Intel 5300 - Recomendations for an N router?

I've recently purchased a laptop with the Intel 5300. I'm looking for a quality - reliable N router.

Thank you,

Ben

 

Hi Ben,

I have the Intel WiFi link 5300 card.

I use the Linksys WRT610N Simultaneous Dual-N Band Wireless Router, and I love this Router.
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Check out cnet reviews on this Router.
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Google search results: Linksys WRT610N<O </O


I hope this helps

 

I second the Linksys WRT610N, it works fabulous with my 5300.
Another good alternative is the Netgear WNDR3700.

 

Agreed. This is a good router especially in v2 (the current one).

 

I have the WRT610n, which has been very reliable for me and a decent performer, but am considering the WNDR3700 based on it's performance on this site: http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/index.php?option=com_wireless&Itemid=&chart=79

You can compare 2.4 vs 5 ghz and 20/40 mhz bandwidths to compare a variety of routers. The guy also thoroughly explains his test set-up so you get a good idea of where each point in the network the results are taken from.

 

SmallNetBuilder has not reviewed the V2 of the WRT610N, only v1. Normally revisions are stripped down models, however the V2 WRT61N is the same specs with a few things improved, so the performance difference between it and the WNDR3700 may be smaller than you think.

I have seen reports of people going back and forth, each has slight benefits, but for the most part, neither was much better overall.

 

I would disagree. I guess you based that on WRT54G series but even in this case "stripped down" started around v5. Other hardware versions tend to be better- WAP54, WRT160N (excluding v2 which was Realtek based), WRT300N (at least v1 and v1.1) or no significant hardware difference WRT600N, WRTSL54GS, WRT54GL and some WRT54G/GS.
Hardware revisions are in general improvements over original design (unless we're talking D-Link in which case it would be cutting down on costs with every revision)

 

Thanks for the quick replies and links.

Looks like it will either be the...

Linksys WRT610N (v2)

or

WNDR3700


As far as setup goes, is one easier than the other?

Regarding the Linksys, from what I read in some of the article reviews and user comments it sounds like I should avoid the LELA (Linksys Easy Link Advisor) because of the annoying popups.

Also, I have a few older laptops with a/b/g radios. How is the linksys at handling all of these while at the same time handling the N? Does it suffer considerably or are there disconnects/dropoffs?

Thanks again. So far I'm leaning towards the Linksys but I'll wait till I research it a bit more

Ben

 

It doesn't suffer from disconnects however running it in compatibility mode (with b/g) affects performance in terms of throughput.
Another words- when you run some "g" devices on the network your "n" devices cannot achieve the same speeds that would be possible if "n" were only devices on the net.
It's nothing important but since you asked about drawbacks of running legacy devices on the net- that's just about the only one I can think of.
As for the setup- it’s similar on most routers (by that I mean rather easy) with just some exceptions of routers with terrible interface.
You can see how does the Linksys’ stock firmware look here:
http://ui.linksys.com/files/WRT610N/2.00.00/

Also keep in mind that Linksys is supported by DD-WRT and other 3rd party firmwares while WNDR3700 is not.

 

Historically, (in general for routers) revisions get worse and worse is what I meant.

Linksys seems to get better and better, until they hit a sweet spot, then they start down the road to shame. The WRT54g did eventually lose power, but they then released the L series to bring it back in check.

And yes, it is done for cost reasons.

 

thanks everyone. Looks like I'll be buying the Linksys WRT610N (v2)

 

I don't know. I mean companies I think of when talking network hardware like Linksys, Asus, Buffalo or even TP Link don't do things like that.
New revision is sth good rather than bad.

On the other hand there are a lot of brands out there that may deteriorate with every revision but I don't deal with cra... I mean poor hardware anyway
I still think you've overdone it with claiming that historically new revision means worse hardware. You're too pessimistic

 

Well they did cut down the RAM and flash memory to half on WRT54G's (after v4). You had to flash using a micro build

Other than that router still performs the same.

 

It was obviously for cost reasons and in theory it shouldn't have changed that much (if anything) in performance as they simultaneously exchanged Linux with VxWorks that has smaller memory footprint.
The router didn't unfortunately perform the same even with DD-WRT as under load it just couldn't be as good as previous versions were.
VxWorks also wasn't as good as Linux versions and by that I mean it was really bad. Yes, the Linksys WRT54G V5 Really Is a Lousy Router

 

I wasn't talking speed, so much as range...and you may not be specifically talking either. But if you "check box" each for comparison, go below the table and click on "throughput by location", the WNDR3700 performs significantly better at longer ranges. And this is my biggest weak spot concerning the WRT610n. My 310n had slightly farther range...go figure. But if you look at the testers set-up, the 3700 does really well where the 610 doesn't even get signal. Can't imagine v2 to make up that much difference.

