Router recommendations?

[bayareaking510]

I'm having problems with my current wireless router (Airlink) since it doesn't want to connect to more than 1 wireless device, so I need suggestions on a good, dependable router. I have $55 of store credit at Best Buy, so I definitely want to use it there.

Should I just get this? Seems to be the most popular router, but I've never tried it. If you guys can recommend something cheaper, that would be great.

Linksys:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=5250809&st=linksys+router&lp=10&type=product&cp=1&id=1051384664188


Or maybe this?
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8741365&type=product&id=1202648529130

[tokenuser]

At this stage of the game, you want something that is 802.11n (technically Pre-N) compliant. Even if your current machines are not .n wifi, the next one will be.

Linksys and netgear have good models.

[bayareaking510]

At this stage of the game, you want something that is 802.11n (technically Pre-N) compliant. Even if your current machines are not .n wifi, the next one will be.

Linksys and netgear have good models.
I think I'll stick with G right now. N routers usually cost more (than I want to spend). Honestly, I don't even want to buy a new router. It would just make it more convenient than restarting the router every time I switch between using my Macbook's wifi and my iPod touch's wifi. Maybe just wait until there's a sale...:)

[westudi]

We got the WRT54GL and then used Tomato (http://www.polarcloud.com/tomato). It improved the overall stability of our network. You can get the WRT54G from NewEgg for under $50 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833124010), and it too is compatible with Tomato.

[ArmpitOfDeath]

The most consistent signal with Apples seems to be obtained with MIMO routers. These routers -and the Airport Extreme is one of them - have multiple radios and other shiznits which optimise signal reception and transmission.

I work with a range of routers and a variety of Apple portables - which are generally extremely poor in terms of wireless performance and compatibility - and the Linksys WRT600N seems to provide the most consistent connection with everything I use as well as providing good functionality in other respects.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8552121&st=wrt600n&lp=1&type=product&cp=1&id=1188561245098

The Airport Extreme (another MIMO router) as an all-Apple solution is also quite reliable with Apple gear, but like many things Apple the security on it is quite weak.

Either way by going MIMO N, you'll be future proofing yourself for new stuff and wouldn't need to re-buy a router, as well as extending range with existing devices. The WRT54G is probably the best though if you want to spend as little as possible.

[absolutemayhem]

I use this site as a great review and reference souce for wireless, Lan/Wan and NAS products all the time.

At the top of their website is a menu were you just select the category you are interested.

http://www.smallnetbuilder.com

-MayheM

[absolutemayhem]

This might be a good artical for you to read.

Cheap Draft 802.11n Router Roundup (the $100 price range)

http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/content/view/30387/96/

[perc]

I never thought I'd recommend D-link to someone again, but I'm really happy with my DIR-655. Gigabit wired ethernet, 11n wireless, rock solid.

I used to loathe d-link because, face it, everything they used to make was utter, utter crap. They really got their act together with this generation of products though.

[nokomis_fl]

The Airport Extreme (another MIMO router) as an all-Apple solution is also quite reliable with Apple gear, but like many things Apple the security on it is quite weak.



So, IYO, which wireless routers provide better security and what is wrong with the Airport Extreme? I have the stock Verizon FiOS modem/router which is limited to 802.11g and WEP, but would like to have 802.11n with at least WPA.

I have both Macs and WinTel.

[ArmpitOfDeath]

I should have phrased that 'Linksys WRT600N seems to provide among the non-Apple-branded gear the most consistent connection with everything I use including the Apples'.

I'd recommend the 600N as an alternative to the Extreme. Pretty similar features overall, right down to the (chronically slow on both machines) USB storage link.

[fishtoprecords]

I'm runnig a G net on a Linksys WRT54GL, with DD-WRT. Being able to use DD-WRT or Tomato is really great, worth the extra $10.

I run it as a pure WAP, not a router, which I could not do with the Linksys firmware.

[bayareaking510]

In short, what will be the future benefits of getting an N router? I think I'm going to stick with the router I have right now. I don't use my Macbook's wifi at home often, so it might just be worth waiting for prices to go down. I really don't want to pay more than $70-$80.

Anyways, thanks for the help everyone. I'll check out that article "AbsoluteMayheM"

[fishtoprecords]

In short, what will be the future benefits of getting an N router?... I really don't want to pay more than $70-$80.


Sometime in the future, the N-spec will be official, and when it happens WiFi will be better. You may be able to flash your pre-N router to make it be official, or you may have spent money on the next great boat anchor.

The Linksys WRT54GL is in your price range. Its B/G, no N, but that's not important to me.

[westudi]

The Linksys WRT54GL is in your price range. Its B/G, no N, but that's not important to me.

Yeah, and like we both said, coupled with Tomato or some other firmware, it's a pretty decent router.

[nokomis_fl]

Yeah, and like we both said, coupled with Tomato or some other firmware, it's a pretty decent router.

What does it do for you?

[westudi]

What does it do for you?

It added a lot of stability. I had upgraded to Linksys' latest firmware, and we would lose our internet connection frequently (not wireless signal, but the actual connection). Also, it allows you several more forwarding entries as opposed to the 10 or 12 the Linksys firmware grants you. I know Tomato also offers a bunch of tweakability, but most of that is way beyond my understanding.

[fishtoprecords]

What does it do for you?

More features, more security, more flexibility.

For me, I couldn't get Linksys' firmware to work as a pure WAP, it wanted to route and I have other routers.

Some folks really like the ability to control the radio power, to gain more distance, or in a dorm or apartment, to reduce the distance.

IMHO, the $10 difference between the main G model and the GL is well worth it for the ability to use alternative firmware.

[davmoo]

In short, what will be the future benefits of getting an N router?

It depends on what you do.

If you move large files between machines all on the same local network, they will move considerably faster.

If, however, you only do stuff over the internet, the answer is "not a darn thing".

N is much faster than B or G. But unless you have a fiber hookup, even B is faster than most cable modems or DSL. That's why N will have no real advantages once you leave your local network.

[fishtoprecords]

If you move large files between machines all on the same local network, they will move considerably faster.

True. And improving the speed for moving files within your house is not really likely to justify buying a new router and all new cards for all your laptops, and replacing the laptops with build in G cards.

N also has a potential huge win that isn't talked about much:

The N systems can move from the 2.4gHz band to 5gHz, which is much less crowded, free from microwave oven spills, bluetooth, etc.

[jeff311]

I was wondering if anyone here could help me out with a router choice. I'm buying a laptop and going to set up a media server on my old PC to stream to my PS3 and share with notebook. If I get an N router will it only max out at 802.11g speeds/range since the PS3 is G only? My modem is situated almost in the exact middle of my house on the middle floor. Should I go with dual-band?