Anyone familiar with Networking? Modem/routers, etc

[Niteshade_Rune]

As i just got a new modem from my ISP setup the other day after finding out from a notice they sent me about 'increased' speeds in my area, etc etc and how my old modem may not b able to utilize them, well first i ran a speedtest to check and figured since i was already debating some additions to my network n such at home.

 

As to my setup. Currently my pc is hardwired to the net, well Via a wireless router. I have a ps3 and 360 as well as occasional 3dsxl/Vita/psp wifi access, another pc on the other side of the home, my phone when i use the wifi on it , and a rarely used laptop. The only thing hardwired in currently is my main pc.

The router is a Linksys, though at this poin it is quite old, which also brings me to one of the key things I'm looking for input on. Its a Wireless G router.

I only recently started looking into the differences between G and N on wireless routers, its my "highly uneducated" impression thus far that N is for the most part superior in security, signal strength/range and stability/speed over G? Am I gathering this much correct so far?

 

If this is true, this also has me curious if whether using Cat6 ethernet cables for any or all of the following; Main pc connection(currently connected via Cat5e to router/modem) 360, and/or ps3 would provide faster/stabler speeds/connection vs upgrading the to a wireless N router or along with upgrading to a Wireless N for the sake of boosting the connection with the pc on the other side of the home as it has currently low signal strength via wireless connection to the router currently.

 

Since my ps3 is going to likely see an increased usage for constant online access since my gf will be using it to play FFXIV when it comes back out*random cheers* i figured id look into making sure ive got the best/stable net access going as i can using any of the above mentioned ideas.

 

Hopefully the post is mostly understandable, networking is definitely not my strong point lol.

 

Thanks in advance to anyone with advice.

[Apoc1216]

Sure I can help with that. I know a bit about routers, but cables are another story.

 

So if you are hardwired to the router it would be better to upgrade to an N router, as it can provide a big increase in speed. Most N routers now can transfer data up to 300MB/s in a wireless setting, but only 100MB unless you get the gigabit ports. (and by transfer I mean move data in your network, not download speed). In order to utilize that 300Mb/s speed you will need to get a matching Wireless card to do so. That's only IF you want to use one, you can still use Hardwired and get the most out of it.

 

As far as security goes, it provides the same set up as a G router, you can set it up to your liking (subnet masking, MAC Addresses only that are registered with the modem, etc. etc.) and they also provide a much wider range of connection as well. I remember when I had my N router in my apt. and I could be at the pool which was about 75-90m away and still have 4-5 bars for connection with my phone. I personally have a linksys 300N with a USB connection so I can make a media drive, but I don't have that set up anymore as I moved in with friends.

 

I did some quick reconning for Cat 6 and I found out they are only best when you have a gigabit ethernet network. So, if you want to move data within your network and have a gigabit transfer rate for network'd PCs then definitely get that. Otherwise, you are probably better off just sticking with your normal Cat 5s.

 

I hope this has helped, although honestly networking is not my strong point so if someone has more specific advice it may be better.

[Jonexe]

In addition to what's said, Cat6 is much more rigid and not really intended for common household usage. It's much more likely to break than Cat5 and more expensive to replace if it does so.

[Fiona Swift]

Stick with a Cat5 or Cat5e cable for your home. Cheaper and you won't notice anything different than a Cat6 unless you have some seriously high speeds or need to route the cable longer than around 75 ft

 

 

As for a wireless route; I used to use linksys as they had VERY HIGH quality routers back in ye olde days of 2000-2004 but I've lost a lot of faith in them the past few years. I refuse to use a D-link as they well... they stink from my experience. Belkin is super over priced.

 

I had a Netgear but that broke almost immediately out of the box. The replacement had random firmware on it which I had to flash.. that failed after 14 months and constantly dropped signal like the first one which failed. I've settled on the brand "TrendNet"

 

I've found their firmware to be very easy to update.. plus be rock solid. No drops...and after nearly 2 years i've only had to reset the router once (due to a sudden power flicker which knocked out the router but not the cable modem).

