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!
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!