Computer routers?

Question

Which type of router would you recommend and why?

802.11b

802.11a

802.11g?

Answer 1

g is the most recent of the bunch and fastest. But, there's also the new N router.

Answer 2

Not b, too old a protocol.

Not a, different standard.  Most networks are b,g,or n

Get g.  Will support 802.11b, if that's your adapter, but g is the more common protocol.

Consider also n, though it's not finalized.  Will support g and b adapters.

Answer 3

If you only care about internet, 802.11b (11Mbps) is plenty fast.  They don't really sell these anymore but what they do sell is 802.11g (54Mbps) which replaces and is compatible with 802.11b (11Mbps) and works with built-in WiFi laptops and handhelds sold today.  I wouldn't get anything else because it's just a waste of money.  Residential internet is usually only 1-5Mbps so WiFi-B is plenty fast.

If you plan to do file-sharing, you care about the wireless speed more so go with 802.11g (54Mbps) or the new 802.11n (108Mbps).

I should say I've never actually seen 802.11n in action but from what I understand it's compatible with all 4 standards (a/b/g/n) and claims to be wider-range.

I like the Belkin 54G router because it's the cheapest name-brand one I've found and I know it works (I have 3 of them) but it's really up to you.  Put your router as high up as you can and as far from electrical and metal things as you can, that'll give you the best coverage.