Need recommendations for wireless router.

Hello,

Years ago I asked for a router recommendation here, so I want to ask again because I need to buy a new one (again).

Here's some criteria that I like to consider:

• My house has two floors with thick walls so I need one with good signal strength.
• My budget is <=50 US$. I hope its enough a get a good router.
• No refurbished. I'm going to try to buy the router on local store here and not via an online store.
• Some of the devices that will be connected: 2 desktops connected via cables, 1-2 notebooks connected via cables, 2-3 notebooks connected via wireless, 2 iPod Touch, 1 iPhone, 1 Android device.
• Has good longevity, at the very least must last 2 years.
• Router which has a setting for bandwidth cap per computer connected is a plus. But not really a must-have requirement.
• I prefer Linksys or some other common brands. Because brands like Buffalo and some others are hard to find here.

My old router is Belkin Wireless N Router. Its been acting up on us for 1 year++ but the budget to buy a new one was eaten up because I need a budget to fix my notebook. For example, the wireless is dead and cannot be used since I don't remember when. Some of the wired ports also died. The plus point of this router is the signal strength, it covers my house well. In terms of longevity it got broken quite fast. I didn't think it last two years without problems.

Thanks.

 

I'm offering this suggestion solely on your price range and brand preference, I have no experience with this particular router, but I do use a Linksys WRT54G and E3200. The Linksys E1200 can be found for under 50. It's a base model, but based on what you need it for, it should provide all the functionality you need.

I get good signal strength with both routers in a 2 story 4000 something squarefoot home.

It's less than 50 brand new at many B&M stores and E-tailers.

It has a 4 port switch so it will accommodate 4 hard wired devices.

My linksys has been good with longevity, but I know others have had issues, especially with the E line. They do have a good warranty policy and customer service though in my experience if something does go wrong.

I haven't check in the E1200, but the WRT54G has settings for restricting internet access between wired/wireless, or by IP/MAC, based on time of day, but not by bandwidth. I'm not sure if the E series has this or not, I haven't gone in to the settings that often (it's not my personal router, but for my parents).

Check it out.

 

Finding a router with good range in this price bracket is not easy.

Thinks to looks at:

TP-Link TL-WR1043ND
Asus rt-n13u
Linksys E2000 (it's more of $60 but has a good range and should be available everywhere)

 

Of the 3 listed
Only 1 has Gigabit Switch
2 has USB Ports
and all 3 support 3rd firmware

 

I chose TP-Link TL-WR1043ND and bought it for US$52.8. Was it too expensive?

Haven't tried it out yet, but I hope it works well.
Chose it because:
- Its not that expensive compared to others.
- It has some kind of bandwidth control, I think.
- 3 antennas, so I'm hoping it can cover all my house.
- 4 port for wired devices
- MAC address cloning feature

I'm still feeling worried though as its my first time buying TP-Link.

Thanks all!

 

just wanted to get this out there, if in any case the router you bought doesn't cover your entire house which you wanted to be covered, you could get a router booster or an additional access point to boost that area as well.