Preparing to go to broadband and quite lost

[DaveM]

At long last, decent DSL service has become available here at a reasonable price. So, I am preparing to switch over, which will allow me to remove the second phone line and network the two computers in the house.

Since I don't particularly want cables running all over the second floor, I'd like to get a wireless router and the associated cards for the computers. I don't need much in the way of range (about 15 feet), but want to make sure I get all the speed possible.

Obviously, there are wireless routers available using several different protocols and with widely varying prices. Does anyone have any thoughts about getting by on the cheap here? If paying a little more will provide better service, that's fine with me--as it is I see routers that range in price from $50-200 and have no idea how one might be better than another.

[RedjackRyan]

The Linksys WRT54G 54Mbps 802.11g Wireless Routeris what i use, its not bad.. was a little bit of a beast to get configured correctly but that may be more to the fact that i have several routers in place. The interface is user friendly and easy to understand.

The Netgear Rangemax 240 , D-link wireless 1.08 gaming router(DGL-4300), and Airlink 101 (AR504) also scored very high in Tom's Hardware testing...

http://www.tomsnetworking.com/lans_routers/charts/index.html?chart=119

[Amy in Vermont]

I use, and recommend, Belkin routers. I've done a lot of business with Belkin over the years, and find their products and support quite reliable.

We have issues here with Linksys and NetGear routers not working with our VPN.. they work for as long as they work, then they stop, and never work with the VPN again. Not just me, we have had dozens of users with the same complaint. So we tell them to bite the bullet and buy a Belkin.

Your DSL provider might actually have a preferred brand, tho, so check with them. I currently have a wireless G router that was supplied by my DSL provider.. its a Westell, and it works fine. The deal here is they provide a router for "free".. and you own it after a year.