Didn't know where else to put this, but it seemed like the best bet

Alright, here's my question. My girlfriend and her roommate are moving into a brand spanking new apartment next weekend, and they want to know how they should network it. The currently have a system that I set-up through a cable modem where the modem and router are in the living room and two wires (one about 30' the other 50' i believe) streaming across the floor and up/down the walls and such. Works(ed) out very well.

But, they are wondering about their new apartment and are thinking about a wireless network. I'm always a cable guy because I believe that's the most reliable. Of course, they don't do anything really on the internet except surf and download music from time to time. Would a wireless network be more cost efficient for them? And if so, what would be the best they could buy from say, Best Buy or Circuit City? Currently I've found the Microsoft wireless routers and access points to be the cheapest ($150.00 + tax for the whole shebang). But, they might only need one cable (and she won't let me drill through walls, and the apartment complex might not like that either ).

I'm thinking she can't really go wrong with wireless, but I like to know exactly how it *could* perform without interference and such, and if it really is cost effective for her.


Sorry for the long post, any help would be greatly appreciated!

I share your view of using wired whenever possible, but in this case wireless may work just as well. Hardwired allows for faster transfer rates, of course, but if they're just surfing (as opposed to sharing big files within the network), the limiting speed factor may be the actual internet connection.

If cost is a much bigger concern than speed, you could go with 802.11b; but as you know it's only rated 11Mbps instead of 54Mbps like "g" equipment. Of course, those are the theoretical max; the numbers you actually get will most likely be lower. One person's real world test yielded 4.5Mbps with "b" and 14Mbps with "g" (but it varies widely depending on interference, distance, etc.).

Anyway, this week on TechBargains, they list some Amazon deals where you can get both a wireless 802.11b router and PCI card for only $40 total after rebate.

But if cost isn't that big a concern, then by all means go with "g"! If you're looking to buy locally, then you might want to wait for a deal in one of the weekly flyers. Wireless equipment (like hard drives) tends to have more sales, rebates, etc. than other electronics, so don't pay regular price. For instance, BestBuy this week has a wireless "g" router and USB adapter for $50 each (link to sale flyer). Circuit City has a similar deal on a "g" router this week (link to sale flyer).

I'm also thinking along those lines. Plus, this way, whenever she moves she won't have to measure out how long the cables are from the cable modem and so forth. I think i may actually recommend her to get the wireless stuff. Because, even if its only 11-54 Mb/s she still shoud be able to download her music and load her web pages in just about the same amount of time. Yeah, it costs a helluva lot more, but this way we dont' have to worry about trying to hide cables and such...

I have a wireless in my house, don't get a Netgear they suck, get a Linksys, they are decent, but don't try hosting a Halflife server on one

Well, i can guaruntee you she won't be playing half-life. She's more into Spider Solatiare I was thinking about the microsoft branded ones. they seem to be pretty cheap and microsoft is still a name i can trust when it comes to hardware...

Just my quick $.02:

1. Wireless is never "cost effective"--especially if you already have a wired setup. It's just the choice we make not to trip over cables all the time.
2. In my experience interference is rare--never really a problem.
3. Price and brand trust are important factors, but read some reviews as well. Some wireless devices have some nasty "features" you won't find in the documentation: very (and I mean very) limited range, loss of signal in walls, random drops of connection (that's why I cannot really vouch for LinkSys stuff--sometimes when XP complains that drivers are not certified, it really means something).
4. Even if you get 11Mbps gear, what does it matter? Her internet connection is probably 1.5Mbps tops, anyway.

EDIT: I'd go with MS stuff, too. Smallest chances of compatibility problems, and good price tag as well.

I would reccomend running a linksys 54g setup and not to be repetative but it very unlikley that they should have speed issues. One thing that you havent touched on is security I think that you should secure the network with a mac table or wep I use a mac table and yes it slows the network a little but not as much as a bunch of her neighbors on the network would. Also when you purchase Linksys products you get extra support that I have yet to find with any other company they have online chat help and a HUGE knowledge base which is very useful.

I use the Microsoft stuff in my home setup. I bought the kit as well and highly recommend it. I have the router plugged into a battery backup unit so in over a year it has NEVER been off. In that years time I have NEVER had to reset the router and other then occasionally plugging another cable into it for a friend to access my network I havent even touched it. The other Microsoft networking stuff worked equally as well. No problems for me at all. I just installed the hardware, supplied the drivers CD when asked and that was it. It wasnt even necessary for me to run the installation program - after installing the hardware everything worked and has worked without problems. I get great signal strength everywhere in my house and have not had any interferece issues. This is the only area where I can recommend Microsoft products without hesitation.

I also bought a Netgear router off NewEgg just a while ago because it had a rebate - it was installed at a customers business. It installed just as easy and also works just fine - he hasnt called to complain.