Wireless Router Info Question

[wagegoth]

We got a Wii for Christmas. I'd love to get set up so we can download old games and things and the Wii comes with a wireless LAN adaptor.

I have a cable modem. I don't have a wireless router or adaptor, just a desktop with a direct cable connection to the modem.

What is the minimum wireless router and adaptor I need? I don't want to spend a fortune, as I'm not planning to network computers or get a laptop any time soon.

Thank you in advance for any advice.

WG

[sld72382]

A basic wireless-G router like this: http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productDetail.do?oid=90854&WT.mc_n=67&WT.mc_t=U&cm_ven=COMPARISON%20SHOPPING&cm_cat=PRICEGRABBER&cm_pla=DATAFEED-%3EPRODUCTS&cm_ite=1%20PRODUCT&cm_keycode=67 would suffice. If the Wii comes with an adapter, then you don't need one, you just need the router.

[fma_fanatic]

I've used D-Link for many years and the current wireless router we have has worked very well for us. Just make sure that you set up your wireless router so that it's secure. You don't need people around you piggybacking off of your service. All it takes is one person to be a bandwidth hog.

If you don't know how to set it up for a secured service, then contact customer service. The can walk you through it.

When you set up the Wii, you will need to passcode for the wireless service to sign on the Wii. Then you're good to go.

[Broomjockey]

http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/wii/en_na/online.jsp

Straight from Nintendo themselves. I used it to get my router, and to set it up. Pretty easy to follow. Any questions/clarification needed, gimme a shout.

[sld72382]

I've used D-Link for many years and the current wireless router we have has worked very well for us. Just make sure that you set up your wireless router so that it's secure. You don't need people around you piggybacking off of your service. All it takes is one person to be a bandwidth hog.

If you don't know how to set it up for a secured service, then contact customer service. The can walk you through it.

When you set up the Wii, you will need to passcode for the wireless service to sign on the Wii. Then you're good to go.

D-Link routers have never worked out for our clients, have the time they break down in 6 months, plus they're a hassle to configure (only wireless channel 6 available, among other things).

[MadMike]

I have a Linksys router myself, and two switches of the same brand. I'm pretty happy with them.

I got a Wii for my wife recently, and while it does not come with an adapter, there are both wired and wireless adapters as optional accessories. I chose a wired one, and ran a 20' ethernet cable along the wall and behind the furniture to the console.

[Shabo]

Circuit city? That will be overpriced.

Try doing searches on Newegg.com, zipzoomfly.com, and tigerdirect.com. All three sites have good prices on products.

[Broomjockey]

I got a Wii for my wife recently, and while it does not come with an adapter,

...I ran mine wireless right out of the box. No attachments or adapters. You're right. It's built in. Unless they changed that for recent models?

[wagegoth]

Thanks everyone for all the help. As I understand it, the wireless adaptor is built in to the Wii. You can buy a wired adaptor if necessary.

I was looking really for basic router information. I'm afraid that, if I go into a store with no info, a salesman who isn't as decent as Hawaiian Shirts might try to sell me way more than I need.

Thank you all!

[Broomjockey]

Well, one of the links on the page I posted is this:
http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/wii/en_na/onlineWirelessRouterChoose.jsp

It tells you what the router needs to have. That's the page I used to pick my router. Unfortunately, I managed to pick up a really bad brand, so while it works with my Wii easily, the router itself doesn't give the best connection. So remember, don't get D-Link. ;)

[MadMike]

...I ran mine wireless right out of the box. No attachments or adapters. You're right. It's built in. Unless they changed that for recent models?

Interesting. I know I've seen both the wired and wireless adapters. I didn't see anything in the manual about any built-in wireless connection.

No big deal. After the experience with my media server/PC project, I've come to the conclusion that it's better to go wired if at all possible anyway.

[wagegoth]

Tigerdirect just sent a warehouse clearance ad with a TP-Link router for $14.99 after rebate. It's got good ratings, so I think I'll go that way. If it doesn't work out, I'm not out much money.

Thanks for all the help, everyone!