What is the best Wifi router?

I run a couple Linksys/Cisco WRT160N routers that seem to work fabulously.

Jedi

 

The Linksys routers I've had have normally crapped out within a year. The NetGear has lasted the longest.

CW

 

Just make sure it's a new N router, not an old G (or less).

Wireless N Buyer's Guide to Choosing a Router

 

Linksys, I've used them for years and they've always been bulletproof.

 

+1

However, I believe that with most of 'em if anyone connects a "G" device the entire network will "fall back" to G speeds - Which kinda sucks....

I do know there are few "dual band" models which overcome this - One band for n, the other for g - May be worth looking at? [Anyone got any recommendations?)

Cheers,
Ian
PS - Jedi - Are your routers bridged? Standard firmware? Or are you using dd-wrt? [Sorry for the hijack!]

 

Good point. I should have mentioned a "N" network instead of just a router.

 

I just bought a cisco router for under $100, and can use the wireless even when im on the street in front of my house. Really nice router, its part of their E series lineup.

 

Take a look around and see if there are any aftermarket firmware updates you can get.
I have Linksys pre-Cisco routers, and they are loaded with SVEASOFT firmware. What it does is give me a lot more security options and also be able to adjust transmit power up and down.

Certain levels of firmware only work with certain models of routers, so be very careful what you do or you will turn your router into a brick. This is why on EBay most folks ask sellers what model and serial (version number) the router that is for sale is.

GTHill should know all of this, he is one of 'THE' guys in this industry.

 

Yikes, what a pig sty.

Replace the hub with a wired gigabit router and hang a wireless AP off that on whatever floor you want it at.

 

3rd Party Router Firmware...a few things to note before installing:

1. Use your router with its factory installed firmware prior to replacing that firmware with 3rd party firmware. If you are happy with the functionality of the device out of the box, Do Not Switch to a 3rd Party Firmware.

2. If you feel the need to replace OEM firmware with 3rd party firmware, do your homework before flashing your device. Peruse the support forums associated with the makers of the firmware as it pertains to your specific hardware. This will save you many hours of headaches.

3. 3rd party firmware used to be much better than canned firmware...back in 2004. Quite a few companies are pretty on the ball about providing hardware/firmware that works out of the box, while 3rd party providers of firmware on modern hardware are getting worse with each release.

How can a 3rd party maker of firmware get worse with each release? Breaking some features while fixing others. Ignoring old bugs that perpetuate through each release. Old bugs like tx/rx power default to low settings and cannot be changed. WPA2 passkeys not of a certain (undocumented) length default the device to no security. Variously functional VPN that works in one release and not the one following it. The list goes on and on.

Yeah, DD-WRT on Atheros, I'm looking at you.

In summary:

1. If it works, don't fix it.
2. If it doesn't work, do your homework prior to flashing.
3. Screw Wi-fi, go back to wired.

 

Firstly, +1 on Korrs comment about the "installation" - What a mess!

Anyway, which port are you using on the hub? - IIRC, you can use *either* port #1 or the "upload" port (typically next to port #1), but not both - Does it then get an IP address?

+1 on the DD-WRT comments - Unless you know *lots* about routing/bridging etc you probably don't want to go there.

And get that closet cleaned up!

BTW, how can you possibly say you don't need wi-fi in the garage?! - Gotta have a 'puter link in there IMHO

Cheers,
Ian

 

i run a couple of d-link's ... no problems so far ...