Wireless Routers for a small business

We tried those a couple of years ago and threw them in the garbage. Have they improved dramatically ?

 

For a successful deployment you'll need to consider the building structure and other types of interference, plus antenna placement can be critical. Otherwise most wireless network access devices can do the job nicely though you may need several for the best coverage.

Don't forget to secure it appropriately.

http://www.microsoft.com/smallbusiness/resources/technology/broadband_mobility/wifi_unplugged_a_buyers_guide_for_small_businesses.mspx

http://www.lanarchitect.net/Articles/Wireless/SecurityRating/

 

linksys has a "business class" product line - more appropriate for an office environment than the consumer grade stuff. roughly twice the price of the consumer side.

I wouldn't be too concerned about 802.11n yet - still a fair bit of incompatibility concerns while we're pre-standards and every vendor/pc has their own implementation.

yes - you can do this yourself with a bit of thought: may need to move the wireless access point a few times to get optimal signal strength, or add external antenna's, or add additional ap's.

try and pick a wireless channel not used by your neighbours - 6 seems to be the default for most consumer stuff so go low or high.

You'll get 20+ Mb/s out of 802.11g, where your T1 link is only 1.2-1.4Mb/s.

Or if you have enough neighbours, and one of them is unsecured - you could "borrow" their wireless Internet until they catch on

 

If your office is that big then just get a simple linksys wireless router with lots of range and speed
http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1175236661542&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper&lid=6154239789B01
just my suggestion.

 

ignore anything that says it's 802.11 N. It's not standardized yet, and you will have issues with using it at your business.

Also, don't get anything that is consumer grade, you will inevitably have problems, and ignore anything that has a "1-button setup."

 

Linksys isn't the greatest. I'd consider something from D-Link

 

http://www.bestbuy.com/site//olspage.jsp?id=pcmcat125300050029&type=category

The top part might help you.

 

Thats funny you say that yoda, I think d-link is junk. I have had my linksys for six years now with zero problems. Setting up port triggers was even easy.

 

The last thing you need at your job is "Page Can Not be found". Wire still works like a charm. Don't go wireless unless you have to. Just have someone come in and wire up everyone. They charge hourly and it won't take more than a few. Stress FREEEE

Wireless Drops
Wireless Needs Reseting
Wireless Not Secure even with the highest Encryption
The higher the encryption, the slower your access becomes.
People can tap into your network.
Less control on restrictions

 

I've used D-link and Linksys with okay success. It took me about 1 day to set everything up and get the error message to stop. I think you would be fine with using your home stuff for the initial setup in the office.
BT

 

1. I would use wired if at all possible.
2. I've used Linksys 'forever' and have never had a problem, but I bought these before Cisco bought Linksys and raped them.
3. The guys 'in the know' nowadays seen to be using Buffalo Tech for hardware.
4. Use aftermarket firmware and you can do a TON more things with your wireless.

Anyone can PM me for more details.

PS - if you do go the 'cheap' route - buy two routers so you can have an identical spare.

 

This is the best advice, but I work in a company where about 5000 sq. ft. is covered by two wireless routers.

For an office environment that you set up and don't worry about, I'd recommend a sonicwall unit. I've setup a few TZ170's for companies and they work well. This would be the better solution, also with various subscriptions for virus filtering, and website blocking for inappropriate business use.

 

Me too. I am a fan of D-link, I have had nothing but great experiences with D-link. My Linksys router was dependable, but its signal was not as strong as my D-link. The D-link is strong and dependable.