But I need the dual band. Which answers his other question(I think someone already covered it), the 610 rocks in that department, as I have several G devices that kids use, and I don't need that bandwidth eaten up

 

It may not have quite as much range, but without an equal test it's only a guess. If range is your ultimate goal, I would say you probably won't go wrong with the WNDR3700.

As for there not being much difference between 6010N models, the V1 with early firmware had serious heat issues among other things, the later v1 firmware and v2 runs very cool. In other words, significant changes have taken place in the 610 since the review was done. People have been asking Smallnetbuilder to re-review it but so far no luck. Using Smallnetbuilders database for the 610 is almost useless at this point.

I'm not trying to talk you out of the Netgear, it seems to be a wonderful router. I had one in my hands at the register when I found it had come off sale that morning and left without it. I later picked up a 610.

I really wanted the 610 anyhow because of aftermarket firmware. I'm still using stock, but after my experiences with wireless routers in the past and what the aftermarket people have done, I much prefer the option to change it if needed. Supposedly the 3700 is expected to get aftermarket firmware, but I'm not holding my breath.

As for the 610 I have, it's great. I'm not sure of the range, I haven't really tested it yet, but in terms of lag, it's visibly faster than my old Netgear or D-Link. Both of which were high end routers.

 

I bought the WTR610N today. I am very happy with it! It was easy to setup using the browser config screen. I didn't even use the CD software.

The N 5GHz 40MHz with auto channel... very fast. Then I made some minor 5300 properties adjustments on my laptop to maximize performance. The speed increase has been amazing compared to my old linksys G router.

And the mixed 2.4Ghz 40MHz is way faster compared to my old router too!

I could probably improve performance my making some more adjustments here and there but I'm very happy as it is.

Lovin it. Thanks for recommending it.

*edit: my macbook pro laptops are running great with the N network on this new router as well. They find it quickly and automatically connect even from sleep. I mention this because I read elsewhere that some Mac's were having trouble finding the network with the WTR610N router after awaking from sleep. Either that has been corrected with an OS X or driver update from Apple or the firmware and latest V2 hardware in the WTR610N has corrected that. My Macs with their AirPort Extreme network cards are uploading/downloading just as fast as my PC with the 5300, which is very good news. I was concerned at first as I was buying the new router but now those worries are put to rest.

 

Hi, Ygohome just wondering whats your speed on your intel 5300 with the wtr610n? Is it 300 Mbps? I heard that the intel 5300 could connect at 450 Mbps on 5GHz. I have a dir 655 and I get 300 Mbps. I do alot of file transferring from my notebook to my desktop upstairs. Right now, my transfer rate is about 9 to 11 Mb/s on wireless. I would upgrade to a dual N-band wireless router if I could get a bump in transfer speed.

 

Hi Dazz, I'll check those speeds when I return home later today.

Question for everyone regarding wireless printing...

I have an hP wireless printer. But now that I have essentially TWO networks, how can I get my printer to be seen by both? Or is that not possible? Or is the solution that I hardwire the connection from the printer to the router with an ethernet cable?

Thanks!

Ben

 

I have had mine both hardwired and wireless to router -> then wireless to rest of house.

The config in your printer should allow you to search for wireless SSID, then put in password and voila.

However, depending on which HP printer you have, it may be a pain in the a$$. I had the c7280 and it constantly had software conflicts, dropped connections, would work with my laptop and not wife's and vice versa. Finally got an Epson and has been very stable.

 

yeah but the problem is that I have two different SSID now... one for the mixed B/G and the other 5GHz for the N

"BRTassoc BG" is one SSID while the other is "BRTassoc N"

I am trying to figure out how both can see the printer

 

Are you saying it shows and asks for passwords for both bands? I am surprised it would see the N on 5ghz.

One way or the other it shouldn't matter. IIRC, you should be able to print from any device that is linked wirelessly to your router. In effect, your router becomes your print server. I have multiple laptops(6 actually, lot's of kids ) connecting G/N and they all can print via installed printer software on the lappy, even though the printer is connected to my router via 2.4ghz G mode.