 

http://www.amazon.com/TRENDnet-300Mbps-Wireless-Router-TEW-731BR/dp/B0062KA4VM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376442307&sr=8-1&keywords=trendnet+wireless+router+n

 

A Trendnet TEW-731BR btw ignore some of those amazon reviews... as someone who was a top 300 reviewer for Amazon some people seriously have NO CLUE what they are doing or what they are talking about. Funny thing is at Newegg a ton of people complain about slow speeds after a few days of constant use... odd.. they said the same thing about my Trendnet wired router.. uptime so far w/o reset.. 76 days since last reset and i'm still getting 18.8 Mbps by 4.6 Mbps (20/5 is my ideal speeds)

 

Do keep in mind this is a "cheap" 300 Mbit/s N wireless router ..

http://www.amazon.com/Cisco-E1200-Linksys-Wireless-N300-Router/dp/B004T9RR6I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376442634&sr=8-1&keywords=linksys+wireless+n+router

 

another decent N class router this one by Linksys; a tad pricey for what you get though. I am not a network specialist though.. I majored in Telecommunications (Cell phones specifically) where as my roommate and best friend did Computer Engineering and Wireless signal transmissions so he's the networking guru.

 

 

Edit

hehe.. just looked at my review page. x.x shocked after over a year of inactivity i'm nearly in the top 1000 still + have a 90% helpful rating . *stumbles across duke nukem forever review and Dungeon Siege 3* ....... I was way to nice with those reviews..... I'd post my profile but then you'd all know my full name! :geek:

[Niteshade_Rune]

Thanks for the replies already!

 

hmm, as to the mention of the price for Cat6 cables, i know they looked pricey at a local bestbuy, but I also use Newegg for a large assortment of my pc related purchases. They do happen to have several Cat6 cables for less then 5$ with bulk discounts. But if there isnt a HUGE difference between the Cat 6 and Cat5/Cat5e then I suppose getting some Cat5 should suffice then?

 

Would you think id see a noticable difference in having my consoles hardwired to a new N router over a wireless connection.

 

I assume that a hardwired connection is going to be more stable as well.

 

Edit: by the time i posted this the 3rd reply was up.

I'll do some checking around my usual places of purchase . Ive never had issues with Linksys, and i know some router brands can cause issues with ISP's due to IP address problems and such and it had been to my understanding that Linksys was one of the router brands who didnt really have any conflicting issues with ISP's, at least mine anyway.

Got me some homework to do. I think I will see about getting a new router for sure. I dont need top of the line, or want to go the cheapest, so ill shop around on some good bang for the $ models and pick up several cables to just have around in case.

 

Will need to also see about digging up the info on the wireless card in the pc on the other end of the house to see if it'll work with an 'N' Router signal.

[Fiona Swift]

hardwired is always preferred in my book and how I have my PC and PS3 setup (wired).

 

It provides the most stable connection and allowing maximum bandwidth; plus will not be subject to interference. However if you wish to have mobility (like a laptop) or the location of your router is in another room from your PC-setup wireless is fine as long as you can maintain a decent signal.

 

A lot of times people who cry about their wireless router dropping all the time is because it is suffering from interference like a 2.4GHz wireless router is in the same room or vicinity of a 2.4GHz cordless phone .. get DTECH cordless phones.. they wont' interfere with wireless routers.

 

edit

Yes they can.. it is why I stay away from D-Link especially; Optimum Online has a habit of dropping on them or at least they "used to"

[Niteshade_Rune]

hardwired is always preferred in my book and how I have my PC and PS3 setup (wired).

 

It provides the most stable connection and allowing maximum bandwidth; plus will not be subject to interference. However if you wish to have mobility (like a laptop) or the location of your router is in another room from your PC-setup wireless is fine as long as you can maintain a decent signal.

 

A lot of times people who cry about their wireless router dropping all the time is because it is suffering from interference like a 2.4GHz wireless router is in the same room or vicinity of a 2.4GHz cordless phone .. get DTECH cordless phones.. they wont' interfere with wireless routers.

