Linksys WRT54g to be recommended?

[automaton]

Well, the topic says it all, really? Is this a good option for a wireless router? I heard many good things about it, I just want to make sure.

I've also gotten the advice to use Linksys USB network adapters on the clients, because that makes it easier to place the antenna in a more suitable location, since the back of a PC doesn't have the most ideal reception.

I could also use any tips on placing the router in the best possible location. As i've planned it now, i'm going to place it high up on a wall near a doorpost, across the hall from the office where the pc's are. There'll basically be an empty hall and two walls between the router and the pc's. The kitchen (with a microwave oven) is also in that neighbourhoud, could that prove to be problematic, and to what extent? Will the network become unavailable when the overn is in operation, or will it just slow down? How much does it depend on the power/brand of the oven?

Any other building construction stuff i need to take into account? I know water is bad for radio signals, but are there any other things into consideration?

[confus-ed]

So welcome to windrivers automaton (is all this technology making you feel like a machine ?)

First off Linksys generally make 'good stuff' (but I can't vouch for this particular model ) ..

Second, usb is NOT how you want network clients connected if you have a choice, a more traditional PCI based NIC will put much less load on your cpu, with a usb one, pass through requests get shoved to your beastie & onto the cpu to decide, generally a normal NIC can deal with this itself thus saving your machine some work, I can see though that positioning could influence you here, but 'really' pc's just want hard wiring to the router, only laptops which are supposed to be portable want wireless, however one of the many things I do for a living is cable installs, so I'd probably say that ! ..

The main issues with wireless networks are all down to either poor antenae & its bad postioning, or outside interference from things, like cordless phones (using the same public broadcast frequencies) & interference sources like microwaves & flourencent lighting, even speakers etc can generate their own interference zones - general advice is 'high' is best (& I'm not refering to your proximity to Holland ! ) ..

You can go on & on with this list, anything electrical is a 'potential' - then there's absorbtion & reflection of your radio signals, so big metal things nearby are a no-no, like metal filing cabinets, & positioning on a two foot thick stone wall generally isn't so hot but any wall, door, window, stairs .. 'whatever in the way' can potentially be a problem, all the range figures they give are based on line of sight .. all potentials - but mostly not a problem, unless the distances are well over 50ft (which covers most houses) - the only sure way is trying - maybe pick a store with a 'nice no quibble' returns policy is about the best advice I can give ..

[automaton]

I know wired is always the most reliable, but i don't want to run cables all through the appartment. It'll require drilling, running the wire through conduits, placing the wall plugs, etc. All of this in an appartment we'll have to leave 'in it's original state' in a few years.
My girlfriend's got a laptop from work, so she'll be able to use the wireless connection anyway, which is handy.
We don't need an extremely high-speed connection, just decent internet connectivity. All online gaming is done on my XBox, which is wired to the router, so that shouldn't be an issue. And i've been cutting down on my porn streams

I follow your argument on the USB option, you'd think someone would've thought of making a PCI card with an independantly positionable antenna (like this? http://www.provantage.com/buy-7zooa0...c-shopping.htm). Maybe i'll try 'n' figure out a way to position the PC cases more optimally.

I know open space is the best option for a wireless connection, that's why i want to send the signal through the hallway as much as possible, so it'll only have to pass through one wall and a wooden door. Hopefully, placing the router nice 'n' high will enhance the signal further.

I've picked a nice store, the one my company works with. They offer decent service and very sound advice, and their prices are pretty ok (I've said goodbye to supercheap IT stores/equipment, to many lost evenings and grey hairs)

Thanks for the welcome, btw

[CeeBee]

I've had a couple of this routers for a while (1 at work, 1 home) and all I can say is that they are great.

[automaton]

Now i've got an additional 'issue': Power.
I need to run the unit's (low voltage/amperage) power cable down to a mains outlet, which fortunately is right next to the doorframe, above which the router will be positioned.
The power cord from the transformator block to the unit probably isn't long enough straight from the box, so i'll need to extend it. Shouldn't be too difficult with some rather thin electrical wire.
Can i run this power cable through the same conduit as the UTP cable, given the fact that it runs only a weak current to the unit?

