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madmikey

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#89593 6-Sep-2011 00:24
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Hi,
I currently have a Linksys WAG160N, with 3 PCs connected to the Ethernet Ports.
Apart from the occasional message about "There is an IP Address Conflict with another computer on the network", in general we have no problems with these, no disconnects, good speeds, all 3 work brilliantly 99% of the time.

But we also use a variety of Laptops, plus a Tablet and an Ipod that connect wirelessly with mixed results.
Our new Toshiba Windows 7 laptop ( Wireless N ) is OK, and one of the old XP Laptops that is only Wireless G is also OK but range is a bit limited. But we have a new Epad Tablet ( Wireless G )that seems to have very limited range, signal strength fluctuates and occasionally drops out. However these do seem to perform OK at other locations ( eg outside Starbucks )which is why I suspect the WAG160N is very "average" when it comes to wireless performance. We have another Acer Laptop running Vista that has another issue - when it is first turned on it will not connect to the network at all. It can find our Linksys Router but just won't connect. However if we turn the router off, then on again, then the laptop connects straight away. Kinda annoying really for the other people sharing the connection. 

So I'm thinking about trying another modem /router and was considering upgrading to the Linksys WAG320N or Netgear DGN3500. Then I noticed a TP-Link TD-W8960N on PriceSpy which is approx half the price of the 320N or DGN3500.

The TP-Link looks good and price is excellent but will it perform any better than our Linksys WAG160N ?
To my way of thinking, it might be similar, but the antennas are removable, so at least I will have the option of boosting the wireless signal with a stonger antenna ?
Which of these options( if any ) do you think I should go for ? Think 

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nakedmolerat
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  #517241 6-Sep-2011 00:48
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dgnd3700



jonb
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  #517268 6-Sep-2011 08:12
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A lot of people on geekzone seem to recommend the tp-link

shrub
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  #517310 6-Sep-2011 09:30
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jonb: A lot of people on geekzone seem to recommend the tp-link


Yep its quality and affordable. Most TP-Link uses the same chipsets as linksys/Netgear(the big boys) for half the price.

Also mates dont let mates buy belkin.  



Ragnor
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  #517355 6-Sep-2011 10:29
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madmikey:

So I'm thinking about trying another modem /router and was considering upgrading to the Linksys WAG320N or Netgear DGN3500. Then I noticed a TP-Link TD-W8960N on PriceSpy which is approx half the price of the 320N or DGN3500.



Run inssider on one of the PC's with a wirless card to get a feel for the signal strength (the start scan button is on the top right in the program btw) 
http://www.metageek.net/products/inssider/

nickb800
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  #517395 6-Sep-2011 11:22
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shrub:

Also mates dont let mates buy belkin.  


+1 Haha

Yep, TP-link is a goer, i would also recommend netcomm/dynalink stuff. In my experience, steer clear of Linksys

nakedmolerat
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  #517402 6-Sep-2011 11:30
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nickb800: 
Yep, TP-link is a goer, i would also recommend netcomm/dynalink stuff. In my experience, steer clear of Linksys


i had a chance trialling the new linksys E series last week. they have improved a lot! if i have not yet bought dgnd3700, i can see myself buying linksys e4200

 
 
 
 

Shop now for Dyson appliances (affiliate link).
rphenix
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  #517518 6-Sep-2011 14:02
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The tp-link's are great, infact we've struck a couple of times where our preferred draytek modems play up (ie struggle to remain synced) in poor adsl line scenarios but the tp-link work brilliantly just make sure its a wireless N model.

Kilack
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  #517736 6-Sep-2011 20:28
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Another vote for tp-link.

I'd get separate wifi router though, keep the adsl side of things purely for that.
The wifi routers are way more powerful..
(asus rt-n16, TP-Link TL-WR1043ND)  they can be flashed with 3rd party firmware and really come into their own.  TP-link to make pretty solid stock firmware though, a lot better than most oem firmware.

w2krules
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  #517919 7-Sep-2011 09:00
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TP-Link is fine.  You won't see much benefit from wireless-N though if you'll also be connecting wireless-G devices, but then it's not costing you anything extra.

The only caveat is if you are not getting a good wireless signal with your present setup, then I'd recommend a separate router with proper diversity antennas.  But that will cost much more and can be a little tricky to set up.




I was a geek before the word was invented!

vexxxboy
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  #517956 7-Sep-2011 09:46
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that Linksys WAG160N is hopeless for wireless unless the device is next to it, i had one and my sons laptop kept dropping the connection every half hour or so, we put it down to distance until i replaced the modem with a Netgear DGN200 and its never dropped the connection since.




Common sense is not as common as you think.


madmikey

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#588104 29-Feb-2012 00:42
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I can confirm that switching to the TP-Link TD-W8960N was the best switch I ever made.

It hasn't missed a beat - never had to re-set or re-start - it's like the energiser bunny - just keeps on going !

Big ups from Mikey ! Cool

 

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