What is the best router for range?

Question

Hi: I have a Dell 1184 router connected to a Dell Dimension 8300 desktop.  I have a wireless network that includes a Dell Inspiron notebook and two Tivos.  On my tivos, I am using a Dell 1180 wireless adaptor and on the other, a Netgear wg111 wireless adapter.  I am also using a Netgear wireless range extender (one end plugs into the router, the other plugs into a wall outlet near one of my tivos).   Is there a better/stronger router?  My Tivos are no more than 75 feet away from the router (down a flight of stairs) and my network connection sometimes gets lost.  In fact, most of the time the 'lights' on my routher for my network ports are blinking......is that normal?  Any suggestions regarding how to maximize my signal strength...or even how to stop my router from blinking (and have spotty connections?)?   Thanks a lot. annie

NemesisDB · Answer

generally blinking indicates that data is being transmitted, but check the docs for specifics.

as for range, yes, some products do better than others. some adapters have almost triple the output power as the standard, cheapest products. they're also expensive and often name brands like cisco. read specs before you buy.

you can also consider things like an external antenna for your router.

finally, 802.11n is not in draft form yet, but several products "pre-N" and "mimo(?)" are based on it. the range is nice but it's very expensive and will likely be obsolete when the real standard comes out.

brebeans · Answer

HI:

Thanks. Unfortunately, my Dell doesn't allow for changing/adding to the antenna. I'm thinking about getting a Netgear router, since I have a netgear wireless adapter and the Dell, that both seem to be compatible.

Thanks for the other info and I'll keep my eye out .

NemesisDB · Answer

matching brands probably won't matter that much.  i've never used a dell router, but see if the current antenna can be unscrewed or removed.  if it can, it's fairly easy to add a new one.

brebeans · Answer

Hi: Thanks.  The antenna can't be removed and in the Dell materials regardng the router, it says that it cannot....   so, I'll see what I can find.   Also, I submitted a post regarding an IP address conflict with my laptop. Do you know anything about diagnosing or fixing that kind of thing?  If not, that's fine.   You've been helpful and just thought I'd ask.   Have a great weekend.

brebeans · Answer

Hi:   I am using IP addresses supplied by the server.  I have not manually identified IP addresses, the server finds them. How do I know what IP address my laptop is? Thanks. annie

NemesisDB · Answer

generally an IP conflict means that two systems (or devices) are sharing the same IP address.  are you using static addresses for each machine or DHCP from your router?

NemesisDB · Answer

that's weird that you would get an IP conflict when your router is supplying the addresses...

to find your ip address, click start, click run, type CMD and press enter. then type ipconfig and press enter.

brebeans · Answer

Thanks. Will do and let you know what I find out. I'm at work now and don't have access to my laptop and need to get to a meeting, but wanted to get back to you.

Will check it out later tonight or this weekend.

100mph · Answer

Just sharing (thought it may be helpful):
Recently I had to bridge two wired networks (living room and office). Here’s my current setup:

Cable modem -> Vonage, firewall and bunch of other stuff -> Netgear WGT624 -> ...

-> … AIR … -> laptops

-> … AIR … -> Asus WL-330g -> switch -> desktops

Good luck in your endeavor!

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

What is the best router for range?

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