Cracking The Code

Researching wireless routers

As seen in The Toronto Star

 

Deciphering wireless router lingo is like trying to crack the Da Vinci Code. Problem is, I’m no Robert Langdon (the Harvard-educated symboligist from Dan Brown’s best-selling novel, The Da Vinci Code).

 

Nor am I a computer expert, which is apparently what you need to be to understand language like 802.11g, 54 mbps. 2.4 GHz, 128-bit WEP encryption.

 

Of course I could simply go out there and buy whatever router suits my fancy. But here’s the rub: I want to understand it… more or less.

 

With that in mind, I do what the average consumer would likely do. I visit the local big box computer store.

 

Big mistake. The salesperson escorts me to three shelves packed with wireless routers and router cards. If you have a PC, you need to purchase a card to interface with the router. For us Mac users, the card is built into the computer.

 

I see two of the biggest names: Linksys and D-Link. The salesperson immediately shows me the most expensive Linksys model. It has a “speed booster” and costs approximately $100 after rebate. The model one step down is $40 less.

 

What makes the speed booster faster? “It boosts the speed,” the salesperson echoes.

I’m starting to feel like I’m in a Who’s On First comedy sketch, albeit one that isn’t particularly funny. But I give it another try.

 

How would that translate into real time when I’m using it in my home? He shrugs his shoulders and confides, “You wouldn’t really notice a difference.”

 

Then why have we just wasted 15 minutes talking about it? And why would I pay extra for a feature that doesn’t really work? (Later I find out it’s not even compatible with Mac computers).

 

As a non-shopper, I’m beginning to understand the oft-used term, “retail therapy.” It means: after a frustrating shopping experience like this, you’ll need to seek professional help.

Deflated, I go home and partake in a type of therapy that I know best: talking to my friends. But not just any friends. Glen and Ian are computer geniuses in my circle.

 

Glen suggests an impartial website that reviews computer-related equipment, including wireless routers (www.tomsnetworking.com. Select LANS/Router from the menu bar and then click on the article entitled Hardware Router Need To Know 2006).

 

He also offers a heads up on changing technology, namely the proposed 802.11n, which is touted as providing a faster transfer rate than the current standard, 802.11g.

Ian gently walks me through the terminology (see sidebar) and stresses the importance of security.

 

My spirits renewed, I call Mehboob Ajwani, general manager of Accurate Technologies, an authorized seller and service provider of Mac hardware and software.

 

North York-based Accurate Technologies is a small specialty store that has been in the computer business for 16 years.

 

I start the questions where Glen and Ian left off.

 

Since speed is foremost on most consumers’ minds, I ask Ajwani to clarify exactly how fast the proposed 802.11n would be in comparison to the existing 802.11g.

 

First, he reiterates what Glen said, that the 802.11n isn’t officially approved as a recognized standard, although it is available on the market.

 

“N travels up to four times the range and can go 12 times faster than ‘g.’ N might help you if you have problems with getting a signal, but you must have the corresponding card in your computer,” he says.

 

That counts me out. Mac computers, including my PowerBook G4, have built-in cards that correspond with the 802.11g standard.

 

PC computers, on the other hand, don’t come with built-in cards. They can accommodate ‘g’ or ‘n’ or whatever happens to be the latest and greatest.

 

My initial reaction is disappointment, until I hear the over-arching proviso: you can only go as fast as your service provider allows.

 

“Your average Rogers and Sympatico high speed service can’t go any faster than ‘g’ can handle, so right now, there’s no point in having anything faster.”

 

And what about price? Ajwani says ‘n’ routers currently cost triple the price of ‘g’ routers, which typically range from $60 to $100. And ‘n’ cards cost 30% more than ‘g’ cards.

Next question is about security, a point my friend Ian stressed.

 

This is where the term128-bit WEP encryption comes in. “I haven’t seen any routers that have the encryption on by default,” Ajwani says. “You have to enable it.”

 

It’s an extremely important point because if the wrong person accesses your network, you may end up with a slew of problems.

 

According to Ajwani, the main concern is people getting on your network and surfing illicit sites, some that may even be illegal.

 

“It’s your IP number listed on the site. If anyone ever gets busted, it will come back to you,” he warns.

Then there are the hackers. “Very amateur hackers” says Ajwani, can access your files if you don’t set up the security feature.

 

As if that’s not scary enough, he adds: “I would guess that there’s a large percentage of people out there who do not have encryption on their routers. They just plug the router in and use it, thinking it’s active. They just don’t know.

 

“If you’re walking up and down your street looking to connect,” he continues, “you probably can.”

 

It’s true. A couple of weeks ago I unwittingly did just that while I was using my laptop in the backyard. I was surprised to see a fresh email come through. When I realized that I was connected (to my neighbour’s network, I assumed) I just had to send a few of my own.

 

Ajwani says the average person can enable their wireless routers as long as they follow the instructions. And wireless router manufacturers – those that support their products - have staff available to walk you through the steps.

 

Which is ultimately where I end up.

 

After a rough start running out to purchase an extra network cable (it wasn’t included with my TRENDnet wireless router model TEW-432BRP), only to get stuck on step three (configuring your router), I break down and call tech support.

 

At one point I’m put on hold for a very long time, listening to a scratchy version of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons (over and over). But I don’t mind because now I’ve joined the ranks of the wireless.

 

Accessing the Internet from all corners of my home affords me a sense of freedom. And I also feel a touch of pride for understanding it… more or less.

 

 

Sidebar: Features

 

You’ll hear sales people tell you that wireless routers used in the average family household are all the same. Well, yes and no. Here are some features to look for:

 

• Price. Routers in the $60 to $80 range are fairly comparable. They will likely have four wire ports as well as the wireless option.
• Name. Stick to big name brands. Normally they will stand by their products and provide solid support (like walking you through the encryption set up). Big names include Linksys, D-Link and Netgear. Or you can go with recommendations of a well-established computer store. Accurate Technologies carries Trendnet for $65.
• Warranty. Most reliable wireless routers come with three to five years warranty.
• Upgrades. Pick a router that you can upgrade often with firmware. If the manufacturer finds a glitch, they can send out new firmware, which you download into the router and it’s patched.
• Range. For the average wireless router, achieving optimal range differs from home to home depending on where it’s located. Generally, placing the wireless router on the highest point in a given room (example on top of the tallest shelving unit in your den) will provide the best results. With some routers, you can add external antennas to further the range.