want to buy a wireless router

[sfish777]

I have two computers at home, xp pro desktop and 2k pro laptop. I have cable DSL modem and 4 port switch. Since my laptop has built-in wireless feature, I want to free the ethernet pc card slot for other usage. I still want to use the switch. So what I need is basically a router with wireless access point and only one port, which can be connected to my switch. Of course, the router should have firewall, can serve as a DHCP, and others...

My question is how to choose a wireless router with only what I need and where I can find a less expensive one. Thank you guys. And if you can offer better options for me, it will be highly appreciated.

[ZeratulsAvenger]

Look for Lyncsis(thats not how ya spell it but oh well :D) or Netgear I would say. Either would be good. Just go to the websites :D

[Meethoss]

If you already have a switch then all ya need to do is buy a Wireless Access Point. What Zeratuls was referring to is Linksys. You should also check out Belkin and 3Com. They all seem to do pretty much the same job.

I'm looking around to get in to wirless now, also, so I've seen some of the deals around. I'm looking for one with a detachable antenna to put it on the roof. You might wanna think about getting one also. It's a little more expensive but leaves you open to change things in the future. They are also harder to come by as most are built in.

If you still want the Wireless Router then they are a little more expensive but usually come with about 4 ports (incl. the net connection). The only difference is that they can suport wired networks and net connections. Both WR and WAP come with web servers to configure them and they have built in security and connection management.

Hope that helps,

[Byte 2.0]

Which DSL modem do you currently have, that could be a factor in what you need, since you have a switch connected to it, sounds like the modem you have is more of a GATEWAY (router)with built in NAT (which acts as a firewall).

[Byte 2.0]

Add,
what Meethoss said is correct, you may only want to add a access point instead of a router. because if the modem you have has the features I talked about above it should be easier to get an access point configured then connecting another router.

[sfish777]

Thank you guys for all the valuable info.

I am using COMCAST Cable DSL modem. I guess it doesn't serve as a router since two computer pulls two different IPs from the server.

Since I don't want to throw the switch away when I turn to a wireless router, I was curious if there exists routers with only one wired port, which can be connnected to my old switch. And this kind of switches should be less expensive than 4-port ones. And if I understand right, adding only a wireless access point won't be able to set up a home network with shared file and printing. Is that correct?

[gunrunnerjohn]

Four port routers can be had for $15-20 on rebate deals, I wouldn't worry about what you do with the switch. :)

[sfish777]

where can I find a good deal? I can only find Lindsys wireless routers for 79.99 and 129.99 in compusa, officemax, radioshack. I can even find it in tigerdirect. Where do u ususally find a better price??? ebay?

[gunrunnerjohn]

Try http://www.morestuff4less.com/ and http://www.techbargains.com/ and wait for a good deal to come along. :D

[sfish777]

Thanks john, hope I can find a good one..:cool:

[glc]

Newegg has a D-Link DI-614+ wireless router with 4 port switch for $39 after rebate. A friend of mine found one of these the other day at CompUSA for $29 after rebate. If you use this, you will only have one box in addition to your cable modem and you don't have to use more than 1 IP address, which Comcast should be charging you for. The router also will give you a hardware firewall, which you don't have now, you are wide open.

[azscary]

Right now on E-Bay buy it now for $36.99 D-Link DI-614+

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3047603267&category=20323

Right now on E-Bay buy it now for $37.85 D-Link DI-614+
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3047832173&category=20323

THe newegg would be a better deal because the shipping is only $5 and E-Bay shippers ususally run much more.

[sfish777]

Just want to thank you all for the help. I just bought a Netgear wireless router MR814v2 for $29 after rebate and tax. I think it is a pretty good deal. And now I have my home wired and wireless networking running. Pretty exciting. Anyway, thanks again and have a good night or good day :D

[gunrunnerjohn]

Originally posted by glc
Newegg has a D-Link DI-614+ wireless router with 4 port switch for $39 after rebate. A friend of mine found one of these the other day at CompUSA for $29 after rebate. If you use this, you will only have one box in addition to your cable modem and you don't have to use more than 1 IP address, which Comcast should be charging you for. The router also will give you a hardware firewall, which you don't have now, you are wide open.
I bought the D-Link DI-614+ from OfficeDepot for $15 after rebate two weeks ago. :) I did have to exchange it for a working one, but it was cheap... :D

[piasabird]

Look other places like
www.amazon.com (Yahh Network stuff)
www.newegg.com (Great Store)
www.homenethelp.com (Networking Info and store)
www.tomshardware.com (Reviews on network stuff)
www.bestbuy.com (Routers and network stuff)
www.googlegear.com (may be zipzoomfly.com)

Best Buy often has some good deals. Also Amazon often has sells on computer related items around Christmas time. They sell , Optical Mice, Routers and other network stuff too.

The question is often will you ever see the Rebate??? You have to spend more money in hope that they will actually send the rebate. You also pay tax on the rebate!

If you use wireless networking pay attention to the protocol the device is using. 802.11a/b/g, because they all have different ranges and speeds. Make sure you match up your equipment and protocol needs. Sometimes the sells are for 802.11a or 802.11b when you want 802.11g which is a lot better.

Quality does count.

[piasabird]

If you buy over the Internet look for free shipping too. If it costs more and the shipping is free it may be a better deal.

[gunrunnerjohn]

The question is often will you ever see the Rebate??? You have to spend more money in hope that they will actually send the rebate. You also pay tax on the rebate!

I've submitted 150 rebates since March of this year, 113 of them have been paid, and 37 of them are pending. I have a little spreadsheet I put them all in to track them. So, I've spent less than $60 on postage, and so far I've received $2846.47 in rebates with $977.00 still pending. I've had to call a few of them and complain, but the rebates come in.

So, to answer your question, yes you should get the rebate. I've bought a lot of computer equipment for 10-15 cents on the dollar, and it's really not that much trouble.