D-link Wi-Fi router
Are you tied to your broadband modem connection? You can create a high speed wireless network by plugging in a Wi-Fi router to your DSL modem. Here’s what you need to know to pick the best wifi router that suits your small office or home needs.
WiFi Range
The maximum distance wifi can transmit signals. A typical Wi-Fi router can broadcast signals up to 30 meter radius. Depending the position of the antenna, the device around it (mobile phones, wireless phones) this range might be shortened on some sides. Please take note that the 30 meter range is also shortened by about 5 meters for every wall in your house that the signals go through. The material of the wall also affects the range. In a typical house, the range is just about 15 meters especially if the router is in your bedroom and you want to use your laptop from your patio.
Wifi range is also affected from the client side (laptop, notebook, mobile phone). In general, laptops or notebooks will get better signal compared with a mobile phone. So a good signal in your laptop doesn’t necessarily means the same good signal from your mobile phone. So buying a laptop with good wifi adapter also lengthened the range of your wireless network.
Networking Standard
The current standard now for home networks is 802.11n. It is backward compatible with 802.11b/g Wi-Fi adapters or routers. With link rates–the nominal connection speeds, as opposed to real-world throughput–of up to 300 megabits per second (compared with 54 mbps for standard 802.11g) and extended range (thanks to multiple smart antennas), 802.11n Wi-Fi is the first Wi-Fi technology that can rival wired 100-mbps ethernet in performance. Upgrading your home router to 802.11n is thus one of the quickest and easiest ways to improve your network.
Throughput
Throughput is measured in megabits per second or Mbps. It refers to the data transfer speed the router can give. The previous standard 802.11g is rated at 54Mbps which typically transfer data at a rate of 20Mbps. The new 802.11n routers are rated at 300Mbps which can typically move data at 90Mbps which is 4 to 5 times quicker and faster than the B type routers.
Security
Most routers come with Wired Equivalent Privacy or WEP type of encryption. For greater security, get a router with a more powerful Wi-Fi Protected Access or WPA encryption and a built-in hardware firewall.
Suggested Brand
You can never go wrong with either Linksys (Cisco), D-link or Netgear Wi-Fi routers. I’m using D-Link 300 (image above) for more than 2 years now and it still suits my my needs so no reason for an upgrade yet.
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I’m using Encore WiFi Router and is connected to my broadband modem. It really is great to have wifi at home because, I’m free to move from place to place and still have internet connection. I can even surf the net or chat with friends on my iPod Touch even if I’m at the bathroom. Hehehe.
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Lolz…you are chatting while doing your thing in the bathroom? you must be a chat addict
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already planning to buy a wifi router, your tips above are useful.
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Glad you find it useful. This is the perfect time to buy a router. Wireless N is everywhere and almost every brand of routers has N version so there’s plenty of choices out there. I suggest you get either Linksys, D-Link or Netgear though.
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We’re already using d’link wifi router and it’s really a great help to us.. i can always bring my laptop everywhere within our house.. it’s pretty comfortable to use a wifi router.. be it any brand..
Thank you for leaving your comment here Kathy. I appreciate it.
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Very interesting.
I’ve always been a huge fan of the netgear routers. I’m actually thinking about buying a new one, but not sure whether to get the same brand or not and whether I should choose Wireless N or not. Guess I will just have a read about and gather some more information.
I think you better buying a Wi-Fi N because the price different isn’t much and you’ll be future proof.
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I have a modem which come with Wi-Fi capability but yet not configured it. Don’t actually have the need.
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At the office, we have dlink, linksys, netgear and allied telesyn.
Now, that I’ve recently purchased an Asus notebook, I’m planning to install a wi-fi router too at home. Your ‘testimonial’ about the performance of your D-Link 300 suggests that this might also be best for me.
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Hi James, I think the D-link 300 is phased out already. They replaced it with D-link DIR-600 series. If your Asus notebook has WiFi N then I suggest get an N wifi router too to get better signal.
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Good call on the ‘suggested brands.’ Even though it’s no surprise, it’s just easy on the mind, and the customer service isn’t too bad either compared to other non brand names where it’s tougher.
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Yes plus its wise to go with the known brands. You’ll get better support plus more people can help you out with the settings just in case you can’t reach support.
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ROUTER IS REALLY GREAT DEVICE TO CONNECT TO DIFFERENT NETWORKS.ANYWAYS GREAT INFORMATION YOU POSTED HERE.REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR WORK.
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