 

edit

Yes they can.. it is why I stay away from D-Link especially; Optimum Online has a habit of dropping on them or at least they "used to"

 

Thats about what I was figuring from my limited knowledge as far as hardwired go.

Mobility isnt an issue, my current room/dwelling where all but 1 thing accessing the router would be are all 25 feet or less from the router. so hardwiring the consoles and pc would be cake. It'll just be a matter of hoping the N and possibly a new wireless card would solve the issue with the low signal strength from the lone pc on the other end of the house.

 

since one of the brands on newegg at least that ive seen alot of(Rosewill) don't seem to have any Cat5e Cables, are their any other cable brands anyone would recommend? Belkin perhaps? Figure when i get a new router I should get all my cabling all at once as well.

 

Edit: Hmm, If i'm willing and able to commit the extra $ should I bother to go after a Wireless N Gigabyte router?

[Fiona Swift]

well gigabit is overkill.. I mean people have Gigabite network cards in their PC's now.. 10/100/1000

 

Show me a connection at a "home" level that is over 100 Mbps... maybe overseas in Japan but I don't know any local connect here in the United States over that speed; unless you're tapping into business lines or just not afraid to pay some serious cash.

[Niteshade_Rune]

For example, ive pulled up this list of routers on newegg http://tinyurl.com/newegg-routers

 

and these 2 off Bestbuys site, http://tinyurl.com/bestbuy-routers

 

If i were to go after a new router, what would you folks recommend?

[Apoc1216]

For example, ive pulled up this list of routers on newegg http://tinyurl.com/newegg-routers

 

and these 2 off Bestbuys site, http://tinyurl.com/bestbuy-routers

 

If i were to go after a new router, what would you folks recommend?

I would personally say that using a Dual Band Router is kind of useless if you aren't going to utilize it's wireless capabilities. Honestly you would be fine with something like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833124479 BUT if you want Gigabit ethernet for your network data transfers, I would recommend the SMART Linksys EA2700-NP. I think that would fit just fine.

[Niteshade_Rune]

Ill check on those links more tomorrow

i did.want to.add.real quick that for at least 2 Consoles, and my main pc. Those would all b hardwired through the router,I have a couple handhelds, phone and 1 pc on the.other end of.the home connecting wirelessly.

[Niteshade_Rune]

For example, ive pulled up this list of routers on newegg http://tinyurl.com/newegg-routers

 

and these 2 off Bestbuys site, http://tinyurl.com/bestbuy-routers

 

If i were to go after a new router, what would you folks recommend?

I would personally say that using a Dual Band Router is kind of useless if you aren't going to utilize it's wireless capabilities. Honestly you would be fine with something like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833124479 BUT if you want Gigabit ethernet for your network data transfers, I would recommend the SMART Linksys EA2700-NP. I think that would fit just fine.

 

for the pc i have across the house if i go with that smart linksys I'll have to make sure its wireless adapter card will work with it correct?

[somrue]

If you want fast wireless, get an n router with mini technology.

[Apoc1216]

You can use a different brand wireless card, but it is preferred that you should be using the same type. So linksys with linksys will definitely help the install process and make it a lot faster as well.

[Niteshade_Rune]

the price on that SMART model off newegg looks reasonable to me. Just need to find some additional Cat 5 or 5e ethernet cables and I'll be good to go. think I'll try and find a network card over the weekend so i can get everything ordered soon

[Niteshade_Rune]

Hmm, some of the router stuff i was looking at and the whole 2.4ghz thing.

 

I was debating getting this http://tinyurl.com/358qzrc as a replacement for my slightly older Logitech mouse Ive been using.

 

but i saw the 2.4 thing mentioned , guessing that it may potentially interfere with the wireless signal on anything that I don't have hooked up thru a hardwired connection?

 

EDIT: I also managed to capture a recent speedtest this morning

http://www.speedtest.net/result/2906329401.png

coming off the main pc which is hardwired into the router/modem