Smallest reliable wireless router?

[bluesdoggy]

For a project im working on for school, i need the smallest wirelezs router i can find. I need at least 1 ethernet port included, but thats all really.

here's an idea of what i am doing and why i need this:

I'm working with what i've affectionately dubbed the "Remote Rider". Its a remote control system for a Segway HT. Put aside the obvious question "why the hell would you want to remote control a Segway?" and try to avoid the "If you wanna improve it, you should add a 3rd wheel" comments and follow my little flight of research fancy here. Basically i've got a control box that mounts on the side of the Segway, and communicates with control software via 802.11b/g. Right now the system is dependant upon a preexisting wireless network, however, if i can fit a wireless router into the enclosure, i can reverse the situation and simply have clients connect to the wireless network resident on the Segway, and not the other way around.

There you have it, hit me with your best recommendations.

[thuper]

Netgears are fairly small.

D-Links are HUGE.

Linksys routers are fairly big.

Theres a start.

[lomn75]

Remember that you'll want to mount on the handlebars, I'm sure there's an incredible amount of EMI near the motors.

//edit: bad size recommendation

[bluesdoggy]

It will actually be mounted into an enclosure with a hole for the attenna(s). EMI isn't a huge concern with the motors on the Segway, they are fairly "quiet" in terms of the noise they put out and don't seem to interfere with the existing wireless setup at all.

Of the Big names, it seems like linksys is simplay way too big to be efficiently used. Dlink aren't too bad, they have a nice compact and rectangular design. I haven't considered Netgear, always been told they weren't reliable.. i know i had one of their laptop 802.11g that was absolutely horrible in terms of reliability.

Thanks for the words though, keep the ideas coming. I should note that i'm open to solutions from people outside the "big 3'". I know asus makes some wireless products, and seems like i remember they make a repeater that is roughly the size of a pack of playing cards... perhaps they have something.

[Phandalyon]

How about mounting a router somewhere else and then adding an antenna.

Or grabbing one of those miniature pocket computers and A usb adapter and setting it up for peer to peer wireless.

Let me look around a bit

How small?

http://www.bityard.com/article.php?sid=720

Smaller?

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=33-122-051&depa=0

Dlink Pocket Router:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=33-127-053&depa=0

Stop me if you see one you like

How's that?

Netgear Travel Router:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=33-122-142&depa=0

[bluesdoggy]

The smaller the better. Also, the thinner the better. This will be battery controlled, so power consumption is also an issue.

[Phandalyon]

The smaller the better. Also, the thinner the better. This will be battery controlled, so power consumption is also an issue.


Take a look at the Dlink one. Looks like it may be lower power consumption and it is definitely small:
- L = 3.15 inches (80mm)
- W = 2.36 inches (60mm)
- H = 0.67 inches (17mm)

No antenna either that I see, so you don't even have to worry about that.

edit: looks like it even comes with an adapter to power off of a USB port.

For a comparison:

Deck of playing cards:
- L = ~3.75 inches
- W = ~2.5 inches
- H = ~.5 inches

edit2: and with a range of up to 200m, it looks like a perfect solution for what you are looking for.

[OSUguy98]

why don't you get a linksys and take the "shell" off?
I've never taken apart my linksys wireless G, but I've taken apart a few dummy hubs... they're much smaller without all that fluff around them.......


Keep on Folding!!

http://www.mentallyretired.com/h/index.cfm/u_OSUguy98 (http://www.hardfolding.com)

[bluesdoggy]

Take a look at the Dlink one. Looks like it may be lower power consumption and it is definitely small:
- L = 3.15 inches (80mm)
- W = 2.36 inches (60mm)
- H = 0.67 inches (17mm)

No antenna either that I see, so you don't even have to worry about that.

edit: looks like it even comes with an adapter to power off of a USB port.

For a comparison:

Deck of playing cards:
- L = ~3.75 inches
- W = ~2.5 inches
- H = ~.5 inches

edit2: and with a range of up to 200m, it looks like a perfect solution for what you are looking for.


What model is this? Link?

[Phandalyon]

What model is this? Link?

From my post above:

Dlink Pocket Router:

edit: dangit. they changed the link
Let me find it again.

edit2:

Newegg link:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=33-127-053&depa=0

and if that does not work:
http://www.dlink.com/products/resource.asp?pid=346&rid=1239

[TekieB]

I know the apple airport express thing is really small, and you could stream music to your segway :D

edit: The apple also has the power brick built right in, just something to condider