Which wireless router?

[NickM]

We have Post Office broadband, and they provide a service with which we are very happy. However, they issued us with a wired router/modem/thingy (spot the networking numpty here) and we would like a wireless one. The sort that plugs into a phone socket.

The Post Office cannot supply a wireless router, for reasons best known to themselves (demand outstripping supply?), and have recommended that we simply buy one and plug it in in place of the existing one, a Netgear.

However... Netgear wireless routers, specifically the DG834GT and DG834PN models which appear to meet our needs, get very mixed reviews on Amazon (reliability issues, mainly).

Would we be better off with another make? Any particular model?

Would it install simply in place of our current wired modem/router?

 

[johnnyh]

DG834 has been around for an age, simple back end and easy set up.

I have come across loads of them on calls and must say they are as good as anything else in the price range.

 

[LLB]

Go for an N type, not a G or super G type. The range is far better on an N type, and this is usually what slows the connection.

 

[Cranky]

I've had a Netgear DG834GT for nearly four years, in constant use for 16 hours per day, and it's very reliable. However, I've read mixed reviews on them, too. It's important to keep the firmware updated but that's an easy job via Netgear's website.

When I moved house I needed to improve the reliability of the wireless signal for a PC upstairs so bought two of these antennae - one for the router, one for the PC with an extended antenna base from the same supplier - and now the wireless connection is lightning fast.

I have one desktop PC wired in, one wireless, and two laptops in regular use without problems.

 

[Mr Pig]

I've had a Netgear DG834GT for nearly four years

We're the same actually. It's simple to set up and works well, we've got two computer connected via LAN cables, three via wireless plus a Nintendo Wii and three DS consoles. All work fine.

Ours did pack in during warranty though. They just sent out a brand new one. Telephone (zero) help was terrible though. Numpty in India who would not except that the unit was faulty until he'd exhausted every other possibility, including getting BT out to check the line! Drove me nuts.

Tip: Stand the unit on end, a stand comes with it. They cool much better that way.

 

[HJ]

I am another one using a Netgear DG834GT, very strait forward to set up and use...

 

[Lion]

Another vote for the Netgear here, I've also got on well with D-Link routers, stay well clear of belkin though

 

[Black Sheep]

netgear or lynksys get my vote.

check your wireless card and your router can cope with the same band (N or G or whatever) also make sure you get the correct type, there are two main types, the ones to connect to a cable modem (mainly virgin boradband) or connect into a phone socket via a splitter (the type you most likely have)

other bit of advice - don't go to PC rip off, (world)

 

[4F]

Another vote for the Netgear here, I've also got on well with D-Link routers, stay well clear of belkin though

Belkin here and never had a problem with it

 

[peanut]

DG834 has been around for an age, simple back end and easy set up.

I have come across loads of them on calls and must say they are as good as anything else in the price range.

second that . my netgear DG834 has been in constant use 24/7 for 4 years without problem .
they set themserlves up

 

[dellzeqq]

This message is brought to you via a Netg.....

(it's been fine)

 

[trj977]

I have had mine since 2005 never skipped a beat. As previously mentioned, I have mine in the stand to aid cooling because I did read about doing this at the time of purchase.

 

[NickM]

Thanks for all the reponses.

Er... I'm still considering whether it's worth the bother

 

[Piemaster]

My workplace (supply boat) is wireless with 6 netgear routers and access ponints. Never been any bother.
Also use one at home with PC's, laptop, PSP, Wii, XBOX again never any problems with them.

 

[Manonabike]

I've had a Netgear DG834GT for nearly four years, in constant use for 16 hours per day, and it's very reliable. However, I've read mixed reviews on them, too. It's important to keep the firmware updated but that's an easy job via Netgear's website.

When I moved house I needed to improve the reliability of the wireless signal for a PC upstairs so bought two of these antennae - one for the router, one for the PC with an extended antenna base from the same supplier - and now the wireless connection is lightning fast.

I have one desktop PC wired in, one wireless, and two laptops in regular use without problems.

I also use a Netgear DG834GT in a large house over 3 floors. I had it for years and never had a problem with it. I did have a problem with a Netgear access card and I had to get help from Netgear Technical support and that experience was terrible easily the worst technical support people I have ever come across..... likely I'm a technical person so I managed to overcome the problem by doing things that were beyond the help the y can give you.

Somebody mention keeping the firmware up to date.... that is only half of the problem..... my advise is whenever there is a new firmware wait for a while and monitor on the Netgear Forum the experience of other users.... you will soon realise that some of the firmware have been a real pain in the you know where - at the moment I'm using something.16 and it's quite stable however, the next one up, the latest has too many unsolved issues.

Funny that you should mention antennas! The DG834GT has a very good range, better than most Super G. I also have two other routers, including an expensive Zyxel with bandwidth management but only half the range. Anyway, I saw a video on youtube a few days ago about making yourself an antenna... I saved the link in case one day somebody might need something like that.... at the weekend while chatting to my new next door neighbour she commented she needed to buy a bigger and more powerful antenna.... that evening when I had some spare time I watched the video again and got everything that I needed to manufacture the antenna ... then when it was ready I knocked on her door and I asked if I could try this home made antenna .... to my surprise the signal when from 67% to 94% so, it worked .

You can watch the video
View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUTT8wdN_VA


The website for freeantenna was down but I found the pattern here http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/2696/windsurferlw5.jpg

Three tips:
1.- the video shows the bigger version (size A4 ) I made mine from the pattern which is smaller.
2.- Make the flaps about 1 cm longer than in the pattern - much easier to put it all together later on. Your would need to print the patter twice to achieve this.
3.- I used photo paper and it worked great.

Not exactly cycling talk but I hope somebody can benefit from this antenna...