Maybe there are some network gurus here;

I am looking for a new wireless solution for my PC. I currently have a LinkSys WMP54G wireless adapter, and have run into some problems. I made the switch from XP 32-bit to Windows 7 RC 64-bit, and am experiencing some frequent connection problems, especially in games. Additionally, as I have come to realize, the adapter I have only supports WPA, while our network is WPA2 protected, likely adding some problems to the mix.

I looked extensively for another wireless adapter with solid 64-bit OS support, but can only find mixed reviews. I decided it would probably be easier to utilize a wireless AP/bridge to connect my PC to our wireless network.

Our current router is an Apple AirPort Express Base Station with 802.11n and AirTunes, http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB321/AirPort-Express-AirTunes

The router is about 10-15 ft away through 1 internal wall (just sheet-rock)

I was hoping you guys could help me make a decision on which AP/bridge/converted router* would be best for me. I think I need an N router because I often stream HD content, and game, both requiring high bandwidth.

*How difficult/reliable is converting a router to an AP, I am familiar with most computer hardware, save for routers.

Here are some options I have been looking at;

BUFFALO WLI-TX4-AG300N Nfiniti Wireless-N Dual Band Ethernet Converter - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833162029

BUFFALO WHR-G300N IEEE 802.11b/g, IEEE 802.11n Draft 2.0 Nfiniti Wireless Router & Access Point - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833162026

LINKSYS WGA600N IEEE 802.11a/b/g, IEEE802.11n Draft Ethernet Port Dual-Band Wireless-N Gaming Adapter Security features: WEP, WPA WPA2 with TKIP OR AES, WPS Security key bits: 256 bits - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833124279

TRENDnet TEW-647GA IEEE 802.11b/g, IEEE 802.11n Draft 2.0 Ethernet Port Wireless Gaming Adapter Up to 300Mbps Wireless Data Rates 64/128-bit WEP (Hex & ASCII), WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK (AES/TKIP) - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833156258

I know I need to have WPA2, and preferably N, dual band is not too big of a concern, but seeing as I am very close to the router, it could be beneficial to use a 5GHz frequency because I live in an apartment with numerous wireless networks close by.

I would appreciate any and all help, thanks

[Edited on September 18, 2009 at 11:55 AM. Reason : .]

9/18/2009 11:54:43 AM

if it's just 1 wall of only sheet rock, why not cut a hole on both sides and put in nice outlet boxes on each side and connect the 2 rj45 jacks to each other inside the wall. you'd have nice faceplates that would blend in and spend a good bit less than buying a bridge

[Edited on September 18, 2009 at 12:25 PM. Reason : you'd basically turn your wall into a cat5 coupler, only it would look decent]

9/18/2009 12:24:26 PM

Well first off its an apartment, so I can't go cutting holes in the walls, and second, the router is located on the opposite wall, so theres;

Router_______15_feet________|wall|_PC

9/18/2009 12:26:33 PM

ethernet over power line

[Edited on September 18, 2009 at 12:56 PM. Reason : .]

9/18/2009 12:56:02 PM

^ew, no.

get a WRT600N and stick DD-WRT on there. or just get another airport express... you can use it as basically a client device. you don't need to spend $$ on something that's marketed as an actual access point/bridge.

also, i wouldn't worry about interference from other networks. if you're using 802.11n, chances are you're one of the only people around your apartment that even is... and even then, 802.11n sucks the life out of b/g when it's on 2.4GHz... so if anyone would have problems, it's your neighbors.

(unless you're using 5GHz, which you should be... then none of that matters)

9/18/2009 8:27:50 PM

5ghz wavelength through a wall... lol

9/19/2009 12:03:53 AM

http://www.woot.com/ - this link will only be relevant today

9/20/2009 10:44:40 AM

I ended up ordering the LinkSys WGA600N. It was only $70 at Newegg, which is a very good price for a dual band N router/AP/bridge. Should be here today or tomorrow, and I may see how the 5Ghz channels work out, since I am close to the router, it might give me some added performance.

9/21/2009 8:37:19 AM

Linksys WGA600N-RM Dual Band Wireless-N Gaming Adapter was on woot yesterday for $30..

9/21/2009 5:02:16 PM

um yeah, you paid about twice as much as you should have

9/21/2009 6:29:04 PM

Doesn't really matter, I ordered it on Friday morning, it's after the fact

9/22/2009 9:43:05 AM