Believe it or not........I am probably the last hold out. I have never used WIFI. Years ago, I planned to set it up and actually bought a router. It has been in the box unused ever since.

Now, I want to set it up. My question is: Is my router now obsolete? How hard are they to hook up? Here is the one that I have. I am the only one who will be using it. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

BTW, I also still use a flip phone!!!

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Miss My Buddy crsides!!

I'm sending my best suggestion by smoke signal...

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Join the NRA today

Wireless routers have improved a lot in recent years. Were I you, I'd chuck the old one and buy a new one prior to installing.

I installed one last September in my Oregon place. My place had a cable jack in the wall already, so essentially installation procedure was to call up the cable/internet company to tell them to turn on the connection, plug in the router, and push a button or two. Quite simple.

In your case, if you have internet service already, you probably just need to plug it in and turn it on... Should come with simple instructions.

What are your intentions for using wifi? It might not work in conjunction with your flip phone if it's real old.It would link a laptop to a computer to enable Internet access anywhere in your house.

I bought a modem/wifi router for my computer. I use it mainly for my printer which is another part of the house than the computer.

My smartphone plan has a 1gb data limit so I use the wifi to my computer which has no limitation.My tablet is also connected to the computer.

A wifi router isn't confined to a particular type computer or operating system so there's no worry about it being obsolete but different routers have different signal strength.Where you set it up will determine how good it works.

You might as well read the instructions and try it out since you probably can't return it.

PS. I hope you already know that wifi is a way to connect a computer or mobile device wirelessly to the Internet or each other.If whatever you are trying to use with the router isn't wifi capable then it's a mute point.

If it was bought within the last 5 years or so your router will be current enough - the only thing that has been significantly improved in that time is speed.

Setting up a wireless router isn't hard. The hardest part is making it secure, and the instructions that come with it should walk you through that.

Your router is fine. I just upgraded my greater than 10 year old airport (802.11b, 11 Mbit) to an AirPort Extreme. I had just set up to stream movies from Amazon prime, thought I was having problems because my airport was too slow. I saw no improvement with the new one, my old b network was apparently fast enough.

I can't help with setting up a non-apple router. I would recommend figuring out how to change the default password if it has one.

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Common sense isn't so common.

Well even though I seem to live in the 1890s I set up a wireless network in the house. Today I set up a vontel phone system. it was cheaper by 20 dollars a month and now I can even call long distance. Next week I am going to try streaming movies. What IS the world coming to??

If the devices you plan on using with the router are compatible (network & security modes wise) then you should be good.

Personalize your router log-in password as well as the wireless passphrase.

I add MAC filtering to my wireless network. Only MAC addresses you have added to your client list are ENABLED for access & log-in to your network. This adds an extra layer of security but an extra step to add new devices.

How hard it is for you to hook-up depends on your related experience & how helpful your install program is.

.

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Waiting for the break of day

Old router?

Look at the box/router. If there's a G or an N after the numbers 80211 you're fine. If there is only one letter and it's a B toss it and get new one.

Setup is typically quite easy. Enjoy your new wireless freedom.

We get our internet from our cable provider, and I rent the modem and router from them. Lightning fast, and if it breaks, no shopping, setup headaches or extra expense. I just call the man . . .

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

I just told about my flip phone to show that I have not joined the "smartphone" revolution either. I do plan to use my laptop with the WIFI. Up to now, I have been basically using my laptop like a desk top computer.

I also know that I am going to be having some family visitors soon that would probably cry without being able to use their electronic stuff while here!

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Miss My Buddy crsides!!

It does have a G after the numbers.

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Miss My Buddy crsides!!

Different providers have lists of modems that will work best with their signals. I'd make sure I used one on their current list of approved modem/routers.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

This is ALL MY PERSONAL OPINION!!!!!!

I try not to get involved in these discussions because it's almost like "which progressive press is best". If something doesn't work out, someone's always upset or explaining how I'm an idiot and made a bad choice However, I'll break my silence and I'll give some guidance. There are a lot of variables.

Here's a rather technical view from a reputable source. It may be WAY too much detail and can be ignored!
How To Buy A Wireless Router - 2017 Edition - SmallNetBuilder

MY basic 101 guidelines

• Go for a dual band AC router at a minimum
• I prefer external detachable antennas
• I prefer DD-WRT based routers
• I prefer at least 3 antennas
• "Security tips" like hiding your SSID or MAC filtering are easily beatable in seconds with free software (e.g. WiFi Scout). All they do is complicate your use/administration. Assign a STRONG WPA-PSK key, change it regularly and you're fine for home use
• I like the ASUS line up myself (see below). As mentioned above, I'm not married to any brand except I personally detest NetGear

I have 3 RT-AC66 ASUS routers in operation to cover my 2+ acres very effectively. Setup is very simple with varied sets of optional defaults.

