Cheap Router

[Icculus]

What the best kind of basic, affordable wireless router to purchase? I'm getting sick of switching the Ethernet cable back and forth between my laptop, XBox, and Wii, the used computer shop down the street (Devon Avenue west of California) doesn't have any routers for sale, and I'm looking to get one from most likely the Target around Kedzie and Howard.

 

[Crystallas]

Because this is 2013, if you live in a dense area, you should start by scouting out the WiFi traffic in your area. You want to make sure that you have a router that can support open wifi channels to limit interference.

Try something like inSSIDer and scan the 5Ghz and 2.4GHz areas for the most availability. This will determine what kind of budget you are stuck in(because good dual band routers are about 30% more expensive than standard dual band routers that pretty much are a total hit or miss.) But if you don't need 5GHz band, you can find a LOT of routers that do a great job in the lower channels.

http://www.target.com/p/netgear-n60...ck-wndr3400/-/A-14092273#prodSlot=medium_1_12 One of the better "cheap" but still good dual band routers that can be found at Target(in store).

http://www.target.com/p/cisco-linksys-wireless-n-router-black-e1200/-/A-13492489#prodSlot=medium_1_3 Good 2.4GHz only router.

IDK how much effort you want to put into it. But a real shortcut to finding rebranded/rebadged high-end routers on the cheap, is to cross-reference with the dd-wrt list. It's an alternative, open-source firmware that unlocks the potential of a lot of devices. Just make sure the router enclosure on the cheaper model allows for airflow to keep it cool(routers get hot.) http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Supported_Devices

Then the last thing I can suggest that you keep your mind open to, is whether or not your router is bridgable. Nearly all dd-wrt supported routers are(with the dd-wrt firmware.) This means you can at some point in the future or now, use the router to extend your connection between another signal.

Good luck.

edit: link to inSSIDer http://www.metageek.net/products/inssider/ <free and open source.

 

[Icculus]

Thanks, I might get the low frequency bands because all the devices I'll use on the router are in a small room and cloistered.

 

[Crystallas]

Thanks, I might get the low frequency bands because all the devices I'll use on the router are in a small room and cloistered.

The band does a little for range, but it's more for interference. If everyone is operating on the same 12 channels in your area, you're going to get slow signals, even in a small room.