Wireless Router recommendation

[Random]

It's been two weeks since I have my DSL broadband service and now I'm in need of an easy-to-use security-emphasized wireless router, a good one with both range and sustainable performance (i.e., won't drop the connection).

BTW, do I need to buy a printer configured for such a network. Mine doesn't have an ethernet port, and I don't want to power up my desktop PC just to use the printer when I'm using my laptop instead.

[68-eldo]

I have two wireless routers in two separate houses. Both are Linksys routers. http://www.linksys.com/

They are both very reliable. I can configure them with Internet Explorer and if set to do so they can be accessed from anywhere via the internet. The routers can be configured to access things like security cameras from the internet also.

The routers can be (and should be) set up to use WEP encryption on the wireless.

I bought a D-link print server and I set it up, printed a test page and everything seemed good. When I tried to print something out I could not access the printer or the print server. Someone told me the “D” in D-link stood for Drop. I bought a Linksys wireless print server and it works perfect. .

Other than the D-link print server I have no experience with any other brand of routers. Linksys is works so well I see no reason to try anything else.

[kanahina]

I also had Linksys wireless routers ("g" and "n") that worked great and I was able to set them up by myself (read: easy to set up). I think I also previously bought a D-Link brand router that I had to return because I could not get it to work (defective?). Currently, I have NO router as my new Linksys "n" wireless router was stolen last month when our house was broken into : (

at least they didn't take my new iMac!

[Ninja]

I use this belkin router http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=136493 . Setup is easy, via web browser, small size, 128bit WPA, 300+ ft range and can be found for less than $40. Only does "b" and "g" though not "n".

[DNR55]

I have set up many Linksys routers, one of which went bad (wired).
I have set up 2 Belkin wireless routers, both of which went bad.
I have also set up, Hawking and D-link.
From those experiences, I would say avoid Belkin. Linksys is a pretty safe bet.

[Random]

Linksys, huh? Okay.

I have an odd question to follow. Of course, one's own property is not necessary round. In my case it's rectangular. Is there a way to set up so that wi-fi signal from my router(s) stays inside the area of my property?

[Random]

at least they didn't take my new iMac!
*a PC fan considered a response but decided to remain silent :rolleyes:*

[gordo]

Sorry to tell you, confining your wireless signal to the perimeter of your home is not possible. You can prohibit people from using your internet connection by turning off your router when not in use, or securing access to your router by using the software setup provided by the router. I have personally used and setup for friends Linksys, D-Link, and Netgear wired and wireless routers. I haven't experienced any problems with any of them. I personally perfer Netgear routers. When picking a router, consider purchasing pc card wireless adapter from the same manufacturer. That way you'll be able to access the features unique to that router. For instance, if you buy a 802.11n router that can transmit as fast as 270Mbps and your laptop has a built-in 802.11g wireless adapter that transmit as fast as 54Mbps, your conection will be as fast as 54Mpbs. Don't buy a USB wireless adapter, real throughput is not as good as a pc card wireless adapter. As for protected access, you want WPA2, not WEP. If you search the net you will find many tutorials on how to hack WEP. What people fail to understand is that when you access the net via a router, you are on a network and your computer is exposed to access to anyone who who use your router. Currently have a friend with 4 computers using a router to access the network. Lectured everyone in the company to keep all security programs (firewall, anti-virus, anti-spyware) up to date, don't download and install any software from the net, and don't disable any of the security programs. Well, this know-it-all idiot disregarded my advise and got his computer infected with a bug I can't remove. To make matters worse, the bug on his computer is trying to hack though the firewall of the other 3 computers. If you had a nerd friend who lives near you, ask them what brand of router they are using. You might want to buy the same brand they got. If you got problems with the router, then you will have a friend near by to tackle the problem. If you are looking for a router with a built-in print server, Linksys, D-Link, and Netgear got them, but they use 802.11g not 802.11n. One more thing, 802.11g is an industry accepted standard, 802.11n is still going through review. Below is a link to info about think to think about when securing your router.

http://kbserver.netgear.com/kb_web_files/N101379.asp

[MyopicJoe]

As DNR55 said, LinkSys is a safe bet. They were bought out by Cisco, the networking giant.