Individually they cover a lot of area and one should blanket a normal house/apartment quite well. DISCLAIMER - Coverage for ANY router depends on construction and numerous other factors. I've bought the refurbished and open box units from newegg in the past with good luck, your mileage may vary and only YOU can make the call of your comfort zone. The letter designation (R vs U vs W) in the model numbers is "irrelevant" as Big box, channel, and White (or something like that) All functionally the same If it were ME and I were buying NOW, I'd move up from the AC66 models to the AC68 but the AC66 is QUITE capable and I won't be replacing until my current AC66's die.
ASUS RT-AC66U Dual-Band Wireless-AC1750 Gigabit Router-Certified Refurbished-Newegg.com
ASUS RT-AC66U B1 Dual-Band 3x3 AC1750 WiFi 4-Port Gigabit Router-Newegg.com


Other examples
$10 - $150, Up to 2.4Gbps, Up to 1.9Gbps, Up to 1.75Gbps, Newegg, External Antenna, Dual Band, ASUS, Wireless Routers, Wireless Networking, Networkin... - Newegg.com

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Really? U saw it in Wikipedia?

Thanks for all the help and advise. I am now going wireless. I hooked up and installed the router that I had already purchased. When I first set it up, I used 128-bit WEP encription, but immediately changed to WPA2 Personal after some research. I don't know how much I will actually be using it, but I am sure my visitors will be happy.

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Miss My Buddy crsides!!

Great! If you get a tablet or a laptop, you will use it a lot!
I'm on a iPad - wifi right now.

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

That is kinda another reason to get WIFI. One of my sister's kids got a new tablet for Christmas and she is giving me the old one. I am having some surgery done on the 18th of this month. Between the surgery and going to spend some time in a rehab place, I plan to take the tablet with me so I can keep of with you guys/gals here on the forum!

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Miss My Buddy crsides!!

An older router may be OK, you have to check and see. An older Modem however, would be best replaced with an up-to-date model. The older models can't handle higher speeds and you'll end up with a lot of re-boots and breaks in service. Best to ask your ISP what would work best with the service you have.

But here the OP is a guy who simply wants to use an iPad and have wireless connectivity for a guest at his home.

The above "guideline" is like recommending the minimum scope to mount on your Ruger 10/22 for plinking at soda cans at 50 feet is the Hubble Space Telescope.

I think you'll find that the older G router works well for ya. In fact, in some ways I preferred my old G router to my newer faster N router. The G was better at pushing the signal though walls from one end of the house to the other.

Got my hand me down tablet from my sister today. This is my first post using it. It is going to take a while to get used to it.

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Miss My Buddy crsides!!

I recommended a solid $80-$100 router that will last and perform well for the foreseeable future. It's a value recommendation, not a Ferrari.

The multiple external antennas and power management are what solves your "pushing the signal" issue, not G vs N.

Coverage, reliability and usability is why I made my recommendations. Like I said, this is why I always hesitate to weigh in on these things.

If you want a Hubble telescope version, we can talk!

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Really? U saw it in Wikipedia?

When My niece gave me the tablet she asked if I was going to use Safari. I asked her what Safari was?😀 She said it was a web browser. I told her I used Chrome. I have been using Safari and it is ok I guess. Since it is an Apple product, should I stick with Safari or would Chrome be better?

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Miss My Buddy crsides!!

If you prefer to use Chrome, there's a version of Chrome for Apple iPads. Just download it from the App Store.

I prefer Chrome and use it on my iPad just about all the time, like right now.
Be sure and turn on the microphone - it's handy to tell the iPad exactly what's on your mind!
Actually it's very useful for internet searches.

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

Going with WPA2 is a solid choice.

WEP encryption is very poor and easily broken. WPA2 is just much better all around.

I do maintain a WEP network(with a first generation "flying saucer" Apple Airport), but I do so because I'm also an old computer hobbyist and have set-ups where I need a WEP network. It is well isolated from my main network. Few people will be in a situation where they need to do this, though.

I know I am using WPA2 but, where do I go on my iPad to to verify this? I tried to find it in settings with no luck.

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Miss My Buddy crsides!!

I have noticed that some web pages look different on the iPad. Is this because I am using Safari or just because I am viewing them on the iPad?

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Miss My Buddy crsides!!

Both . . .

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

You set & control that option on the router, as you've done already. The person logging in normally just enters the passphrase & doesn't have to option his end to match your's, it's done automatically with the software.

Once you've established your iPAD's WI-FI connection if you go to settings, WI-FI, & tap on your connection, it may show there in it's properties.

.

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Waiting for the break of day

Sounds like you got it up and running, great!

As far as guests... the only thing that might be worthy of consideration is a guest network setting (if your router provides for it). Not because guests will be up to nefarious things, but I use a guest network to allow Net access without access to my network devices, particularly the printer. Don't want the grandkids to inadvertently print 500 pages on my laser printer.