What router for my wireless card?

Question

I currently own a Toshiba Satellite without an internal wireless card. About 4 years ago I purchased an external TRENDNet 54Mbps Wireless PC Card TEW-421PC (IEEE 802.11g/2.4GHz) so that I could use it on a wireless network.

I am now considering purchasing my own router but am not sure which to get. A guy in the store told me that I had to get an external wireless card to match the router that I purchase (e.g. If I purchased an N router then I would have to get an N card to use it). However a friend told me that the speed would simply be limited to whichever hardware was the lowest (e.g. if my wireless card was a G and the router was an N, then I would be using the router at the G capability, and reversely, if I had an N card and a G router then I would be using the card at the G capability).

Could you please advise me on these two schools of thought, and possibly on which router might fit me better (Linksys, D-Link, etc)?

Answer 1

The usual guideline is to try to use the same manufacturer's wireless router and adapter.  Following that, you probably will get the best performance by using the Trendnet TEW-432BRP model (see link below)  

Since your current wireless card is a 'G' model that means you shouldn't spend more for an 'N' capable router unless you are planning on upgrading your PCMCIA card to an 'N' capable adapter.  If you plan on upgrading to use the 'N' standard then I would recommend Linksys for their excellent support. (Linksys is a subsidiary of Cisco)

Answer 2

First, lets' discuss the differences between 802.11 b, 802.11 g, and 802.11 n.  They all run on the same band and differ only in speed.  An 802.11 b / g will run on any 802.11 b / g network and will run on the g speed which is faster.  If you have an 802.11 b device it will run on any 802.11 b / g network but will run at the slower b speed.  Similarly an 802.11 b / g device will run on an 802.11 b network but will run at the slower b speed.  

The n standard is not official yet so you may have problems running on the n standard with different brands of network cards and routers.  Ultimately, the belief is that after the standard is official, a firmware change may be required to provide uniformity so companies are marketing n devices now.

Now for some specifics.  You have an 802.11 g card.  It will work with any 802.11 b / g / n wireless access point at the 802.11 g speed.  Your ISP internet speed will not likely be over 16 Mbps and 802.11 g max speed is 54 Mbps so speed of the wireless is not really an issue for you.

If it were me, I would keep the existing card and procure a router that runs on the 802.11 b / g standard; if it can run on the 802.11 n interim standard as well, that is a bonus but not critical.

I shy away from the home grade routers like the ones you specify because they are lightweight and less reliable.  However, I am also a network engineer who installs this type of equipment all the time and I do not look forward to fixing inferior equipment at home.  However, the better quality items cost more and many people are willing for their home use to spend less to purchase and then spend more time with maintenance and upgrades.  This is a value judgement you must make.  Before you buy, I would search the performance records of the exact model you are buying.  I also would not buy a unit that was just introduced as bugs are probably not yet discovered let alone fixed.  Finally, after you buy and before you install check the firmware on your unit AND see if the maker's web site has a newer firmware.  If newer firmware is available, be sure to upgrade to the latest firmware as this will addres bugs they have discovered and repaired.  I would also do a firmware upgrade each year after that.

Answer 3

you can use a G wireless card with a N router. They work with each other. Depending on how much you are willing to spend, I would go with the D-link DIR-655 router. I have used it for a year and a half with no problems. If you want a G router, I hear good things about the WRT54GS.

If you want to get a N card, get the one that matchs the brand of your router (ex, if you get a DIR-655, buy a dlink card). For G it doesnt really make a difference what combo you do in my experience.

Answer 4

I'm no expert, but I'm pretty sure your friend is right. Linksys routers are known as one of the better routers for PC and are also known for their ease of set up, but are not very good with Macs. Netgear is a good router for both PCs and Macs, but aren't as easy to set up as a Linksys.

So get a Linksys unless you might switch to Mac, then get a Netgear.