switch routers?

I have been running this Netgear router for a couple of years, model MR814v2.
Have the following connected:
pc's - four wired and two wireless
3 replaytv wired.
Wireless printing off non connected printers (not hard wired).
Connection for wireless has been excellent lately, connecting everywhere in a good sized ranch. (was having dropouts for a while).

Bought Zyxel mimo which I read is a pretty good router.

Now, should "I fix it if it ain't broken"?

Can I just swap out the router without changing any settings in my wired pc's?
If I use the same network key for the wireless, any other changes needed?

I'm very hesitant to change anything. Any thoughts???
Thanks.

 

Well, as long as you change the settings on the new router to those on the old, you should have little problems. I've had to fix quite a few of these and haven't had many troubles, but you gotta configure the new one to operate with the same/similar settings as the old one.

However, here's a word of caution: MIMO doesn't work unless both the router and the PC have MIMO cards. If you don't have MIMO equipment on both ends of the proverbial WiFi line, it will operate as a non-MIMO 802.11G connection.

The desktops will not get any faster since MIMO is a wireless only thing, but even then you need some MIMO PCMCIA or ExpressCard receivers to take full advantage of the technology.

Unless you do heavy file transfers in a home network, I'd stick with what you have. Most internet connections barely hit 802.11b speeds, so 802.11g, 802.11n, and g-MIMO are usually overkill.

 

Yes, and don't forget to set up your router's forwarding and addressing. Oh and don't forget to set your own password.