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    Looking for the best Wireless Router. Please HELP

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by Genius01, Jul 24, 2008.

  1. Genius01

    Genius01 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hello,

    This is my first post to this forum, but I have been here reading a lot before I make any type of purchase.

    My question is this. I am looking for the best wireless router money can buy. Price is no object as long as we are underneath the $300 mark. I do not want to go purchase a Cisco Systems business router for $500 + LOL ;)

    This is what I am mainly interested in:

    -I do not want it to have any problems. (I DO NOT WANT TO HAVE DROPPED CONNECTIONS)
    -I want to be able to set up WPA2-Personal (I do not mind having a 63 digit PSK encryped with AES :cool: )
    -I want it to be able to make use of newer technology and not need to upgrade (for a while at least meaning the Final-N production)

    The first point is my main concern. I currently have a piece of junk Belkin 54 G router that I purchased for $30.00. The problem I am having with it, is when I am using a wireless connection to download a file, and I am downloading at anything over 500KB/s after a period of 2-5 minutes the wireless feature on the router just dies (while wired network connections work fine.) I must then go and reset the router and after the reset will be able to use the internet again. Mind you I am only a few feet away from the router on the wireless connection. I really do not want these sort of problems.

    I have two notebooks in the house with Wireless N Cards either built in or through a USB device and I would like to make use of these technologies. Also I have another notebook with a regular B/G card by Atheros. Also I will have 2 computers connected via wired connection. So the router must be able to handle all of this (somehow.) :confused:

    Any information and help on this matter will be appreciated and I thank you in advance.
     
    Genius01, Jul 24, 2008
    #1
  2. jetstar

    jetstar Notebook Deity

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    I think Linksys makes excellent routers. Consider the Linksys WRT54G2 or the WRT160N. Both are very good.
     
    jetstar, Jul 24, 2008
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  3. Wirelessman

    Wirelessman Monkeymod

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    Most router today come with minimum 4 Ethernet ports, which would ensured your desktops connectivity, and the WiFi interface can communicate with the other laptops.

    I'm not sure if this is a SOHO application or just reisdential, if is SOHO then Cisco 800 series is more than enough, try Cisco 861W.

    But if it is residential then I encourage you to look for Linksys (Cisco made) which will support well your current needs and will cost way less than the SOHO equipment.
     
    Wirelessman, Jul 24, 2008
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  4. Genius01

    Genius01 Notebook Enthusiast

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    First of all thanks for the replys. As far as the application. It is residential.

    For the Linksys suggestion. I would like to but I have been reading places that the Intel Wireless PRO 4965AGN Card is problematic with it. This would be a problem as my main computer has that card built in....If you could please also give me model numbers of some routers it would be great.

    I was really interested in the new WRT-610N but the linksys/intel problem scares me a little.
     
    Genius01, Jul 24, 2008
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  5. paulvay

    paulvay Notebook Enthusiast

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    Take a look at D-Link DIR-655 Xtreme N Gigabit Router

    I am in the same boat and have done tons of research. This seems to be the best bang for the buck (for $100 that is)

    I have heard great things about AirPort Extreme Base Station with Gigabit Ethernet. Looks great, has usb printer/hard-drive port. ($170 list)

    The Linksys WRT600N has some good reviews too. ($200-$250)

    I would love to hear others opinions on these products and potentially a better one.
     
    paulvay, Jul 24, 2008
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  6. Genius01

    Genius01 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I agree with paulvay. Opinions please :)
     
    Genius01, Jul 24, 2008
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  7. Wirelessman

    Wirelessman Monkeymod

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    Sounds good to me.

    Check also Netgear with MIMO, the 3500 or others, I tried it with my 4965AGN and worked as a charm.
     
    Wirelessman, Jul 24, 2008
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  8. Genius01

    Genius01 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Are you talking about the WNR3500? I found it and its fairly cheap. Everything looks good but the reviews on Netgear customer support.
     
    Genius01, Jul 24, 2008
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  9. Wirelessman

    Wirelessman Monkeymod

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    Yes, the WNR3500. I don't know about customer support, but it is an excellent router.
     
    Wirelessman, Jul 24, 2008
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  10. paulvay

    paulvay Notebook Enthusiast

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    I will have to research the WNR3500. Wirelessman, have you used this in the past? What are some pros/cons with the box. Any support for aftermarket firmware?
     
    paulvay, Jul 24, 2008
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  11. Genius01

    Genius01 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Paulvay. I have been researching that unit ever since it was recommended. I have only found very few people that encountered problems with the router. The only other problems that I am finding is that Netgear Customer Service is amongst the worst around. They avoid problems and do whatever they can to get out of helping you resolve the situation (according to what I am reading)
     
    Genius01, Jul 24, 2008
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  12. Wirelessman

    Wirelessman Monkeymod

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    I got it to verify my 4965AGN wireless card "N" capability and compatibility with Netgear, and it worked right away and I got over 140Mbps, I didn't try the 40MHz bandwidth using the 5GHz band though, I just wanted to see if it was true that it would work out of the box and well, and it did, then I returned it :D

    Customer service is important indeed, but you have to weight the trade offs, to choose a very reliable router subject to have an issue with it and suffer with customer service or to get another router that you will have an excellent customer service but the d... router doesn't performs (e.g. Belkin).
     
    Wirelessman, Jul 24, 2008
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  13. Genius01

    Genius01 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Lol you are the best for that one....haha

    Two questions...

    1) Do you still use the 4965AGN as your main wireless card?

    2) Why router do you currently use (Since you returned the Netgear)
     
    Genius01, Jul 24, 2008
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  14. Relowe

    Relowe Notebook Consultant

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    Relowe, Jul 24, 2008
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  15. Genius01

    Genius01 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Well then it must be a sh**ty router...I always knew belkin was the worst!!!
     
    Genius01, Jul 24, 2008
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  16. Wirelessman

    Wirelessman Monkeymod

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    1) Do you still use the 4965AGN as your main wireless card?

    Of course.

    2) Why router do you currently use (Since you returned the Netgear)

    My current router is Actiontech (g), which is provided for free by my ISP/TV/Telephone monopolistic FIOS provider called Verizon. :D

    Actually the router broke yesterday so I'm waiting for a new one, I'm currently working out of a D-Link AP/RT/Client portable (2x3 in) multipurpose device, I'm pulling about 36Mbps and I'm 25' away from it :D
     
    Wirelessman, Jul 24, 2008
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  17. Genius01

    Genius01 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yes I have heard of auctiontech. I remember that it was a pain to work with from my "Remote Management" Experience with it.
     
    Genius01, Jul 24, 2008
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  18. paulvay

    paulvay Notebook Enthusiast

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    I would really like to know how D-Link DIR-655 compares with Netgear WNR3500
     
    paulvay, Jul 24, 2008
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  19. paulvay

    paulvay Notebook Enthusiast

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    paulvay, Jul 24, 2008
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