Advice on wireless and router modem

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bfisher

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#25751 31-Aug-2008 16:19

I've just recently had to return a D-Link DSL-604G after upgrading the firmware to the latest version, as it would no longer connect to the internet. Now I have a Linksys WAG200G which works fine, however it seems to make this slight buzzing in my head like it's signal is affecting me, mostly with the wireless switched on. Do many other people experience this? It's not a major thing, but it does affect me a little bit. I didn't have this problem with D-Link wireless router.

I am also interested in people's recommendations for the best wireless and router and modem. Whether a comination of seperate devices or an all-in-one device or a comination (e.g. an integrated modem and router device connected to a wireless access point device).

Thankyou.

jackyleunght2002

233 posts

Master Geek

#161056 31-Aug-2008 17:17

bfisher: I've just recently had to return a D-Link DSL-604G after upgrading the firmware to the latest version, as it would no longer connect to the internet. Now I have a Linksys WAG200G which works fine, however it seems to make this slight buzzing in my head like it's signal is affecting me, mostly with the wireless switched on. Do many other people experience this? It's not a major thing, but it does affect me a little bit. I didn't have this problem with D-Link wireless router.

I am also interested in people's recommendations for the best wireless and router and modem. Whether a comination of seperate devices or an all-in-one device or a comination (e.g. an integrated modem and router device connected to a wireless access point device).

Thankyou.

What do you mean the slight buzzing in your head? you mean you are feeling some blood vessel moving your blood across your brain area???

In regards your second question, the all in 1 is way better than the intergrated modem and router device because it is more easier to connect to the internet and also easier to sharing across the network....

Jacky

eXDee

4025 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#161103 31-Aug-2008 21:57

All wifi operates on pretty much the same frequency, so if you feel a 'buzzing in your head' from it then you'd feel it in other places too, eg driving down the road past others houses with wifi, going into places like starbucks etc.

Get a Dynalink RTA1025w btw, rock solid.

bfisher

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#161586 2-Sep-2008 15:55

It's definately only this device. The D-Link didn't give me this. I can feel it affecting the side of my head pointing towards it. Feels like I'm being slowly microwaved.

I would like a modem/router and wirless access point seperate so that I can remove the wireless from the setup in the future if it's not needed. We have people staying here at the moment that will be leaving in a couple of months, after that we shouldn't need the wireless. Could anyone recommend a router and also an access point? Not an all in one device.

If it's not a good option then otherwise I might consider the 604T again without upgrading the firmware. Or perhaps a Netgear or the Dynalink suggested.

I would prefer to buy from a retail store where I can easily return it like DSE.

eXDee

4025 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#161638 2-Sep-2008 17:50

A good option for a router without modem is the Linksys WRT-54GL. The linksys has the capability to run custom firmware on it, which makes it a very powerful device with many options, or you can just keep the default linksys firmware.
For modem something like the Dynalink RTA1320 is nice, though make sure it has decent ventillation as its known to get a bit hot.

bfisher

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#161642 2-Sep-2008 18:01

Thanks for the advice. I'm thinking I'll go with the RTA1025w, but will keep thinking about it and consider any more advice here until the end of the week.

cyril7

7557 posts

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Subscriber

#161665 2-Sep-2008 19:21

Buzzing sound, maybe the input DC-DC converter has a loose inductor former, could be easily fixed by a competent tech, but no other signals in these boxs are audible, unless you have some HF resonant material in your head???

Cyril

bfisher

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#161677 2-Sep-2008 20:08

I think this device is fine, it just seems to be something with this particular model I'm sensitive to or... I haven't had this problem with other wireless routers/products. Not sure what it could be exactly. Makes my head a bit sore after being too close to it for a while (within a few meters) with the wireless switched on, and causes me slight fatigue.

Haven't left it on with the wireless ap switched off for long enough to see if it continues to affect me in the same way meaning that it's not just the wireless ap. It only started happening when I got the WAG200G and only when it's switched on. That's why I just want to return it (still within DSE 14 day return), and get a brand/model that hopefully won't affect me in the same way. I do not have any metallic implants or similar that could cause it to happen. I'm assuming it's only this device that affects me in this way because I haven't had the problem with other similar devices in the past (which were same Wi-Fi revision, etc.).

Thanks.

bfisher

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#161678 2-Sep-2008 20:10

Just wondering if other Dynalink devices also sometimes have heating problems? Like the RTA1025w.

eXDee

4025 posts

Uber Geek

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#161689 2-Sep-2008 21:24

The RTA1025w doesn't have heat issues, its only the RTA1320 for some reason. Our RTA1025w has been running fine sitting on the desk for 2 years and is just warm to the touch.

forumuser

1 post

Wannabe Geek

#161944 3-Sep-2008 20:05

RTA1025w. i have one of these and have had no problems so far, its 1.5 years old

www.cvcompany.co.nz

Detruire

1288 posts

Uber Geek

#162152 4-Sep-2008 15:53

RTA1025W

rm *

BruceLimNZ

15 posts

Geek

#162248 4-Sep-2008 19:47

I am looking to purchase a new wireless modem/router.

Currently we have a Telecom issued D-Link DSL G604T. I have heard that the D-Link products from Telecome are average.

We have a coverage issue with it...When we first set up wireless, we could connect with no problems sitting in our living room. After a few weeks it wouldn't connect, but still show the signal and show it at full strength - it just wouldn't connect. Now it won't even detect the connect at all. Any suggestions as to what would cause this?

Would replacing the antennae on the back of it help fix things or boose the signal strength.

The office the router is based in is seperated by the hallway, a straight line, less than 10 metres. The signal connects fine in anothr bedroom that is further away and has more walls between it.

I am running XP Pro on my PC, the GF's laptop is running Vista Business - not sure that matters?

GF's laptop supports 802.11n - So I guess that is the logical choice? Any suggestions for $100 - $150?

Thanks in advance...

Tahii

115 posts

Master Geek

#162320 4-Sep-2008 22:10

I have a WAG200G, and haven't had a problem with it. Its only ever gone down once in the time I've had it (about 6 months). I believe its in your price range.

cyril7

7557 posts

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Subscriber

#162349 5-Sep-2008 07:46

Bruce is it possible that there is interference about, do you have a 2.4GHz cordless phone? Have you tried checking what other Wifi channels about are being used by the neighbours.

The Dlinks are nothing flash, espcially on the power stakes but I have normally found issues like yours are a result of some interference. Should you want to update the router I have had good success with the DSE XH9950 it uses the good broadcom chipset.

If you want better wireless performance you are better off using a dedicated wireless AP, such as the Engenius, in your situation use it as an AP in bridge mode. That said, before you giveup on the Dlink, check for other operating channels, ideally clear ones of similar power levels as your AP by 6chs.

Cyril