Adding N+Gigabit (Currently have G)

[dmanno]

Hi, I'm looking to add wireless N and Gigabit capabilities to my home network. My setup:

Linksys WRT54G with DD-WRT
2x Desktop PCs with gigabit (connected directly)
1x HTPC wireless (G but willing to upgrade to N)
1x PS3 wireless (G)
1x Laptop wireless (G)

I live in an apartment currently and can't be punching holes in walls to get a direct connection for all of my devices. I still seem to move every year, so I may have a bigger place before my router's life expires.

I want a router/AP that will allow me to connect my 2 deskop PCs via gigabit ethernet and I want a faster connection to my HTPC. I was planning on buying an N card for the HTPC for faster file transfers and streaming. I read this Add, Don't Replace When Upgrading to 802.11n that suggested I keep my G network and add an N device due to mixed-mode slowdowns. I see that this article was written in 2007, however, so I'm wondering if it still holds true with the latest router technology?

I was thinking about getting a WNDR3700 to replace my current router or a WRT320N set to 5Ghz N-only mode to use WITH my current router. Since the WRT320N is $60 cheaper and has good wireless N speed + gigabit, does it make sense to go this route? Or should I just splurge and get the WNDR3700 since it will probably last me a long time? Is there a better option I'm missing?

On a side note, can anyone suggest a good (and affordable) 5Ghz N card for my HTPC? PCI is fine, or USB if it's just as good. I see the Recertified NETGEAR WNDA3100-100NAR on Newegg for $26?

And thank you for the great articles and info on smallnetbuilder.com!

 

[thiggins]

See this sticky: Before you ask about mixing N and A/B/G clients

 

[dmanno]

Ya, I saw that post after I posted (it's in the other forum section), so either way I will need to keep my WRT54G for G clients. That's fine.

So I guess my question is, should I splurge on the WNDR3700 or go with the WRT320N since mixed-mode is irrelevant? It would seem that buying a fast dual band N router/AP without gigabit and then buying a separate gigabit switch would be more expensive than an all-in-one.

And, is the WNDA3100-100NAR on Newegg for $26 OK or should I be looking at other cards?

Thanks in advance

 

[thiggins]

The two are pretty evenly matched in 5 GHz performance. Neither has a range advantage.

You just need to price out the alternatives. Sales and specials can make separate components a better deal. And with a separate Gigabit switch, you could spend a bit more and get more ports (if you need them).

Sure, for $26, I'd try the WNDA3100...as long as it's a factory re-cert and not just "open box" returns.

 

[dmanno]

I'll check out the speeds of the wireless-only devices and the price of separate components. Otherwise I'll prolly just grab the WRT320N since it's 50% cheaper and is now DD-WRT compatible.

Thanks for your advice, I appreciate it!

 

[dmanno]

Can you by chance recommend a budget N router that I can take a closer look at? I haven't been looking at these, so I don't know where to start, or if there are any good performers. The charts show the gigabit switch-included routers at the top (with the exception of the WRT400N which is more expensive than the WRT320N).