Wireless router

[Tyler14]

Ok, I need a wireless router recommendation. It'll have to be either b/g, and will have to reach from my basement to my upstairs.(About ) I'll do a ton of gaming on it, I was recommended the LINKSYS WRT54GL but I'm pretty sure thats mostly for a Linux based system. Would this router be a good choice, or does anyone else have any other recommendations?

Edit: It's for my notebook, it has a "Wireless LAN Wi-Fi 802.11g 54Mbps Mini-PCI Module" FYI.

Thank you!

[acruxksa]

The WRT-54gL is not just for linux based systems. The L simply designates it as a router that runs/is compatible with a linux based firmware. Linksys was forced to release their firmware source to the public several years ago because it was based on linux which is GPL'd. They didn't like this one bit so about 18 months ago they switched to a proprietary os for their firmware. The benefit of the L version is that you can take advantage of the huge open source firmware development community that has improved upon the router's firmware.

DD-WRT
OpenWRT
HyperWRT
Tomato

The routers firmware is basically a mini operating system. Linksys used to use linux, now they use VxWorks. It goes without saying that the routers that used linux were much more versatile.


If this doesn't interest you, don't pay more for the L version. I've had good luck with Buffalo WHR-HP-54G's as well. They are inexpensive and have a signal amplifier to boost Tx power (it doesn't boost receive sensitivity though, so it's only marginally useful). The WHR-HP-54G, WRT-54GL, Asus 500G (and P) as well as several other routers all use broadcom chips and are compatible with many opensource firmware projects.

Probably more than you wanted to know. Basically the WRT-54GL is a good router and Linksys recognized the power of the firmware modding community so it keeps it in production, but in smaller numbers and at higher prices.

I should also mention that I don't buy a router unless it's able to be flashed with DD-WRT. I currently use an Asus WL500P, but have several older wrt-54gs's and 2 Buffalo whr-hp-54g routers for long range wireless connections (flashed to dd-wrt and placed in client mode). Several with larger than normal 8 dBi gain antenna's

[knight0334]

Amen to what Brotha Acruxksa has preached..

The Linksys units that use the Linux fireware allow for advanced users to tinker with their routers. Many of the routers today are essentially a mini computers with processor, ram and interfaces..

[acruxksa]

Also, Don't listen to the salesman at your local computer store! They don't know sh!t about wireless.

No matter which router you buy, your connection will still be subject to the same environmental factors. Microwave ovens and 2.4Ghz phones are notorious causes of interference. Walls, floors and doors all cause signal degradation and the only sure way to improve reception is with a better antenna...............not a wireless signal booster!

[Tyler14]

Thanks a lot for all your help guys, If I need to boost my signal so it would reach my upstairs from my basement, Would I buy an access point or add an antenna?

[knight0334]

Either should work.. Antenna might be cheaper. To save a few $, just move the router to the first floor. It should cover a second floor and basement that way.

[Tyler14]

Thanks a lot for all your help

[jholland1964]

Is this for this computer in this thread?
Laptop boot problems
Think I would get the problems you are having corrected before going any farther. JMHO

[Tyler14]

Is this for this computer in this thread?
Laptop boot problems
Think I would get the problems you are having corrected before going any farther. JMHO

Yep, I'm trying to do just that, it's never really annoyed me till now.