OT: Wireless router recommendations

[RocketDawg]

I think I need a new wireless router. Mine has slowed down considerably, sometimes stops, and it's much slower than the computer that is connected by Ethernet directly to the cable modem. I have a Medialink at the moment and it's 2-3 years old.

What's the best router to get these days? What specifications should it have? Link to Amazon with the recommendation would be appreciated.

 

[DawgatAuburn]

I'm not an expert here, but I think a piece of info to include would be how many devices are connecting to it? Computers, phones, tables, TV receivers, printers, etc.

 

[RocketDawg]

I'm not an expert here, but I think a piece of info to include would be how many devices are connecting to it? Computers, phones, tables, TV receivers, printers, etc.

Yeah, I suppose that could be germane. I have 2 iPhones, 1 laptop (MacBook Pro), 1 television, 2 iPads, 1 printer. But it's extremely rare if 2 of those devices are being used simultaneously. I don't really do much streaming of movies, etc.

My latest speed test showed about 65 mb down on my main computer with a direct Ethernet connection to the cable modem, and only about 10 or so using the router. And that varies all over the place (depending on the test server too, but generally using the same place) from about 1 to 20 or so. So something's wrong, either with my router or my laptop (it's new, only a few months old). I could connect it directly to the cable modem but would need a USB or Thunderbolt to Ethernet adaptor, since my laptop doesn't have an Ethernet port. I can always take it to the Apple Store to get it checked, but that's a pita, especially if it's the router.

 

[dawgenstein]

Just buy the Apple AirPort Extreme and never look back. I rotated between all the major brands over the years--each less than $150 each--and every one burned out within 2 years. I finally bought an Apple AirPort Extreme 5 years ago and it still works as good today as it did the first day I set it up. Setup is easy and you can even do it on an iPhone. This link is for the dual band version but there are cheaper versions available. Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station (Simultaneous Dual-Band) (MC340LL/A) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002TLTG9E/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_9yzhwb1456KAN

 

[dawgenstein]

By the way, I think I linked to an older model. It's not so easy to find the latest model on Amazon. Try Apple.com or Macmall.com to find the latest and greatest model.

 

[RocketDawg]

By the way, I think I linked to an older model. It's not so easy to find the latest model on Amazon. Try Apple.com or Macmall.com to find the latest and greatest model.

Thanks. That might be the best solution in the long run. Apple products tend to be overpriced, but it's better than replacing some other brand regularly.

 

[UpTheMiddlex3Punt]

I bought a D-LINK DIR-655 five years ago and have had no problems with it. Before, I had the widely available Netgear WRT-54G, but it started sucking until I replaced the firmware with an open source alternative.

Here's the router I have: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833127215

 

[conceptDawg]

Pretty much any newer router is going to work for you.
Since you have a few Apple products already, if you want an easy solution that you're not going to customize the Apple Airport is a pretty good recommendation. It's a no-brainer.

But, if you want a router that you can get in and customize every little bit (no pun intended) then you'll want to get one that can be flashed to run the DD-WRT/Tomato/OpenWRT firmwares. There's a lot of routers that can do this but the Asus brand is a good one (AC1750, N66U, etc). You can get a list of routers that support the firmware. I've got both the 1750 and the N66U and both have performed well.

 

[stinkfoot]

Waiting for this one to arrive.....

Archer C7 has good reviews. Waiting for one to come in the mail for $87 at Amazon

 

[OurPrideAndJoySnots]

This one gets my recommendation. Signal strength is fantastic. Our house uses a bunch of DLNA devices and there are never connection issues. I don't have to reboot the thing ever. My only gripe with it is that the USB connection can be slow if you are sharing files off an external drive. To give an idea, it handles all the residents of the Cotton Quarters condos on Jarnigan.

http://www.amazon.com/RT-N66U-Dual-Band-Wireless-N900-Gigabit-Router/dp/B006QB1RPY

 

[dawgman42]

I have the Asus RT-AC68U Wireless-AC1900, and it is awesome. I got mine free through T-Mobile and flashed the Merlin firmware on it, though I've used Tomato a lot in the past. It's great and gives all sorts of control (maybe more than you really want, though). I've had the best luck, by a mile, with Asus routers. All the D-Link and Netgear ones crap out on me, even after buying multiple model numbers of each. The RT-N66U recommended by OPAJS is a really good one, too.

 

[onewoof]

I would have to agree to get the Airport Extreme. Also in your cable modem, be sure to enable "bridge" mode. I assume you have Comcast?

 

[RickyWadePhilpotDVM]

I just got google's first gen OnHub

I think I need a new wireless router. Mine has slowed down considerably, sometimes stops, and it's much slower than the computer that is connected by Ethernet directly to the cable modem. I have a Medialink at the moment and it's 2-3 years old.

What's the best router to get these days? What specifications should it have? Link to Amazon with the recommendation would be appreciated.

It's not going to beat similarly priced routers in terms of raw performance, but a) it looks really cool, and b) it's going to get integrated into a lot of smart-home stuff in the future.

http://i2.wp.com/blog.advante360.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/510.jpg?resize=800,500

 

[Dawggrad96]

Just ordered the Apple Airport Extreme mainly because of this thread. Looking forward to giving it a try. Anything would beat the crap I've been using.

 

[Rog.sixpack]

Wonder how many packets Google "anonymously" forwards back to their server

You couldn't pay me to own Google hardware. I tolerate some of their software simply because they're well ahead of their nearest competitors.

It's not going to beat similarly priced routers in terms of raw performance, but a) it looks really cool, and b) it's going to get integrated into a lot of smart-home stuff in the future.

http://i2.wp.com/blog.advante360.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/510.jpg?resize=800,500

 

[RocketDawg]

I ordered an Apple AirPort Extreme from AAFES. $188 shipped, no tax. Cheaper by about $30 than going to the Apple Store and picking one up. I can wait a couple days to get it.

My router is getting worse. It hangs up more often than not now. Hopefully it'll make it until the new one comes in.

 

[RocketDawg]

No, I have WOW (Wide Open West). Comcast doesn't have service in my neighborhood. WOW is improving their service considerably at the moment ... after a year or so of lousy service since they took over from Knology.

 

[Walter White.sixpack]

When you have Metrocast it really doesn't matter.

 

[majors42]

The god dam Germans got nothin to do with it

Yeah, I suppose that could be germane. I have 2 iPhones, 1 laptop (MacBook Pro), 1 television, 2 iPads, 1 printer. But it's extremely rare if 2 of those devices are being used simultaneously. I don't really do much streaming of movies, etc.

My latest speed test showed about 65 mb down on my main computer with a direct Ethernet connection to the cable modem, and only about 10 or so using the router. And that varies all over the place (depending on the test server too, but generally using the same place) from about 1 to 20 or so. So something's wrong, either with my router or my laptop (it's new, only a few months old). I could connect it directly to the cable modem but would need a USB or Thunderbolt to Ethernet adaptor, since my laptop doesn't have an Ethernet port. I can always take it to the Apple Store to get it checked, but that's a pita, especially if it's the router.

a

 

[RocketDawg]

Interesting avatar ....

 

[RocketDawg]

It came in today and works like a charm. I have the full speed over wireless now. Did a little research and the Medialink router I had (and the company too) had terrible reviews. They aren't even allowed to sell on Amazon any more (they threatened to sue a guy who wrote a bad review for the router).