I need an access point! (wireless network question)

[skydragoness]

So I don't know anything about networking and routers and all that but I am using a desktop computer in a upstairs bedroom and the wireless signal sucks a**. I have to keep refreshing the signal maybe.. 3 times in a 30min time span.

From what I've been told by my roommate, it's wireless on the 1st floor and only the basement computers are hardwired. So I need an 'access point' to boost the signal from the wireless router in a downstairs office.

I think the router they have in the office downstairs is this one:http://www.newegg.com/Product/...27215

I was thinking of getting this one because of the sweet price and decent reviews:http://www.newegg.com/Product/...20025

and there's also this one:http://www.newegg.com/Product/...24012

So I don't know how much longer I'll be living here but I don't want to blow $100+ on a AP I may not need in my next place. But anyway, what should I do? Should I try Ebay or should I buy a new AP? My roommate is a computer nerd so he can hook it all up but I was wondering what's necessary. I don't do torrenting or anything. Just want a reasonably fast connection (we have cable internet).

[MinisterofDOOM]

I've never used an access point/repeater, but the last 3 linksys routers I owned spontaneously died after about 2 years of use. If you need less than 2 years out of the thing, linksys should be fine.

As for the asus, it's a good brand but I question any repeater that doesn't have external antennas. Also, I notice there's a comment in the reviews about having trouble getting WPA encryption to work, so that one would be out for me for sure. If you use WEP you should be fine, though.

[skydragoness]

Thanks MoD, well, I'll have to ask the roommate about what WPA and WEP is, but the Linkys one seemed better to me for the same reason (the antennae).

It's pretty annoying I need a repeater, considering how the office is across from my room (i'm on 2nd floor, and office is first floor). Argh.

[szh]

I'll have to ask the roommate about what WPA and WEP is

Encryption mechanisms to avoid random strangers from accessing your service.

Z

[MinisterofDOOM]

Yeah, it's just security to keep everyone from hijacking your wireless at will. WPA is more secure but newer and not as widely supported. WEP is less secure but most common. Both should be plenty secure for a home network, though. The issue is just that if you're using one or the other for a specific reason, you want to make sure any new devices you buy will work with that protocol. For instance, I use WPA because my roommate's laptop doesn't like WEP for some reason. Which sucks because older DS games don't support WPA, only WEP, so I can't play them online. But we can't use WEP or he can't connect. So the DS loses out.

[rsagen]

actually WAP is getting pretty well known so I think it is the best bet.and as it goes for WEP, it can be hacked by reading packets and such, one search with google will show you.

just to let you know what you are up against, there is a newer program called "Back Track".

deff go with WAP with hard passwords lol

[szh]

You mean "WPA" ... not "WAP". That is a different protocol ... in the cellular world.

But, agreed with your points.

Z

[skydragoness]

Haha, old thread. I don't even live in said house anymore. Problem solved!

New place I'm living in has DSL.. I think. May have to upgrade to FIOS.

[rsagen]

i heard fios sucks, but i dont no i havnt used it before.

and yea it was just a typo lol WPA not WAP