Seeking Opinions on the best wireless G router for urban area

[RKelly]

Hello Everyone,
I currently have a wireless network in my apartment using a DLink WBR-1310 wireless router to my HP m8226x desktop computer (in another room, approx 30-40 feet away, same floor level). I don't know what type of wireless antenna my pc uses, but I'm guessing it's just a 54mbps G antenna. I keep the router elevated, away from the microwave, cellphones, etc. The only thing I'm not able to get it away from is a plasma tv and associated home entertainment setup, these items are a few feet away.

That being said, I have had numerous problems keeping a good connection between router and pc. Often it will disconnect, and it will take me several re-tries to connect again. Even when it is working properly, when I try to watch a youtube or similar streaming media clip, it will stop mid-way through, which aggravates me to no end.

My initial thought is (a) poorly functioning router (I got it free with the pc in black friday deal) and (b) living in Chicago there are lots of wireless networks in my immediate area.

I have started to do research on different routers but am curious what people around here think a good router for my specific environment would be. I'm not looking to upgrade to the N platform yet, but maybe that would be good, considering if uses a different ghz?

I also read something about trying to change the stream or band that the router streams from? but I'm not sure how to do that.

Any opinions appreciated, thanks!

[Soopafresh]

What kind of wireless adapter on the HP machine?

[RKelly]

I've been having trouble figuring that out. I cannot find the documentation that states what type it is. When I get into network connections it just says connect using USB Wireless 802.11 b/g Adaptor (thought its not a usb device as far as I can tell). It came preinstalled in the pc, screws into the back of the pc, and its a medium sized black antenna. I'm going to try and upload a pic of what it looks like.

[gadgetguy]

Start by going to Dlink and seeing if there is an update to the firmware for your current router. Also check for updated drivers for your wireless lan card. If you're on the latest, or after updating to the latest and you still experience problems, try different channels (this is probably the "stream or band" that you mentioned). Your user guide should show you how to select a different channel. Keeping the router near other electronics is not usually a problem, but positioning can be a factor in performance, try moving it around. Also make sure you enable security so your neighbors aren't "borrowing" your bandwidth. I'm not familiar with your specific model, but I've always found DLink to be a good brand.

[RKelly]

ok thanks It looks like I need to upgrade the routers firmware, after completing that I will try to change the channel too.

If these solutions don't work, does anyone have suggestions as to my original question? Thanks.

[AlanHK]

I've been having trouble figuring that out. I cannot find the documentation that states what type it is. When I get into network connections it just says connect using USB Wireless 802.11 b/g Adaptor (thought its not a usb device as far as I can tell). It came preinstalled in the pc, screws into the back of the pc, and its a medium sized black antenna. I'm going to try and upload a pic of what it looks like.

The antenna is just that. The actual device is on the card.

If it's listed as USB, possibly it's a USB wifi adapter attached to a card and plugged into a USB socket, not a PCI device.

Look at the "System" control panel/ Hardware/ Device manager.
Find the adapter and look at its properties, driver, etc. That hopefully will include the name.

And if you don't mind opening the case, pop it open and have a look at the card. You should get some manufacturer's name at least.

Google for the manufacturer and model, with any luck you will find their site and a manual.
Maybe they have a config utility -- in fact, are you sure that one is not already installed? Sometimes you can find this when you look at the properties in Device manager, or maybe a stand-alone control panel.


The antenna can be replaced, the socket is generic.

You can buy a better antenna, or make your own from a tin can.
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantenna

[redwudz]

It's a B/G adapter, using either of those protocols. Maybe similar to this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833315041



I'm trying out one of the newer 'N' routers, a LINK SYS WRT600N at present, and I like it so far. It will also work as a 'G' and a 'N' router at the same time, if you have both in your system. Also seems to have good range, at least with my setup. The 'N' protocol uses a less common band, and seems to have less interference from other nearby routers and adapters.

BTW, if you go to your Control Panel>Networking, you should see your adapter unidentified.

[RKelly]

Thanks for the input everyone.

Redwudz, yes that is very similar to the adapter I have. when I look at the wireless network connection properties, in the connect using box it states: USB Wireless 802.11 b/g Adapter

Thanks for the suggestion on the router, it is a bit pricey, but I understand its due to the n compatibility and the old adage "you get what you pay for"

Does anyone know of a good G router? I don't think my adapter can take advantage of the N protocol.

[Nelson37]

Having used a multitude of various routers, I find nothing to greatly distinguish among DLink, Linksys, Netgear, other than the occassional bad model or required firmware upgrade. The Netgear software setup I don't happen to like, but performance-wise they are fine.

Antenna, and antenna placement capability, is far more important. You have no idea how valuable the 3-foot of cable to that antenna is to getting good performance. Moving that antenna a foot or so in one direction or another can make a world of difference. Solved a similar problem by removing stock antenna, attaching one identical to yours, and moving it on top of the desk.

Have you tried connecting to the router with an Ethernet cable to verify that your issue is not with the Internet connection itself?

There are sometimes issues when combining newer and older protocols, best if all units are G, or N, or whatever.
Avoid "turbo" or other proprietary, high-speed modes. Some have trouble with security protocols, if currently on, disable and test.

Definitely try changing the channel. Default is usually 6, which is what most of your neighbors will be. Changing to another channel may well solve the problem, also upgrading firmware - ONLY through a wired connection, DO NOT attempt to upgrade firmware through the wireless connection. If connection drops in the middle of the upgrade, you now own a paperweight.