Hi,
My sister has a black Macbook. My brother just got a new aluminum Macbook, base model. They also have a Windows XP PC I built for them a few years ago. Up until now they've been using a Netgear wireless-G router, located on the 2nd floor of their home. The signal does not provide full coverage on the first floor.
Since they are both using Macbooks with wireless-N, I'd like to get them upgraded to a wireless-N router. But there is one caveat. Their HP printer is connected via USB to the PC, and of course they cannot use it when the PC is off, or they must physically connect to the printer when they are upstairs.
I'd like some recommendations for a wireless-N router with a USB port that can act as a print server. I came across some reviews of a DLink, but apparently you need to run Windows software in order to see and use whatever is hooked up to the USB port.
I'd like something other than the Airport Extreme or Time Machine, as they are both overpriced and don't contain an SPI firewall. (why not??) At some point down the road I'm sure I'll install an external drive for them to make backups, but for right now I'd like a fast and range-capable N with a USB port for hooking up their printer. Also, it is possible to hook a USB hub to one of these routers for future expandability? If not I can always get them a single-bay NAS drive and hook up via Ethernet.
Thanks in advance for your recommendations.
My sister has a black Macbook. My brother just got a new aluminum Macbook, base model. They also have a Windows XP PC I built for them a few years ago. Up until now they've been using a Netgear wireless-G router, located on the 2nd floor of their home. The signal does not provide full coverage on the first floor.
Since they are both using Macbooks with wireless-N, I'd like to get them upgraded to a wireless-N router. But there is one caveat. Their HP printer is connected via USB to the PC, and of course they cannot use it when the PC is off, or they must physically connect to the printer when they are upstairs.
I'd like some recommendations for a wireless-N router with a USB port that can act as a print server. I came across some reviews of a DLink, but apparently you need to run Windows software in order to see and use whatever is hooked up to the USB port.
I'd like something other than the Airport Extreme or Time Machine, as they are both overpriced and don't contain an SPI firewall. (why not??) At some point down the road I'm sure I'll install an external drive for them to make backups, but for right now I'd like a fast and range-capable N with a USB port for hooking up their printer. Also, it is possible to hook a USB hub to one of these routers for future expandability? If not I can always get them a single-bay NAS drive and hook up via Ethernet.
Thanks in advance for your recommendations.
