I have a friend who want to know more about setting up a wireless network. Basically which one is better than the other and why?

Could someone on the board shine some light on this topic?

Thanks,

 

I can't give you a comparison but I use Linksys with thier cable modem and router. It works very well. I am using the "g" standard. The modem/router is on the second floor of our house and I get excellent connection with my PC on the first floor.

 

I'd avoid netgear. Here's a link to a story about how their stupid programmers hard coded the IP address of a University of Wisconsin time server into their routers as an easy way to keep them up to date on time. This caused major problems for the University and is one of the dumbest things I've seen a computer h/w manufacturer do. I wouldn't trust their equipment as far as I can throw it. Who knows what other stupid things they've thrown into the router?

http://www.cs.wisc.edu/~plonka/netgear-sntp/

 

I'm currently using both brands as well as a Compaq wireless, and the only one I've had problems with is the Compaq.

 

I have tried both brands and I liked linksys better (Both the B and the G). Aside from reliable connections, the set up screens and admin screens are easy to understand in linksys than in netgear.

my .02

 

i'm running a linksys B and am living in a 2 story house. the reception is fine if you are in the same room or in an adjacent room. but once you start roaming further, the reception and speed drops dramatically. as for my upstairs, the reception is inconsistent--sometimes it reaches and sometimes it doesn't. i'm sure my situation is not the typical since most people i talk to tend to have better results than i do. for one, i know my access point isn't placed at the ideal location in the house; i merely place it at most convient location.

 

Use Microsoft... easy to configure, great 24/7 tech support.

 

Currently using Linksys G on a 2 bedroom house. Their tech support goes straight to India with Indians trying to fake American accents. After 4 hours, I finally hung up realizing they're reading from a manual.

Took it back, defective router. Got a new one, haven't had a problem since.

 

Thanks everyone for replying to this post!!! Again greatly appreciate.