I'm looking for guidance on what features I should be looking for in my first WiFi Router (in UK).
Aspiration:
Complication:
So:
Printers: Xerox Phaser 8200 (in the repair queue), HP Laserjet.
Pipex Modem: Speedtouch 330 ADSL via USB
This is where you guys come in.
I am a total novice, and though there are acres of reviews etc, I'm finding it hard to know what would be best in the above context.
Cost isn't a big deal, but if I'm buying something costing 5 times more than a budget unit, I'd like to be convinced I'll be able to use its facilities and won't be totally lost when I'm setting it up or tweaking it.
To give you a picture of my knowledge/depth of my ignorance, I've looked at the Wireless Routers review in this month's Computer Shopper (June 2011) which drew me to their best budget buy, TP-Link TD-W8916ND @ £33. But they only considered 12 units.
I also found broadbandbuyer.co.uk's Router Finding Tool, which enabled me to tick feature-boxes that appear relevant and narrow down appropriate units.
That indicated a more capable router would be appropriate, with the Billion BiPAC 7800N being the most economical @ £120 (Amazon UK).
But do I need a print server? And, given that we use a baby monitor after 7pm, might I need dual-band capability (which the 7800N doesn't have)?
I know it's a big ask, but you guys know so much more than me!
If you were a novice, possibly looking to change from current ADSL service, but needing to get on with setting up a WiFi router with a NAS and shared printers following after, how would you decide what to buy?
Features/makes/models/prices suggestions welcome.
Aspiration:
Constructing an under-stairs AP router/NAS/shared printers assembly
Objectives: Make desktop PC photos/movies/music & printers accessible to desktop/3 laptops
Enable WiFi Connection to new HD TV (has WiFi dongle for iPlayer, YouTube and firmware updates)
Enable WiFi media streaming to a WD TV live, attached to TV/main AV system
Ability to access my data via internet when away might be really useful at times
Enable WiFi Connection to new HD TV (has WiFi dongle for iPlayer, YouTube and firmware updates)
Enable WiFi media streaming to a WD TV live, attached to TV/main AV system
Ability to access my data via internet when away might be really useful at times
Complication:
Possible change of broadband provider imminent.
Why?: Currently get 3.5 Mbps via ADSL on via Pipex Homecall (max during day). Speed limited by local phone exchange.
Service throttling the connection to zero (yes, zero) speed, without disconnection, most weekday evenings.
- you can't tell whether it's the site you want to see or the Pipex service speed strangling
- only way found to get back connection speed is to physically disconnect router USB connection. Primitive or what?
- 4 times in 30 minutes is common.
So: Service throttling the connection to zero (yes, zero) speed, without disconnection, most weekday evenings.
- you can't tell whether it's the site you want to see or the Pipex service speed strangling
- only way found to get back connection speed is to physically disconnect router USB connection. Primitive or what?
- 4 times in 30 minutes is common.
I'm seriously considering going to a ISP delivering by cable or fibre.
=> situation:
Don't know how long I might be with the Pipex ADSL service, but note our exchange is on the latest BT upgrade list
Don't know what cable type (metal or optical) I might be going to later
Don't know what cable type (metal or optical) I might be going to later
So:
I'd like to buy a router that can deal with what I'm likely to subscribe to next, plus be able to let me expand to include NAS/printers.
Hardware: Desktop PC: Vista Laptops:Xp,XP,W2k
Printers: Xerox Phaser 8200 (in the repair queue), HP Laserjet.
Pipex Modem: Speedtouch 330 ADSL via USB
This is where you guys come in.
I am a total novice, and though there are acres of reviews etc, I'm finding it hard to know what would be best in the above context.
Cost isn't a big deal, but if I'm buying something costing 5 times more than a budget unit, I'd like to be convinced I'll be able to use its facilities and won't be totally lost when I'm setting it up or tweaking it.
To give you a picture of my knowledge/depth of my ignorance, I've looked at the Wireless Routers review in this month's Computer Shopper (June 2011) which drew me to their best budget buy, TP-Link TD-W8916ND @ £33. But they only considered 12 units.
I also found broadbandbuyer.co.uk's Router Finding Tool, which enabled me to tick feature-boxes that appear relevant and narrow down appropriate units.
That indicated a more capable router would be appropriate, with the Billion BiPAC 7800N being the most economical @ £120 (Amazon UK).
But do I need a print server? And, given that we use a baby monitor after 7pm, might I need dual-band capability (which the 7800N doesn't have)?
I know it's a big ask, but you guys know so much more than me!
If you were a novice, possibly looking to change from current ADSL service, but needing to get on with setting up a WiFi router with a NAS and shared printers following after, how would you decide what to buy?
Features/makes/models/prices suggestions welcome.