2 routers on same machine and Trendnet vs. Buffalo

I have a cable modem supplying my internet connection from Comcast. It is
plugged into a Buffalo (brand) router, model WHR HP G54. I then have a
cable that runs from an LAN outlet to my desktop an XP SP2 based machine.
The router sends out a signal over the air to my Acer Vista based system.
All works well.

COMPUSA is selling a Trendnet model TEW432BRP for $4.99 (yes, less than $5
US for some reason) and I thought I'd just pick one up for the fun of it.

Can I simply unplug the Buffalo and plug in the Trendnet without doing any
uninstalls, new installs, etc., just a hardware swap, or is it more
complicated than this?

If I do have to do a new install of software with the Trendnet, will the
Buffalo have to be removed or can they coexist? If they can coexist, how do
you manage that?

The Buffalo is working fine. I just want to play around. However, I don't
want to jeopardize a functioning system.

For the price, I will buy the Trendset. If advice from you folks is that I
could be getting into trouble trying to install it with my functioning
system, I will simply put the Trendset in the closet for use in future if I
should need it. I can't pass up the price!! And, finally, wonder why it
is so cheap? Is 802.11N coming real soon??

Thanks.

Chet

Hi!

> Can I simply unplug the Buffalo and plug in the Trendnet without doing
> any uninstalls, new installs, etc., just a hardware swap, or is it more
> complicated than this?

Generally speaking, you're on the right track. Most of these devices have
onboard web servers and can be configured from there if it's needed. The
vendors would like you to run their software CD, but I've yet to find one
where you have to.

If anything is required, it will probably be either restarting your computer
or the device (DSL box, cable modem or whatever) that provies your Internet
connection. Some ISPs do make you contact them if the device plugged into
their connectivity equipment changes. That varies by provider.

> If they can coexist, how do you manage that?

Unless you have a specific reason in mind for doing this, just use one or
the other. Don't use both.

> And, finally, wonder why it is so cheap? Is 802.11N coming real
> soon??

I'd keep your Buffalo router set up and working. I have had excellent
results with their hardware and recommend it highly.

I haven't followed 802.11n wireless that closely. The last I'd heard, the
standard was still pretty far off. My guess would be that Trendnet or
CompUSA wants to move the units they have placed on sale because they will
be replaced with a new model, something is wrong with them or they want to
drum up business and awareness of their brand. I would agree that for $5 it
might not hurt to have a spare on hand.

William

William,

Thank you for the informative reply.

In re: status of 802.11n, it seems that a lot of places are selling routers
as a "draft N" or some such designation. They are apparently compatible
with the N standards that have already been agreed upon which, according to
salespeople, is about 95% of the new N system. At least, that's what they
say. They can't promise that what comes in the "draft N" package will be
compatible with the final release but "don't worry, it will work." The
final "N" standards are said to be due out in the fall of 2008. Who knows.

Again, thanks.

Chet

"William R. Walsh" <newsgroups1@idontwantjunqueemail.walshcomptech.co m>
wrote in message news:G6wYi.173632$Xa3.160737@attbi_s22...
> Hi!

> I haven't followed 802.11n wireless that closely. The last I'd heard, the
> standard was still pretty far off. My guess would be that Trendnet or
> CompUSA wants to move the units they have placed on sale because they will
> be replaced with a new model, something is wrong with them or they want to
> drum up business and awareness of their brand. I would agree that for $5
> it
> might not hurt to have a spare on hand.
>
> William
>
>