Purchase help needed: 802.11g wireless router with print server

Question

I have just received my XPS m1530 laptop (love it so far) and have just ordered my XPS 630 - "in production" at this point [Dell is making a killing off me!]. This is an effort to completely overhaul my current systems. My current and outdated 802.11b is just terrible (using the now discontinued and unsupported junky Microsoft Wireless Router) and is now working in a limited fashion. Here are my relevant devices:

1) XPS m1530 Laptop w/ Vista - Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN (802.11n/draftn)

2) XPS 630 w/ Vista and w/ Gigabit Ethernet [not wireless but will the router will be hooked to this]

3) old PDA with 802.11b wi-fi (which I still use occasionally)

4) PS3 - 802.11g

5) USB Printer (no wi-fi)

MY QUESTION:

I want to purchase a new wireless router - 802.11g would be fine. - I don't THINK I need a "n"/"draft-n" at this point. I don't download to my laptop. Only the PS3 demands a fast connection for online gaming, but its worked well enough with the 802.11b so I figure, the "g" would be adequate.

I also want my router to have a wireless printer server type function (via USB) so I don't have to keep the desktop on to print. I've research what I can but I'm having a hard time finding a good router with this feature. The SMC Barricuda is draft-n and has this function, but its on the expensive side. With all these new purchases, I'm hoping to compromise on cost here (drop in the ocean maybe...I know).

Also, Gigabit ethernet would be nice since I do most of my downloads on my desktop.

Could anyone advise me on which routers might serve my needs or other ideas for this setup.

Thank you in advance.

Message Edited by unconscious on 04-08-2008 03:53 PM

cwallen19803 · Answer

first of all, the g spec is plenty fast for internet access and your printer. If you intend to do machine to machine gaming within your local network the the n spec will help you, otherwise it isn't going to do you much good.

the bottleneck is your DSL / cable modem. even at 50% reception, a g draft wireless receiver is quite a bit faster than the modem can handle. The advantage of the g spec over b is possible security (WPA vs WEP) and connection quality in areas of poor reception (two floors away).

for printing, the bottleneck is going to be the printer, the absolute slowest device on your system.

buy what you want, but realize that all the high speed stuff you put in your house only serves you on your side of the router. if that's your point, good choice.

as far as which router to buy, i can't say. i have a Belkin and a TrendNet i got from CompUSA for nothing, both work just fine as access points serving a wired D-Link.

and having a printserver is really great, vs. attached to aother machine.

tgsmith · Answer

Unconscious,

I think the Netgear FWG114P ProSafe 802.11g Wireless Router with USB Print Server will fill the bill for your needs. It's a 4-port 10/100 802.11g wireless router with built in print server. It has a built-in firewall and supports WPA. I found this one at a pretty good price: http://www.directron.com/fwg114p1.html

Google it. You may find a better price.

Tony

cwallen19803 · Answer

you'll pay more for a separate print server and router.  the combo unit would be good assuming that it is convienent to locate the printer within cable reach.

jmwills · Answer

Might I suggest this.  You have all these machines and mention nothing of a disaster recovery program.  I would steer you to purchase a NAS device that has a built in print server such as the ones from Buffalo.  Kill two birds at once.

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Purchase help needed: 802.11g wireless router with print server

Was this post helpful?