Wireless MVP is it useless

[divinehammer]

I am looking at getting one of the wireless MVPs but I have seen the reports of slow performance and what not is it because the built-in wireless gear is crappy or outdated or is it because it is just slow all together. Do you think it would be more beneficial to get a wired MVP and a Wireless adapter like Linksys. I really dont want to run wires at this time. Thanks.

[LewE]

I am looking at getting one of the wireless MVPs but I have seen the reports of slow performance and what not is it because the built-in wireless gear is crappy or outdated or is it because it is just slow all together. Do you think it would be more beneficial to get a wired MVP and a Wireless adapter like Linksys. I really dont want to run wires at this time. Thanks.

One thing you could consider is HomePlug (powerline) networking with a "hardwired" MVP.

I use ZyXEL equipment for this with my MVP and PCH. My ZyXEL 312 unit actually has a router with built-in Wifi as well as homeplug support.

[rbelisle]

I am using a Linksys WRT54G wireless router configured as a bridge using ddwrt (http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Wireless_Bridge) which is a firmware replacement for the router. It works flawlessly and the $50.00 I spent on the router is less than the cost of the length of wire I would have had to run, plus all the headache.

[rscheller]

I've been using wireless MVPs (two of them) for 3-4 years now. I do occasionally (once every few weeks) may get a wireless disconnect on the MVP but it's not really annoying since GBPVR remembers what frame was being watched and gives an opportunity to restart at that point after the reconnect. Usually takes about 30 secs to reconnect and be watching again.

I too didn't want to run wires but given the advances in wireless connection protocols, you'll want to look at several things.

1. Do you have a wireless router that will support the "g" speed needed by a wireless MVP. Do you have other devices that you'd prefer using the "n" speed wireless connections. These could mean needing a dual band router if you have other "n" support devices.

2. Do you have a good wireless router. This can be a tricky issue since I've discovered that not all wireless routers are created equal.

I've never looked at other options but as wireless technology updates, the MVP and it's "g" protocol is becoming a weak link in the overall wireless networked system.

[mvallevand]

IMO, buying a brand new wireless MVP is like being a 20 GB drive, not useless but a bad purchase. If you want an MVP, consider the bargains you can get on ebay and buy a used wired model with a wireless bridge or consider powerline as LewE suggested.

Now since there is also the option of a new $149 PCH compatible device the eGreat EG-M34A and because I can find a PCH compatible TLINK wireless-n usb for $25 locally, spending a lot for an MVP doesn't make sense. It can't do HD very well, but SD is a breeze.

This all being said, I am not a supporter of playing video over any 802.11 format.

Martin

[divinehammer]

I have a WRT54g also currently as my wireless router. The powerline stuff looks great but a bit more of an investment than i would like to put in. Even buying a new wired MVP and a wireless adapter for it is about the same price as buying the Wireless MVP all together.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6833124126
I was looking at this item because I could get G speeds and could get it all for cheaper like you said on Ebay. The PCH is great but a little high priced for the crappy 20" TV I want to hook this too so I can use my DVR from my hot tub

So in light of all of that which do you think is the best way to go?

[rscheller]

Considering your WRT54g keeps you in the wireless "g" arena, the Wireless MVP which is $129 at Newegg (not necessarily the cheapest) is likely the least costly of all your possible options considering what you want to do immediately.

Looking to the future however, only you can ascertain those needs.

P.S. Don't knock that TV in your hot tub. :eek:

[divinehammer]

Huh!? for some reason I had it in my head that the Wireless one only does one .11b the other thing is that the wireless one only runs with Wep right and My other wireless devices are WPA and I need it to be more secure for work and business. So is there any other way around that little hurdle.
I will put some extra duct tape on the TV.

[HarryH3]

You can find extremely low-cost, long patch cables at places like http://www.deepsurplus.com or http://www.monoprice.com Just another option to consider since you mentioned the cost of cable above.

[rscheller]

Yep, the wireless MVP only does WEP 64 or 128 bit security. I'd forgot that little detail.

If you're using WPA for your other stuff, the MVP won't work with that protocol, which means you'll need to ratchet down all your wireless devices to WEP.

Like I said, the MVP will likely be the weakest link in any fairly new (1-2 years) wireless system.