[confus-ed]

..Can i run this power cable through the same conduit as the UTP cable, given the fact that it runs only a weak current to the unit?

Err that's kind of asking for trouble 'in theory', tape any joints 'real good' or use a connector block, & use the 'best' wire (with hopefully the most shielding) you can .. but in practice probably not an issue at all

[automaton]

I've got most of it working, yeeha! WRT54G is above the living room door, wired to my cable modem and XBox. The Linksys wall mount is really nice, it leaves enough room between the unit and the wall to tuck away all your cabling.

In the study across the hall, there's a WET54G bridge (I had bought a WAP54G at first, but that can't run as a bridge, except with other WAP54G's), connected to a 5-port switch so we can have our own little LAN right there. I'm still figuring out where to best put the bridge, but since my new desk is still being built and we're sorta camping out here, it'll have to wait until the room layout is final.

In my quest for wall mounting options, i came across velcro. I think velcro could do very well for lightweight units that need to be removed from time to time, but not too often (that would wear out the velcro).

The only thing that can't get online is the XBox , but that might have something to do with a Firmware update that's needed on the router. Anyone got experience with this?

Anyway, thanks for all your helpful assistance!

[confus-ed]

So glad its all going (or mostly) good

Xboxes ... err .. errr .. err .. - I think all I know is that via a router they are a bit like mission impossible ! so if you can make yourself be Tom Cruise you'll get a result, otherwise not

I think my best suggestion is for you to start a new topic in the 'gaming forum' here, just detailing that particular bit, & somebody with an interest in that side of things may be able to help you there

[Cobra X]

The only thing that can't get online is the XBox , but that might have something to do with a Firmware update that's needed on the router. Anyone got experience with this?

The WRT54G works fine on Xbox live with the latest official firmware. I know a few people who have this router and play on Xbox Live with no problems. You might want to check the Xbox live connection FAQ for some troubleshooting tips if you still can't get on after a firmware updtate.

[automaton]

So glad its all going (or mostly) good

Xboxes ... err .. errr .. err .. - I think all I know is that via a router they are a bit like mission impossible ! so if you can make yourself be Tom Cruise you'll get a result, otherwise not

I think my best suggestion is for you to start a new topic in the 'gaming forum' here, just detailing that particular bit, & somebody with an interest in that side of things may be able to help you there

I used to run my Xbox through a 4-port Belkin router without any problems. And I've heard/read about a lot of successful attempts with the WRT54G. I'll just have to find the time to update the firmware, which means dragging a pc all the way to the living room.

[NetScum]

Well, the topic says it all, really? Is this a good option for a wireless router? I heard many good things about it, I just want to make sure.

I have v.2 and I am very happy with the router. My main computer is wired into the router and I have two notebooks on wireless & one other desktop on wireless. Signal strength is good, I have taken my notebook next door to help friends sign up for DSL service and place bets while watching various sports games

From what you are looking to do... I think you will be OK. If you can go with PCI based wireless network cards I would go that route. I had USB wireless adapters for the desktop in another room and there were a lot of dropped connections. Thinking it may be the USB adapter I returned it for a PCI card and not a problem since... Matter of fact I have a better signal with the PCI card which is buried behind the computer vs. the USB adapter that was sitting high on a shelf!

[automaton]

I have v.2 and I am very happy with the router. My main computer is wired into the router and I have two notebooks on wireless & one other desktop on wireless. Signal strength is good, I have taken my notebook next door to help friends sign up for DSL service and place bets while watching various sports games

From what you are looking to do... I think you will be OK. If you can go with PCI based wireless network cards I would go that route. I had USB wireless adapters for the desktop in another room and there were a lot of dropped connections. Thinking it may be the USB adapter I returned it for a PCI card and not a problem since... Matter of fact I have a better signal with the PCI card which is buried behind the computer vs. the USB adapter that was sitting high on a shelf!

Well, i have two desktop PC's connected to a WET54g bridge via a switch now. That gives me excellent signal strength and a lot of flexibility in positioning the antenna. Plus, i can connect some more devices to the switch later on if i want to.