Wireless Router Suggestions?

[GREEN4U]

Next month I'm moving out of my parents' house (yay!) and into an apartment. I expect that I'll need a router to go with Charter internet and modem.

Very simple question: Which router do you guys suggest? I'm looking for something rather inexpensive (I'll be on a graduate student budget) and that will work flawlessly with my soon-to-be new Macbook Air/Mac OS X! Do I need to buy a router before I get my cable/internet set up? I'm not sure how this all works...Thanks!

 

[skorpien]

I'm unfamiliar with your ISP, but you may want to check to see if the modem they provide is also a router. If so, you won't need one. If not, I would recommend something from Netgear, D-Link or Cisco/Linksys.

An AirPort Express may also suit your needs, but if you need more than one Ethernet port, you'll need to step up to an Extreme (if you want to go with Apple). Both are great routers, but as you'd stated that money is an issue, you may want to go with something less expensive.

Might I ask what your planned budget for the router is?

 

[GREEN4U]

I'm unfamiliar with your ISP, but you may want to check to see if the modem they provide is also a router. If so, you won't need one. If not, I would recommend something from Netgear, D-Link or Cisco/Linksys.

An AirPort Express may also suit your needs, but if you need more than one Ethernet port, you'll need to step up to an Extreme (if you want to go with Apple). Both are great routers, but as you'd stated that money is an issue, you may want to go with something less expensive.

Might I ask what your planned budget for the router is?

Thanks!

My budget is "as cheap as will get the job done!" Maybe $20-40? But obviously that budget goes out the window if I get something nicer like Airport Express, which I would love, since it seems to be the easiest router to set up and I KNOW it will work with my Macs.

I didn't know Airport Express could work as a base station. I thought it only extended a signal. How many how devices can an Express support at once? (I have no use for ethernet BTW - I don't even have a wireless printer, yet) Also, what is it's range?

 

[skorpien]

The Express can be used as a router or to extend an existing AirPort network. You can view the PDF instructions here:

http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/airport_express_80211n_2nd_gen_setup_guide.pdf

Here is some information on the different AirPort devices:

http://www.apple.com/wifi/

With the current model, they've upped the wireless clients to 50 from 10 as well as giving it simultaneous dual-band. The range isn't as good as the Extreme or Time Capsule, but for an apartment or dorm it would be perfect I believe.

 

[GREEN4U]

The Express can be used as a router or to extend an existing AirPort network.

http://www.apple.com/wifi/

With the current model, they've upped the wireless clients to 50 from 10 as well as giving it simultaneous dual-band. The range isn't as good as the Extreme or Time Capsule, but for an apartment or dorm it would be perfect I believe.

Thanks Skorp. Definitely will keep the Airport Express in mind. I guess I don't mind paying more for things I know will work.

 

[SnowLeopard2008]

I recommend Netgear or Cisco/Linksys. Buy manufacturer refurbished to save money.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Netgear-Wir...e-Easy-Setup-Free-/200791048691#ht_2419wt_964

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cisco-Links...uter-w-SpeedBoost-/190701798167#ht_2219wt_964

The Cisco one I linked to has a USB port which is quite useful. Think of it like a NAS. It's better than the Netgear which doesn't have a USB port. Both are good.

I bought one from the same seller and I just received last night. It works flawlessly. It looks brand new, no cosmetic damage or anything. The packaging looks the same as retail.

 

[skorpien]

Anytime. Having used both Apple and non-Apple routers, I definitely prefer the ease of setup of the Apple products (though any router should work with your Mac).

Sorry I can't recommend any specific routers besides Apple's as I haven't researched them for a while, but maybe others can make some suggestions here Good luck!

Also, sorry for the ninja edit I snuck in while you were posting