Computers & Networking

[roxie]

I am moving into an apartment that is internet ready but the provider I am using suggested getting my own wireless router instead of paying $179 plus a rental fee for installation.  Does anyone have any suggestions as to a budgeted alternative to my dilemma?

[joka]

You can directly plug the ethernet cable into the modem or w/e if they provided you with one. If not, then just go out and get a wireless router. Wireless modems can go anywhere from maybe $30 [when on sale... maybe even $20] to $100+. Of course the more you invest in it, the faster the internet you'll get from the wireless router. I suggest any router with over 200mbps [megabyte per sec] for good speed [You can get these for maybe $60-70]. 300+mbps is very good speed, 100-200mbps is decent, and anything under 100 is pretty slow. BUT, this also depends on what kind of internet you get in your apartment. Just because your wireless router is very fast, doesn't mean you'll get faster internet than the service provider that your apartment complex uses.

[u_hsen]

find the NERDIEST friend you have that knows about routers. ask him to help you select a router (i recommend linksys wiresless g) and ask him to set it up for you. overall cost: $50 some where around that price.

[u_hsen]

and maybe a soda for the gentleman/woman that's setting it up for you.