Is Wireless-N really worth it?
Question: I have 5 computers that I need to have all on one network. I am currently sharing 2 printers and all files from all computers on a network using a Linksys Wireless G Router with Speedbooster. Everything seems fine. Internet isn't as fast as a direct connection would be. Anyways my family and I like to watch videos online and stream them from the other computers. Sometimes the videos lag, take forever to buffer, don't buffer, or buffer continuously. These are all very annoying. So I was wondering, is Wireless-N really going to help me? Is it worth choking out nearly $300? I have 2 laptops and 3 desktops. 1 Laptop has Vista Ultimate, the other has XP Pro. 1 Desktop has Vista Ultimate, the others have XP MCE 2005. Please Help!
Answer:
I don't know the price but it seems you need the WRT350N
Wireless-N Gigabit Router with Storage Link, that has the option to attach a storage device and cache downloaded data that can be shared among many PCs.
The -N routers are supposed to be faster than normal -G routers but in your case I believe the router needs to store - cache - the data in order to really increase the reliability and the speed of your surfing. Furthermore are you sure that your Internet Provider does support increased bandwidth? Many providers do not fully support video and streaming. You may need to investigate whether there is some other provider that offers enhanced video and streaming capabilities. There is always the option that the problem is not at your home but maybe there are limitations on your provider that make the difference.
get a linksys one
pre n isnt worth the money just a get a good 80211.g network, if u know what ur doing get a lynksis, if ur new to networking get a netgear (the netgear is alot easier to setup and u will just not get all of the high lvl user features like a hardware fire wall, since most people dont need them there is no need for the extra money to be spent on the lynksis
One of the things you have to ask yourself is what happens if there is another router or interference from a source that operates in the same frequency range? Is there another "N" pre draft out there that isn't as compliant as the newer models? The older ones slam the noise floor and just make your new investment worthless.
If you have a house or a where you live and you own it, cable it with a gigabit connection. Also start thinking about using a server. MS has a new product coming out late fall called "Home server" if your not ready for something more robust such as Server 2003. Just make sure you have giga nic cards in each machine until you do and cable it.
Box of Cat5e about 90.00
Pack of RJ-45 connectors 25.00
Tools to crimp 30.00
Gigabit cards 15.00 ea. Laptops hopefully like came with it. If not, add 30.00 ea for the laptops.
Being able to stream your videos and save a little bit of money with out fustration>>>>>Asprinless
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