Top rated wireless routers

[neworldman]

Hello,

I am looking for the best wireless router out there. I will have both g/n laptops to run. Most of my pc's are wired but I will have two iPhones and three laptops to run. Also a Wii's in two rooms. This is the router I have now. It has some issues with disconnecting from my laptops. Also it seams slow. I want a router that will have good connection anywhere in my house. $400 limit


http://homesupport.cisco.com/en-us/wireless/lbc/WRT160N

[redwudz]

I've went through three Linksys routers in the last few years with dropout problems and disconnects and a failed PS. I've had a Netgear WNDR3500 for a year and no dropout, no problems. A higher end version with dual G/N band is: http://www.netgear.com/products/home/wirelessouters/high-performance/WNDR3700.aspx

[neworldman]

Great thanks for the info. that looks like a good one. What makes a wireless router better as far as signal strength. I mean what should I look for? What are better on these more expensive models? Will I see a difference from my Linksys g/n router ?

Thanks

[aedipuss]

a trendnet 300mbps tew-639 b/g/n works for me here for all wireless devices including wii's, nds's, pc's, printers, etc.... i've installed a couple for friends who also find they just work.

can be had for about $50 if you wait for newegg's specials.

[neworldman]

I've went through three Linksys routers in the last few years with dropout problems and disconnects and a failed PS. I've had a Netgear WNDR3500 for a year and no dropout, no problems. A higher end version with dual G/N band is: http://www.netgear.com/products/home/wirelessouters/high-performance/WNDR3700.aspx

I have read alot of negative feedback here on this router. Should I be concerned? I am leaning towards this one.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=33-122-326&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&P...ab=true&Page=2

[redwudz]

The most important thing with a router is location. AFAIK, they all have the same power ratings. I have mine centrally located up off the floor about four feet. Watch out for nearby metal filing cabinets or metal in the walls that can dampen the signal.

N routers have a bit of an advantage as the N band is less crowded and you may get less interference.

It also helps to see what channels the other routers around you are using. Most people leave them on the default channels and that's where the interference is maximum. I use a program to do a survey of the routers around me to pick a lightly used channel. http://www.passmark.com/products/wirelessmonitor.htm It has a 30 day free evaluation period. In my area channels two and five are fairly clear.

If you have a two story house, then antenna positioning can be critical for full coverage.

Another option: You may also be able to set up your Linksys as an access point. Combined with your new router, that could give you more coverage. Not sure about with Linksys, you would have to check the manual.

[neworldman]

The most important thing with a router is location. AFAIK, they all have the same power ratings. I have mine centrally located up off the floor about four feet. Watch out for nearby metal filing cabinets or metal in the walls that can dampen the signal.

N routers have a bit of an advantage as the N band is less crowded and you may get less interference.

It also helps to see what channels the other routers around you are using. Most people leave them on the default channels and that's where the interference is maximum. I use a program to do a survey of the routers around me to pick a lightly used channel. http://www.passmark.com/products/wirelessmonitor.htm It has a 30 day free evaluation period. In my area channels two and five are fairly clear.

If you have a two story house, then antenna positioning can be critical for full coverage.

Another option: You may also be able to set up your Linksys as an access point. Combined with your new router, that could give you more coverage. Not sure about with Linksys, you would have to check the manual.

Ok thanks. I have a 3700 sq ft two story home. I have me Linksys in my office which is centrally located on the second floor. I have it on top of one of my desktop pc's that sits on top of my desk. It is about four feet off the floor. The pc case is metal will this matter? I had Linksys set it up when I first got it they did change to a different channel. But I should learn how to change it my self and check the channels around me. Thanks

[redwudz]

Is your reception problem mostly on the first floor? If so, you might want a router that has antennas you can orient more horizontally for a bit more signal downward. If the router is sitting on top of a metal PC case and has internal antennas -and- you have the reception problem downstairs, I would probably try it somewhere else so the the signal can go down wards.

It's pretty easy to change channels in the router. You don't have to do anything with the PCs, it's automatic for them. I've had problems around here because we have WiFi transmission systems from a tower about a 1/4 mile away and they use fairly high powered signals, so you don't want to use their channels.

I also have my router set up for fixed addresses, along with the computer LAN adapters. It's a bit of a PITA the first time to set up, but fixed addresses seem to have a lot less dropout problems. I forget with Linksys, but they are probably on the line of 192.168.1.2 - 192.168.1.200. The router gateway address is usually 192.168.1.1 for that range.

[neworldman]

The reception problem is all floors. In fact my daughters room is right next to my office that has the wireless router and she still says she has drop of issues.