I love Netgear's all metal wired routers. I assume their wireless stuff is just as good, but I haven't bought one yet. I'm considering trying one out soon though.

You'll probably be happy with a "G" router. If you want even more performance you can try an "N" router, but the standard hasn't been finalized yet, hence the gear being advertised as "pre-N". You might want to stay away from it if you don't have any desire to upgrade your router's firmware as the standard changes.

"MIMO" basically means the router uses multiple antennae (sometimes they're hidden inside of the router) to extend the range/strength of your wireless connection. In general I would say you don't need it, but it all depends on your situation at home and how you plan to use it.

If you want to hook up a printer directly to the router (so you don't need to have a PC constantly on to use the priner), you'll want to look for a "print server" feature on the box. The router should provide a USB connection for your printer. Your printer itself doesn't need to be special, other than having an USB connection.


Is there a way to set up so that wi-fi signal from my router(s) stays inside the area of my property?

Unfortunately you can't. The strength of wireless (convenience) is also its weakness. Your neighbors can probe your wireless network for security holes 24/7.

For a real eye-opener take your laptop, put your wireless card into "promiscuous mode" so your card will pay attention to everyone's network traffic instead of just your own (not supported on all cards), install packet sniffing software such as WireShark, and step outside. You'll see a TON of unprotected networks. Apartment buildings make for juicy targets, due to the high density of homes. Hackers don't have to be within throwing distance to spy on you. They can turn a Pringles can into a long range directional antenna (http://www.oreillynet.com/cs/weblog/view/wlg/448).

Sorry if I'm making you a bit paranoid, but the number one thing to keep in mind with network security is that it's IMPOSSIBLE to be completely secure (as it is with life in general). The best you can do is make yourself a harder target so the criminals will move on to an easier mark. Do all your critical Internet transactions (banking, etc.) from a computer with a wired connection.

The first step is encryption. From strongest to weakest:

WPA2 > WPA > WEP

Remember BOTH your router and wireless card need to support the same encryption. Odds are good a router you buy today will support WPA2. If your laptop/wireless card isn't too old, it probably will also. If not you can check for a firmware upgrade (usually free to download).

Use the largest password you can (a random mix of letters, numbers, and symbols). I know it's a hassle, but you should only have to enter it a few times. Write down the password and put it someplace you can easily find it (like the cardboard box the router came in, if you keep boxes). The first time you try to set your network up, feel free to use an easy password. Once you get everything working, go whole hog.

For a bit more security, you can set up MAC address filtering. A MAC address is a unique number given to every manufactured piece of network equipment. Therefore you can tell your router to only allow specific equipment enter your network. If your friend brings their laptop over, you'll have to remember to adder their MAC address to your router's list. When trying to set up your network for the first time, don't enable this feature just yet.


I don't know if the software included with routers have gotten any better at setting things up automatically, but Linksys or Netgear are good bets in this department also.

[MyopicJoe]

If you had a nerd friend who lives near you, ask them what brand of router they are using. You might want to buy the same brand they got. If you got problems with the router, then you will have a friend near by to tackle the problem.

Excellent point, Gordo. Very practical way to chose a brand.

[Random]

Very good tips. Thanks.

[Amati]

You can prohibit people from using your internet connection by turning off your router when not in use,
OK, no laughing from the computer geeks, but how do you turn off the router? And, if the router is turned off (which is how I access the internet on my laptop), could I still access the internet via my PC while the router is in the "off" position?
Remember, no laughing.

[MyopicJoe]

OK, no laughing from the computer geeks, but how do you turn off the router? And, if the router is turned off (which is how I access the internet on my laptop), could I still access the internet via my PC while the router is in the "off" position?
Remember, no laughing.

