Wireless PCI Card & Router

Greetings to all. I’m a novice wireless network user and new to this forum. I’m currently using an ancient wireless-G Linksys PCI card and router and thinking of replacing them with something a little more advanced.

I recently switched from broadband cable to DSL. I live in a place where a gateway/modem sits in a living room on the first floor on one side of the house – and that’s where the router has to be at (or wired to). The PC, on the other hand, is in a room on the second floor and on the opposite side of the building. The kitchen (with microwave and fridge in it) is located in between. The distance between gateway and PC is about 200 feet, more of less. I also have a RangeExpander plugged into a wall outlet on the far side of the kitchen to aid with the connection. I usually get a “very good” signal strength level; but once in a while it would drop to “low”. The speed is so-so as I can only afford to subscribe to a 3MBps download service.

I have been doing some online research on different PCI cards and routers and getting rainbow colors of reviews across major brand names, especially wireless-N technology. I consider myself as an average user. Besides net surfing, I download music once in a while. So, I guess, for the time being, G-technology suits me best. I would appreciate anyone with suggestions on a reasonably priced wireless PCI card and router that could enhance the connection speed in an environment I described above. Thanks in advance! – WiChi –

PS: My PC is a 3-yo 2.8GHz Vaio running XP Home SP2.

If you just use the wireless network for internet use, then your 3Mbps internet connection is not going to stress the wireless and you are probably safe to stick with what you have at the moment unless it is giving you problems.

I wouldn't recomment N gear until the standards are fully ratified and the gear is a bit more mature; many people report problems and also find it isn't much faster than their old gear.

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Jeremy

Marlborough WiFi Project