Xylob Posted May 22, 2008 Report Share Posted May 22, 2008 Hey all, now that it's 2008 I'm thinking about finally stepping into the 21st century and getting a Wi-Fi router.Currently using the LinkSys BEFSR41 http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c...d=3307722279B02It's been doing the job quite well for several years now. 1 port for each office PC, 1 for the 'jukebox' server in the basement, and 1 for a hub that the HTPC, PS3, and X-BOX are connected to (it's rare for more than any 1 of those to be needing a connection at the same time).Some things have changed recently though - we got a Wii (Whee!) and the old lady just got a laptop.I bought the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector http://store.nintendo.com/webapp/wcs/store...rencyPreferenceBoy, is that thing a total (FRUSTRATING!) piece of shit... When GameStop pulls your product from their shelves, you KNOW it's crap! Hell, even Nintendo doesn't sell it anymore, "The Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector has been discontinued until further notice.".It won't work with Win2K, which is what the (always on) jukebox PC runs.If I plug it into any of the 8 USB2.0 ports on the HTPC I can't connect... I bought a 6 foot USB2.0 extension cable and plug into that and then into the HTPC and then have to fight and fart around with it for 10 minutes to get a connection. It takes me back to 'good old days' of adjusting the rabbit ears on my p.o.s. B&W KMart TV! HTPC is approximately 10 feet away BTW, with only 1 standard 6" wall between it and the Wii...Plugging it into either of the PCs upstairs in the office is a total waste of time.When the old lady wants the internet on her laptop she has to crawl around on her desk (not a very coordinated lass...) and disconnect her PC and fiddle-fart around with running the cat5 to her laptop.I'm looking at two Wi-Fi routers from LinkSys:WRT54G http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c...d=0034939789B08WRT54GS http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c...d=0947239789B16They both have the same 4 wired ports on the back that our current BEFSR41 has, so that's a good thing.I can't find jack on the LinkSys page about the range on them though.A straight line from the Wii to the current wired router is 20 feet max, but there is one floor and one wall between -- would the Wii be able to connect? It's standard 1960's construction, nothing fancy about the house/floors/walls.Regardless of interference issues, does a Wii need anything fancy to connect to a router?What the hell is "SpeedBooster"??? I can't find a single "fact" about what it is or does on LinkSys' site.... Kinda makes me suspect smoke and mirrors. Is it worth an extra $15?Can more than one wireless device connect at the same time? Laptop and Wii both at once? If any of you kind folks have any experience with these two products, drop a reply please.Also, if there's anything I'm not thinking of that should be covered let me know.Her laptop supports a, g, & n, and I believe the Wii supports b & g so that should all be OK.TIA!! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-pops- Posted May 22, 2008 Report Share Posted May 22, 2008 I've given up with all things wireless/cordless. More trouble than it's worth trying to keep a reliable link between the various items proved to me (and lots of others) a complete nightmare.What I use now, without any problems whatsoever is through-the-mains Internet connections. Have a look at:http://www.netgear.co.uk/wallplugged_ether...ridge_xe102.phphttp://www.netgear.co.uk/wallplugged_range...der_wgxb102.phpThe second one on those is a wireless one which I bought for anyone that comes to the house and wants to use my connection wirelessly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xylob Posted May 22, 2008 Author Report Share Posted May 22, 2008 Thanks!I'll check it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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