA-PSK with AES encryption or WPA2

Those are the most secure, make sure your encryption key is very big with a mix of upper case / lower case letters and numbers.

5

Since my old desktop is right next to my main desktop, it would probably work better using a cable. When it finally quits, it will not be replaced, but I will need an adapter for my laptop as although it has a network card, it is not wireless and I would like to use it in another room.
I went to the website mentioned and will investigate it more.
Should I just go for the best price in Routers? Has any one tried the Buffalo router WHR-HP-G54. Amazon has it for $57 US dollars and a matching wireless PC card for $40. I only saw 2 reviews for the PC card. One loved it the other hated it.

Ro Ro

6

Don’t forget virtually all router/firewall combos don’t provide outbound firewall protection, so don’t abandon your current firewall providing it does have outbound protection (not so with XP firewall).

7

I have that router. Its a great router, works superb. Easy to use as well. It has a feature to help set up the wireless mode AOSS, although I didnt use this.

I bought the buffalo high powered laptop card as well but mine was faulty. If u want the best possible range and performance use the matching high powered laptop card with the router and pci card for pc.

8

DukeNukem,

I am inclined to buy the Buffalo Router after reading reviews; although some people had problems most seemed very pleased with it. Did you have the faulty PC card from Buffalo replaced without problems? and if so, How long did it take for the replacement and did the new card work well?

RoRo

9

I returned it and got a refund.

I decided to get a cheap PCI wireless card for my PC instead, although not a buffalo one it works very well in windows and linux.

10

I ordered the Buffalo router and card and am hoping to receive it Friday. After trying it, I will return to this forum to give you my experiences, in case someone else is interested in this specific router.

Thanks for your help.
RoRo