Have you tried this? or is there some other reason you want to "dual mode" link your printer/router?

 

hmmm. perhaps I've configured it incorrectly. I will make a screen snapshot of the settings when I get home.

Right now I have G devices (printer, 3 HP laptops, a dell laptop, and PS3 and XBOX 360).

I also have 3 laptops that are N capable... (Del laptop, and two Macs)

So, I set my N network as 5Ghz, 40Mhz, auto channel


My 2nd network is "mixed" at 2.4Ghz, 40Mhz, auto channel

The HP printer can only see the B/G network. But I need to print from the N network too of course. Sounds like from what you are telling me that it should be possible.

I'll take snapshot when I get back home.

Thanks,

Ben

 

I'm at work as well, and like you, I do better when I am sitting in front of something.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that the printer doesn't/shouldn't care what bands the other devices are on as long as it is synched with the router in whatever mode. The router receives the print function command and relays it ro the printer. This is how it should work. I know this is true using my old HP printer software installed on all the laptops.

I haven't got around to installing the Epson software on all the lappies, as I only made the change a few weeks ago, so I can't confirm this is still true. It should be.

The only way you should see a problem is if you are trying to connect each printer, wirelessly, directly to the printer. Then yes, it wouldn't be able to pick up all the devices in mixed modes.

I'm pretty sure you can set up print sharing through Windows on one of your machines and go that route, but I haven't ever done that.

 

There is a way to get 450mpbs throughput, but if I remember right, yet won't be 450 throughput through a single connection. So while possible, it's not realistic. This m,ay only even apply to the WNDR3700 and not the 610, I'm not sure, I really didn't read much into it. There was a thread where they discussed it on Smallnetbuilder.

When I need to transfer something that bog, that fast, I connect a hardline and just use gigabit.


I went from a DIR-655 to the 610N, I couldn't be happier. I hated my 655(with a passion!) so I was glad to see it go. However I got a nice surprise when I changed. My ping/lag dropped significantly. When playing games online I often had lag issues with my 655. Also, when just browsing the net, I could click and see a delay, not anymore. I really can tell a difference in speed between the two.

Also, two routers, both at 300, I would put money on my 610 pushing more than my 655. I posted on here before I wanted to run that router over with my car, but with my experience with it, it would likely blow out two new tires if I did as a last bit of vengeance.

 

Both sides should see the entire network. Splitting it like that is just like having 2 extra switches is all, not two routers.

 

okay, I'll try it out when I get home. When I was trying this morning I was at the printer and using it's front panel menu...

It has a network setup option where it searches for wireless networks. Then I enter in the encryption key on the printer's front panel. I'm not a very knowledgable with networks. Instead I should just re-install the HP software on each lappy and do it that way?

 

You don't need to use different SSID for different router. Just set same security password and ssid for both router.

 

Loving my wndr3700

 

Me too

 

It was a tough decision between the Netgear and the Linksys. And I also almost considered the Apple Airport Extreme Base.

Oh, and I got my printer working on both networks on the Linksys

 

Good to hear!

 

Hi Ben,


Make some screen snapshot of your settings, and I will walk you through this.

 

I'm going back and forth between the Linksys and the Netgear as well - I've had the Apple for a year and before that the Linksys 600.

I know I can do better speed-wise and the Apple is just weird to configure and the USB port is useless but I have to say that I've NEVER, EVER had to reset it. That is different than any other wireless router I've had. The WRT600 was terrible.

I'm tempted by the WNDR3700 but I've never been satisfied with anything from Netgear and usually irritated by Linksys products which only seem to work marginally better.

Anybody care to comment specifically on their reliability experience with either the Linksys or the Netgear?

 

I've had the WRT610N for well over a year now. Original revision. Seems like I have updated firmware since I bought it, but I really can't remember. I know lots of folks have had issues with the router, but it has been rock-solid for me. Never drops off or reboots and has good coverage for my 3000+ sq ft, one story home. Wish my Comcast HSI was as stable. I currently have 6 laptops, 1 desktop, and the big 3 game consoles + handhelds (5 kids ) connected at various times. Probably any 5+ of those connected regularly at the same time.

Bottom line is I would recommend it to anyone, but have been considering the WNDR3700 because I am never satisfied and hear that it is a little faster with better range. Also, the WRT610N has been re-branded to something newer...E3000. Virtually the same router and has solid early reviews.

 

Good point! It sounds like the E3000 has gotten rid of the LELA for the most part - which I really didn't like very much. But it seems like the deals to be had are on the WRT610n ver.2 since there's a new model out.

