Me and my 7 flat mates are all moving into a 3 story house and we need wireless internet for our laptops, ps3's etc. There is already is a router there but apparently it might not be up 2 the job. I was wondering if anyone knew which would be the best buy for my needs. The house isnt very large but tall. Any help would be greatly appreciated and sorry if i missed out any needed info.
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Wireless advice please
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You can attempt putting the wireless router on the middle floor and check signal strength throughout the house. You may have to go to a more robust router solution with antennas on each floor, depending on building construction
well for a start you would definitely need a wireless 'N' router with that amount of computers and equipment, more range and way more speed.
Also check your ISP internet speed as this will need to be a good amount like 8mb maybe? could do with 4mb probably.
and as said earlier you may need additional access points depending on the buildings construction
Also check your ISP internet speed as this will need to be a good amount like 8mb maybe? could do with 4mb probably.
and as said earlier you may need additional access points depending on the buildings construction
I agree with the 802.11N - especially for the extended range if your computers can use it. You might also consider a router that will accept an external antenna, to help maximize your range...
I think the ultimate setup for you would be an AEBS 802.11a/b/g/n and have it in the middle story of the house (2nd floor). Stray away AirLink, TrendNet brands. They are noobish brands and quality is low. Try Linksys, Apple, Netgear, Belkin. Maybe not Belkin, but you get the idea.
If you go Apple network hardware, extending it s very simple, with an AirPort Express. Just plug it in the nearest wall socket of the spot that has slower signal, and have it use bridge mode connecting to the base station.
If you go Apple network hardware, extending it s very simple, with an AirPort Express. Just plug it in the nearest wall socket of the spot that has slower signal, and have it use bridge mode connecting to the base station.
Thanks very much. Im thinking of going down the apple extreme route to start with as I've heard good things about it. I am however confused over the airport express. Can I just use one of these instead or do they not work alone? I just didnt really get much from the description of the express and its use.
Cheers
Cheers
The express has only one ethernet port (for the connection to the Internet). All computers have to connect wirelessly. It also has audio outputs for streaming audio from iTunes. The USB port can be used for printer sharing, but NOT for an external drive.
An extreme has a built in four port ethernet switch that can be used to connect to computers using ethernet. The USB port can be used for printer sharing, or for attaching an external hard drive for use on the network (and for Time Machine backups).
For a purely wireless network (ie no wired computers), either will work well. If you have wired computers, or want to hang a hard drive off the network, go for the extreme...
An extreme has a built in four port ethernet switch that can be used to connect to computers using ethernet. The USB port can be used for printer sharing, or for attaching an external hard drive for use on the network (and for Time Machine backups).
For a purely wireless network (ie no wired computers), either will work well. If you have wired computers, or want to hang a hard drive off the network, go for the extreme...
The AirPort Express is a slimmed down version of the AEBS. No wireless HD sharing, and just one ethernet port. If you only use the AirPort Express (AE for short), then that single ethernet is taken up by the modem, but if you use WDS mode or bridge mode, then a single computer can use that ethernet. it has one usb for sharing a printer and an optical/analog audio out, to play itunes on remote speakers. It's more like an apartment, as compared to a house. you can still live in it, but lacks some features like yard, smaller space, etc..
The express may not be as powerful transmit power-wise as compared to an extreme. I'd be sure to check that
I just purchased an airport extreme base station and i love it, great range (not 100m but it certainly gets to 50) usb ports 
eek: of course), if it doesn't cover the whole range extend it with an airport express this way you can use two printers on different locations and maybe stream some music.
eek: of course), if it doesn't cover the whole range extend it with an airport express this way you can use two printers on different locations and maybe stream some music.
the express is good enough for me, my dad, and my mom, all using wireless g. that's why i bought the $10 less airport express g at my local electronics store. don't know why they stil have the g aes, but anyway, if you want more raw power and future expanding, go AEBS, but if you want something simple, go express.
If you are going to use an xbox 360 you would want to do what I setup. I got the extreme base station and an express. You would then plug the express into a socket by the xbox 360 and then hard wire the 360 to the express with a network cable. You will then need to set up a WDS network which is fairly simple. Note that when you are setting up WDS you need to set up the express wired to your laptop and not try it wireless. I messed around for 30 minutes before I figured that out. Don't mess around spending $100 USD or whatever the cost in pounds is to get an xbox wireless adapter when the express is much more versatile.
if there is already a router in the house i would recommend picking up an express and using it to "extend wireless".
this way you can boost the wireless signal across the house (place the express somewhere near the weak signals).
i have an express in my room and it boosts my signal from my AEBS pretty well around the house. the AEBS is in the basement and the AE is on the 2nd floor.
this way you can boost the wireless signal across the house (place the express somewhere near the weak signals).
i have an express in my room and it boosts my signal from my AEBS pretty well around the house. the AEBS is in the basement and the AE is on the 2nd floor.