Wireless router @ 54Mbps... is it fast enough?

[johnb41]

Total newby w/ networking, so please forgive me if this is a dumb question...

I want to set up a wireless home network, and then get the Media Extender to watch recorded video in my living room.

So for starters, i'm shopping for a wireless router. The affordable ones have a speed of 54Mbps. Is this satisfactory? For a little more $$$ some routers have 108Mbps, or more.

My question is, should i pay more for higher bandwidth, or will 54Mbps be fine?

Thanks,
John

[tmiranda]

John,

The wireless media extender only has G capability so it won't go any faster than 54Mbps. The range of the extender is notoriously small so it's hard to get a real strong signal.

Results using the wireless extender are mixed, some peope get choppy video and some get smooth video. People with choppy video get better results using a wired extender connected to a wireless bridge. There is lots of info on the subject in the forum.

Tom

Edit: Fixed a spelling error.

[garyellis]

I've been very happy with my wired MVP...I've heard many problems with the wireless version. Also note, the HD media extender is due out in 2Q. And I assume it will not be wireless. So, to use the HD extender, you may have to run cat 5/6 cable any way. And if you don't want the HD extender, then you will be able to pick up several Media MVP's very cheaply.

Gary Ellis

[AngelofDeth]

There was a picture shown of the HD extender, im pretty sure I remember seeing a wireless port on it, though it had no antenna connected. Whether HD will reliably work over wireless may be another thing though.

[flavius]

You can always use a wireless bridge, like a Buffalo Airstation.

[johnb41]

Thanks everyone for your input!

After long thought, i think i may just go with the non-wireless MVP. (i only would have to drill through 1 wall)

I can't find any "non-wireless" routers on CircuitCity.com. Can i assume that wireless routers can double as a wired router? Also, if i go non-wireless, i'd save a few bucks by not needing the adapter, right?

Thanks,
John

[doc]

Most wireless routers have 4 wired 100mb ethernet ports on them too, and if you're not using the wireless side you can switch it off in the configuration pages for the router.

You will definately be happier with wired for the mvp. I've tried all sorts with my friends wireless ones, and while they play for a short while, they get blocky and are a pain. Even with a bridge, it wasn't much better. Going to wired, it was perfect.

If you have a full head of hair still, go wired and save yourself the hassle of pulling it all out

[johnb41]

Thanks Doc, i'll definitely go wired. I only have to go through 1 wall, so it won't be a big deal. If i had to wire through multiple rooms or floors then the decision wouldn't be so easy...

John

[FidgetyRat]

Just remember that wireless = shared channel. If your family all have laptops active on the same AP as the MVP, video will likely be choppy due to collisions.


In the end, you will be happier with a nice wired house. A few days effort and some pretty jacks and you'll feel quite tingly inside. Especially with a nice gigabit backbone. ::shivers::

[matt91]

Originally Posted by FidgetyRat

In the end, you will be happier with a nice wired house. A few days effort and some pretty jacks and you'll feel quite tingly inside. Especially with a nice gigabit backbone. ::shivers::

Unless your house is an old DC rowhouse with plaster and lathe. Then you'll only be tingly from inhaling all that plaster dust!

[willgill]

I've got a wired MVP but connected it wirelessly with a US Robotics bridge. I put a static IP on the bridge. My wireless router is a D-Link WiFi pre-N with Gigabit ports. The US Robotics bridge is only wireless G so it tops at 54bps. It runs silky smooth. I put this system on the iTreadmill in my sig.

Another interesting note. My HTPC is connected via wirless N to D-Link N router. The HTPC gets HDTV transport streams via firewire from the cable box. HDTV works through the wireless N flawlessly. The wireless N connection connects at about 220 - 290kbps. Keep in mind, five devices connect to the wireless N router, iTreadmill's MVP, son's computer, HTPC, my laptop and the Wii.

Wireless N and Gigabit are the future. Spend the extra $ now.