Decisions, decisions.

 

I have the 610N Ver. 2.
I haven't had to touch it in months, if I had to buy again, I would get it again. It's far more reliable than my ISP, that's for sure. Also, my ping is awesome with this router, it dropped probably 10ms compared to my old Netgear (634?), and about 30ms compared to my (grrrr ) D-link (655).

The 1.0 had original firmware issues, they tended to overheat. Later firmware and later models fixed this. This seemed to have been the main Achilles heel. Range also improved but I'm not sure how it compares to the 3700 at this point.

The reports I have seen on the 3700 is that the power supply (again) is under powered and has been responsible for a few peoples dying as this is hard on the capacitors inside. The other issue I have with this router is no replacement firmware. While I run stock firmware, I like being able to replace it. Which is why I bought the 610 instead.

Both are awesome routers though.

 

Pick up the netgear 3700 last night and im pretty disappointed with the performance. Read all the rave reviews about this router so i decided to give it a shot. I was using a Dlink Dir 655 and been pretty happy with the performance of it. Wanted a dual band router so i could use my laptop (N) and itouch (G) together.

I do alot of transfer between my both my computers. A wired desktop and my laptop that has the 5300 intel card. With my 655 I was getting about 8mb/s - 12mb/s transfer rate. With the 3700 my best was about 7mb/s. I am about 6 feet away from the router connected at 5ghz. I also noticed that my download speed has dropped about half of what my dir 655 was getting. With my dink I was getting 2mb/s. With 3700 I was getting 800KB/S

 

Could you sort out the units- hard to guess when do you mean MB/s when Mb/s and so on...

 

Sorry for the confusing. What I meant is MB/s.

 

OK, so we got your actual connection speed but what's the nominal- I mean at what speed are you connected to the router according to Windows?
I assume you use WPA2+AES for security- if not do so. Using TKIP or WEP limits the throughput (Yeah I know it sounds crazy).
Also use inSSIDer (free) to scan for neighboring networks and look at how consistent is signal quality (nice graph for that that app).
Do you run the connection as "n-only" or as "b/g/n"- you shouldn't use the latter- it also limits throughput.

 

You have something miss-configured I would imagine.
Have you updated the firmware?

Transfer rates are one of the 655's strongest point (unfortunately they don't offset the weakest point of that piece of....), it is also one of the 3700's strongest points. It should outperform the 655 but not by much.

You might also want to check your ping in games, it should have dropped quite a bit.

 

Okay dont know what happen last night but for some reason (maybe a reboot of my notebook) I dont know...the speed is much better now with the 3700. I just got back from home and was testing it out. Now I am able to transfer at a much better speed then my Dir 655. Ave about 14 MB/s from laptop to desktop. I am still havent an issue with the download speed compare to 655. I will need to mess around with it this weekend. I am running both the 2.4 and 5ghz on WPA2+AES. Windows is showing 300Mb/s. I havent testing the 2.4 mode yet. Looks like there is new firmware update but I havent updated it. Thanks for the help guys

 

So how do you tell if the WRT160N is a version 1 or version 2? Will all of these routers still perform at the top of their performance with the new N6300 Centrino card? What about the E1000? Would BestBuy be the easiest place to purchase one at a reasonable price?

 

There are no indications on the box for the version of the router. But if you but a new one from let say, Bestbuy, it should be a a WRT160Nv3. The E1000 is identical to the WRT160N v3. So you are better off finding a WRT160Nv3 that stores are trying to clear out.

 

^thanks Johnny. I ended up going to Best Buy and biting the bullet on a E3000

 

I doubt you will regret that decision.
It's a good router.

 

Great thread! I just switched from the AT&T DSL 6mbps plan to the Time Warner Cable Turbo plan and I'm getting around 35mbps when using a Cat5 cable, so I've been planning to upgrade my router. After reading everyone's suggestions I quickly ordered what appeared to be the Linksys WRT610n at an amazing price, although after I placed the order, the email confirmation indicated I received the WRT610N-RM, which appears to be a refurbished model.

Does anyone have experience with refurbished routers, or specifically with the WRT610N-RM?

Also, can anyone recommend any sort of network storage hub that would allow me to connect a USB 3.0 external drive using 3.0 cables?

 

A refurb laptop has many parts to fail. A refurb router, not so much.

Many people running DD-WRT firmware swear on buying refurbs.