Wireless Router explanation

[crispyambulance]

I'm looking into purchasing one of these puppies to replace my old wired one. I have to have 25 foot cables just to get it to reach to some computers and it honestly looks ridiculous. I also bought a Nintendo DS a few days ago and it seems like a better investment than plunking down 35$ for a USB adapter thing for online play.

What I'm asking for is maybe a little explanation on how the things work. Do I like set it there, plug it in, and then does it come with like adapters you plug to your computers? Can they go longer distances(20-25 feet) and maybe a little through walls without much trouble? Any more tips or advice? maybe reccomendations of good quality routers?

Many thanks.

[glc]

You have to buy wireless adapters for each computer you want to connect wireless. It does have standard switch ports for wired computers.

Look at the Linksys WRT54G. The matching PCI cards are WMP54G. 25 feet is generally NO problem, through multiple walls.

[skykissme]

Another factor about wireless is if your place is concrete and steel, expecting some signal loss. And if you have your GSM mobile phone nearby, the expect an signal interfear.

[patrickt]

I live in Mexico where interior walls are concrete with some steel and I was pleasantly surprised at my wireless router. My neighbor is sharing my internet connection and, straight line, she's about fifty feet away through three or four concrete walls and/or floors/ceilings. Her computer says the signal is weak but it works just fine.

You have a choice of frequencies in case something like a cordless phone interfere. The remote computers have to be set to the same frequency, of course, as the router.

[crispyambulance]

So I would have to buy a PCI card thing for all my computers? How much do these cost generally?

Thanks for the answers on distance.

[glc]

All computers that cannot be easily connected to the router with a cable. Cards are around 50 bucks.

[patrickt]

There are also USB devices for wireless clients.

[crispyambulance]

So you guys got any reccomendations on one that won't bust my wallet? Over like 80$(for three computers) is probably my max.

Thanks again.

[glc]

You need to run THREE computers wireless *and* buy a router for $80?

[crispyambulance]

So what is the minimum for a router and three adapters without choppy performance?

[glc]

Can you run any of the 3 wired easily? You do not really want to run a 100% wireless network.

Ballpark - 50 bucks for a router and 50 bucks for each wireless card.

[Brad the best]

i pick up my neighbors wirless conection . at about 30 % (shes about 150 feet away) and mine at about 70% . i run two wireless and 3 wired all on the one router . my internet seems to rip . but i would recomend the usb adapters for your computer rather then the card . you can move them around or put them higher up and get a better signal . my step moms lap top wont connect in a certain part of the house . so the little usb adapter is nice to move around instead of the computer . plus its one less thing in the case . i supose it also depends on if you have the usb to spare

[crispyambulance]

I can run one of them wired easily, so 150$(ouchie).

Thanks for the help guys.

[bailey]

I belive that online gamming with wireless would be a tad bit slower than if you used wired connections, wired connections can work up to 100 meters distance which is much better than wireless too.

[glc]

Here's as cheap as I'd trust:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833127143

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833127145

I do not know how to get the rebates on all of them - you may need to get creative.