If I would hazard a guess, I think Gordo meant you could login into your router, via your wired PC, and disable the wireless functionality only. It's a bit of a hassle, but it is an option for those who are paranoid. An external push-button would be nice, but as it is with these high-volume, low-margin products, the cost of adding a button significantly affects the bottom line. Not worthwhile for a feature most people wouldn't use.

[MyopicJoe]

Oh sorry, Amati. I thought you were being snarky :)


Usually there aren't power switches on routers (save money and they don't expect people to turn their routers off). The way you do it is to unplug the AC adapter from the back of the router when you go to bed and plug it back in when you wake up and want to access the Internet.

[gordo]

Good tips MyopicJoe. My standard for router setup is WPA2 or WPA, 12 character (more character the better, but hard to remember and type) password with characters, numbers, & symbols, change your SSID and don't broadcast it, and finally limit access to the router via MAC address to machines accessing the router.

Amati,

To turn off a router, some unplug the cord from the back of the router, some unplug the vampire (transformer block) from the outlet, or some choose to turn off the power strip that the router is plugged into,

[Amati]

Oh sorry, Amati. I thought you were being snarky :)


Usually there aren't power switches on routers (save money and they don't expect people to turn their routers off). The way you do it is to unplug the AC adapter from the back of the router when you go to bed and plug it back in when you wake up and want to access the Internet.

Thanks Joe. After looking up the definition for "snarky", I reread your response and have decided that anyone who wants to access my home PC can knock themselves out with excitement. I never unplug anything from my computer, I'd probalby never get it running properly again if I messed with it too much.

[Random]

Amati,

To turn off a router, some unplug the cord from the back of the router, some unplug the vampire (transformer block) from the outlet, or some choose to turn off the power strip that the router is plugged into,
Do some of the routers have a power switch and/or wireless enable/disable switch on the unit so I don't have to keep plugging and unplugging from the outlet?

I mean, it's bad enough my DSL modem doesn't have one.

[gordo]

Random,

I agree plugging/unplugging sucks and is not a good solution. As long as I remember, I don't recall ever seeing a power switch on router or cable/dsl modem. As MyopicJoe stated earlier, these devices are intended to be operational 24/7. Found a under monitor power center with individual on/off switch for 4 outlets. It might solve your problem. Amazon and Mwave.com has it on their site.

http://www.amazon.com/6-Outlet-Surge-1850J-RJ11/dp/B000T599VW/ref=sr_1_65?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1216342135&sr=1-65

http://www.mwave.com/mwave/DeepSearch_v2.asp?scriteria=tripp+lite+TMC6&ALL=y&TP=


Amati,

This is getting of the subject, but it's not a good idea to allow unauthorize access to your pc. Joke or not, this can lead to serious problems. In a study done in late 2006, researchers found that a keylogger was found in 1 of 6 pc's. For those of you who don't know what a keylogger is, it is a program that runs sliently on your computer, recording every keystroke (credit card numbers, soc. sec. numbers, etc.) and sometimes screenshots to a file to be uploaded at a later time. Alot of people tell me so what, no big deal. I'd tell them of a hypothetical situation. I want to give them a 6-chamber pistol with only one bullet in the chamber. I will spin the chamber to randomize the chance of the gun discharging. Then, give them the gun and ask them if they would put the gun to their head and pull the trigger. So far no one has said yes. Everyone feared the bullet, not the odds. Yes, I agree the terminal effect of the bullet is very persuasive, but what I was trying to get accross is that the odds are the same. So I guess the outcome is more of a factor than the odds. The following link to an article about a goverment employee who loss his job and friends because of a hack done by a virus.

http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/16617576/detail.html

I know a couple of people who had their identity stolen via their computer. It not a pretty sight. It cost them alot of their time and money to fix the problem. These things happen everyday but you don't hear about it. Don't remember where I read it, but the article stated that it took as long as 5 years to straighten out problems associated with identity theif. Do you think you could deal with this situation if it happen to you? I know that the people who had their identity stolen would do everything in their power to prevent it from happening. Just something to think about. I wouldn't want stuff like this happen to you.

