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    Some Router Questions

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by trump4444, Nov 16, 2010.

  1. trump4444

    trump4444 Newbie

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    I am currently in the market for a new router. I figure it is time to retire my trusty Linksys G router. Recently ordered a new laptop with wireless N and from what I understand, to get true "N" speeds, I can't have any other wireless devices connected to the router that are lower than "N" speeds. Is the best option a Dual-Band router like this one?
    It is a little pricey, in my opinion, but if it works, I could be convinced to shell out the cash. I like the Gigabit ports, particularly in terms of future functionality and wired speed for my desktop and my laptop when I have it on my desk. I know there are cheaper alternatives that don't have the Gigabit ports so maybe they aren't all that important.

    Any thoughts or suggestions?
     
    trump4444, Nov 16, 2010
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  2. woofer00

    woofer00 Wanderer

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    Unless you've got a connection faster than cable (30mbit, give or take) or you do a lot of intranet transfer, you're not going to see a massive jump by going to N or gigabit. I'd suggest waiting until you have an internet connection that could really take advantage of the extra speed (e.g. fios/fiber). If you have a poor connection to your router, going to N may help, but with a strong signal, it may not be worth the cost.
     
    woofer00, Nov 16, 2010
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  3. trump4444

    trump4444 Newbie

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    Well, I do some intranet stuff but probably not enough to justify it, based on what you are saying.
    As far as my current internet speed, you are right in that I am not exceeding 30Mb/s. The range was something I was considering but also probably not a huge factor right now. Probably is best to wait it out another year or two.
    Thanks for your help, guess I got all caught up in the hype of "this router is soooooo fast you can't live without it!"
    On a related note, if my router keeps dropping internet connectivity and has to be restarted (say, once a week), any suggestions on that?
    Thanks! Saved me some money, for the time being at least...
     
    trump4444, Nov 16, 2010
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  4. hakira

    hakira <3 xkcd

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    Depending on the router you have (trusty old wrt54g?), loading dd-wrt onto it can make it rock solid and generally faster.

    re: gigabit ports, unless you are doing large backups over NAS on a regular basis, you don't need gigabit.
     
    hakira, Nov 18, 2010
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