I’m planning on buying a wireless router for my home sometime this month. After looking through the Best Buy website, I’ve decided on buying either a Netgear or Linksys router; definitely leaning toward the Netgear one mostly because of aesthetics.
I’m wondering what the range is on the Netgear G router from Best Buy (link below):
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/NETGEAR+-+802.11g+Wireless+Router/5507043.p?id=1051826245223
I have tried searching for this on the Netgear site, but they didn’t post it. It’s supposedly recommended for small homes or apartments. I’m not sure what their definition of “small home” is. Mine is about 3100 sq ft.
Thanks for your help!
You should be fine with that router as long as all you are doing is simple surfing & emails, etc. If you are downloading music, movies, any large files, watching streaming videos or playing any games, you mights want to try a N router instead of the G.
Check out this Netgear page and scroll down to the graphic to compare the routers based on your needs.
http://www.netgear.com/Products/RoutersandGateways/WirelessGRouters/WGR614.aspx
The reason Netgear and/or other companies don’t really post the range is because every place is constructed differently. Wall density and material also plays a roll with antenna range.
It is best to have the wireless router be centrally located. Also, the N, instead of G has a higher frequency, which gives it a better range and higher speed. You may want to look at 802.11n instead of the older G or G+ (as in 802.11g). There is a new N+ as well that promises better speed and connection. Of course the N and N+ will be more expensive than the older G (or even older B & A).
One more thing, do a little research to make sure that the N router you purchase is downwards compatible to at least a G because most likely if you have older laptops, they can only do Bs and Gs and not Ns.
Good luck and I hope this helps.