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So you want a cheap router? A used router might be your cheap alternative, as long as you can purchase one (or several) from a reliable source. You also can find new cheap routers in your local electronics store or online stores. Keep your eyes open for sales, rebates, and other discounts. Online auctions are an excellent source for cheap routers. Last Year's New Technology. Cheap deals can often be found in the IT hardware arena by simply purchasing routers on close-out. You can get some great quality routers and low prices. For example: Wireless G (802.11G) router equipment is the most popular (as of 2005), so its predecessor, Wireless B (802.11B) equipment is on close-out. What used to be a $50 Linksys router is now available for as low as $5 if you look for the deals (such as Tigerdirect.com). Inexpensive routers are easily found if you are on the lookout. If you're seeking an inexpensive wireless router, great deals can be found on new and used 802.11b models, since their 11Mb wireless capacity has been outdone by the likes of 802.11g, Super G, 802.11a, and shortly to be introduced, WIMAX formats. If your application is simply to take a single laptop at home, and enjoy the portability of wireless access to your DSL or Cable connection, then go ahead and get a $5 router on closeout. Since 802.11b is still 10x faster than your Internet connection speed, it will pose no reduction on your connection. Plan Ahead! Most users end up starting with one device and figure out that adding a second, third, or more, then possibly Network Attached Storage (NAS), a server, etc. is easy, and it is. Remember the 802.11b (11Mb) decision? Now you're stuck with an 11Mb connection on your in-house backups, or NAS access, where an extra 50 bucks today would have given you 54Mb for that home backup. The bottom line is plan now for at least the next 18 months of use, so whether it is the latest technology on the market, last year's newest (now refurbished), or closeout specials, make sure your investment will be in place for at least 18 months without having to replace it with a newer model. |
Cheap Routers
