quote:
Originally posted by Concord Dawn
It's better to get a router IMO, because then you can have the router always on and you don't need to have the computer always on.
I second that. Use a router. Not depending on the PC to be always on is just one reason; a router is a better solution in many ways.
I don't think anyone else has pointed this out yet and it may be obvious, but there's no reason to make everything wireless. At least one of your desktop computers is close enough to the modem to connect with a cable now; you can keep it that way (but connect it to the router).
Depending on where the second desktop computer is located, you may want to connect it wired as well. If that wouldn't be convenient, choose an internal wireless card only if it has a detached antenna (separate from the card and connecting to it with a cable); otherwise go with a USB one. There are many cheap PCI wireless cards on the market that have a short antenna fixed to the card and sticking out the back of your computer. That is not a very good idea -- computer cases are usually made of metal and effectively shield the antenna from one side.
quote:
Originally posted by Concord Dawn
I'd go for the router, and if you're worried about low signal strength go for one that supports 802.11g. 802.11b is a weaker signal because it operates at a lower frequency. 802.11g will give you a better connection and higher speed. (54mbps for g vs. 11mbps for b)
Just to nitpick, for those concerned with such technical detail: the above statement requires correction.
Both 802.11b and 802.11g operate on the same exact frequencies in the 2.4GHz band. 802.11g achieves higher speeds by using a different modulation method.
The standard that actually operates at a higher frequency (5GHz) is 802.11a. However, this does not result in better signal penetration indoors, but exactly the opposite: in the microwave range, higher frequencies are more readily absorbed by matter.
quote:
Originally posted by alegator
Also, in case the signal is weak in some areas of the house, should I add a repeater? If so, which one?
Don't worry about that until you have to. Unless you live in a palace or have metal walls, any basic router will easily cover an entire house.
If you believe this may be an issue, I'd recommend looking for older versions of Linksys routers (still left on the store shelves here and there), for which you can get
third party firmware and optional
high gain antennas.