[joshuatree]

Do some of the routers have a power switch and/or wireless enable/disable switch on the unit so I don't have to keep plugging and unplugging from the outlet?

I mean, it's bad enough my DSL modem doesn't have one.

Yes but they are enterprise level routers. As someone mentioned, the razor thin profit margins of the Soho market precludes any manufacturer from considering adding a power switch.

[Random]

Yes but they are enterprise level routers. As someone mentioned, the razor thin profit margins of the Soho market precludes any manufacturer from considering adding a power switch.
I didn't realize power switch can be expensive.

[MyopicJoe]

I didn't realize power switch can be expensive.

A single switch isn't a big deal, but when you're mass producing tens of thousands of units, that's when the bean counters start looking over the product designer's shoulders.

There's the cost of the switch. Space to inventory and distribute it throughout the factory. Time is needed to test every switch. It's yet another step in the assembly process. If you're lucky it can be done by a robot. If not it has to be installed by hand. It's another point of failure, reducing production yields ever so slightly but multiplied by thousands of units.

In the automotive industry, they are very anal about how many inches of wiring is used in a car. Each bit adds weight and cost (aren't you glad they don't use cheap Radio Shack wires to hook up your air bags?).

[GregLee]

When I subscribed to Hawaiiantel DSL a year ago, they sent me a Westell 327W modem-router at no extra charge (beyond the $30/month DSL subscription fee). I've had no problem with it the last year. It connects my desktop computer (using a wireless card and Linux), another laptop wirelessly, a DirecTV HR20 satellite receiver using UPnP mediashare to my desktop, a Wii (wireless), and an Xbox 360 (wired). The Westell 327W does have an on/off switch, which I've had to use only on those rare occasions when Hawaiiantel's DSL service had some glitch. I use MAC address filtering and a 64 bit WEP key for security, which leaves much to be desired, I'm sure, but is probably enough for out here in Waimanalo country.

[Random]

(aren't you glad they don't use cheap Radio Shack wires to hook up your air bags?).
Actually, I trust Radio Shack's wires than I do with what came preinstalled in my car.

To be brutally honest, they're getting way too anal ... to the point of seeing one's colon ... if they have to consider power switches to be costly to make tens of thousand of units.

[Amati]

Amati,
This is getting of the subject, but it's not a good idea to allow unauthorize access to your pc. Joke or not, this can lead to serious problems.
Humm, guess you are probably right about that. Soooooo, [all unfriendly readers can skip the remainder of this posting or at least not be overly harsh about my lack of computerize], I seem to recall having the option for a password on my wireless connection. I can call the cable company about that and make sure I've got it set up.
But besides that, and unplugging [which really sounds likes something that I'm not going to be doing], is just making sure I'm using the password about all I can or should be doing?

[MyopicJoe]

To be brutally honest, they're getting way too anal ... to the point of seeing one's colon ... if they have to consider power switches to be costly to make tens of thousand of units.

At first I had wanted to say millions of units (yearly), but I wasn't sure if that was an accurate number. I tried to quickly find some stats, but I couldn't figure out a good set of search terms for Google. I decided to conservatively go with tens of thousands.

Looks like I was off by three orders of magnitude:

AsusTek has a monthly production capacity of 2 million units for WLAN routers. In H2 2007, the company has a monthly export volume of 1.3 million WLAN routers. It plans to expand its production capacity to 3 million units in H2 2008.


My bad :p

[joshuatree]

As a single power switch, sure, it's mere pennies and it seems anal. But when you start counting production in the millions, that adds up. Also, if these switches are unreliable or there's a bad batch, then the defect and RMA rate goes up, thus increasing operational costs. At the individual level, it sucks to be counted as a number by the bean counters, but at the corporate earnings level, it's important enough to justify not putting in power switches. A typical Linksys router is under $100, a Cisco enterprise level 6509 switch can easily be $70,000. When you have razor thin profit margins compared to enterprise level profit margins, the manufacturer's gonna pass on putting the power switch into the Linksys.