Homeplug very slow, so looking at new wireless N router

[Anders]

I've recently discovered that we're only getting about 4-5 mbps (bits not bytes) of bandwidth via our homeplug adapters and for at least one computer, it randomly disconnects.

Ethernet is not an option because I can't knock holes in our rented house's walls.

So I'm left with Wifi. In the past I've found coverage patchy, therefore I'm interesting in a wireless router/access point that gives the best range. I haven't managed to find a nice comprehensive round up, but dual-band N wifi adapters seem to be the way to go.

Can anyone recommend me a device please? I'm looking at the D-Link DIR-825. Once I've chosen a router/AP, I then assume I'm best off buying a matching Wifi card for my comp from the same supplier.

Cheers.

[Lucio]

One option for Ethernet in a rented accomdation is running the cables along the top of the skirting board and if you have to go up and over door frames, blutak.

[pipTheGeek]

Both Toms hardware guide and Small Net Builder have decent reviews of wireless routers and include some information about the range.

I then assume I'm best off buying a matching Wifi card for my comp from the same supplier.

Short answer is yes. Most routers offer some form of propriatry extension to the standards that either provide for extra speed or extra range, these extensions only work with a compatable client adapter. Being from the same manufacturer is not enough to ensure full compatability. You will need to check on the manufacturers website to be sure you get the correct adapter.
Having said all that, I have a netgear router and it providers coverage upto 4 doors away for any 802.11g compliant device. I have also had problems in the past with netgear adapters because their drivers have been poor.

[Anders]

Thanks Pip. Small Net Builder is a great website. It has a useful benchmark of Wireless performance here
Of their top runners:

• D-Link Xtreme N Storage Router (DIR-685), I don't need NAS, plus it's Wifi performance in the difficult test locations is low
• Linksys WRT310N rules itself out as it requires a Windows application to configure . I use Linux.
• Linksys WRT400N looks promising, with signal across all Small Net Builder's test locations. I'll look around for some more reviews, but anyone got any experience with this device? {edit} Might be scuppered on this one, it doesn't look to be available in the UK yet. {/edit}

Lucio, cheers for the tip. How do you deal with closing doors?

[Anders]

Looks like I'm going for the Linksys WRT320N. It's not as good as the WRT400N, but I don't want to by a US version. The WRT320N doesn't support using the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands at the same time, but since I'm buying an 11n Wifi adapter to use with this I'll just use it in 5 Ghz mode. The thing that swung it was it's available for around 65 squid.

The only think I've got left to work out is if Linksys do Linux drivers for their Wifi adapters ... quick update, according to someone on the Ubuntu forum, the USB Linksys wusb600n-eu works out of the box on 9.04.

[Paranoid2000]

How about Homeplug AV? (a higher speed - "up to" 200Mbps version of Homeplug). If you pick up a couple of plugs, you can test them and, if unsatisfactory, return them provided you do so within 7 days (if purchasing within the EU, due to the Distance Selling Regulations).

[Anders]

Hmm, interesting idea. Can I return a product under Distance Selling Regs if I've opened the box?

[Paranoid2000]

Hmm, interesting idea. Can I return a product under Distance Selling Regs if I've opened the box?

Section 17(2)(b) of the The Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000 states that you have to "take reasonable care" of the product ordered - opening its box should be OK (you have to do this to check the item anyway) as long as the item itself is kept in a "good-as-new" condition.

PS: PCPro has some Homeplug AV reviews which may be of interest - they include measurements of actual network performance (10-35Mbit/second depending on lines).

[Anders]

Thanks Paranoid, the Billion BiPAC 2071 sound decent. Will look around for some more reviews on these. Never heard of the brand though.