Looking for a new router

[botfly10]

So, I have a Netgear WNDR3700 and it gives me tons of problems.

It used to drop wireless at least every other day. That problem seems to have mysteriously gone away. But now it loses packets constantly and causes browsers to hang all the time. I never had problems with the good 'ol linksys wrt54g but I want something faster than that dinosaur.

Just looking through newegg and tigerdirect, is seems like none of the current gen routers stand out. Seems like they all have problems. But as it is right now, I can't even load a youtube vid without hanging a bunch of times, sometimes even requiring a browser refresh.

Anyone have any recommendations?

I was thinking about maybe one of these ASUS RT-N66U

 

[Ares]

I have not bought a router in a while, but the last time I spent money on a Netgear it was the worst piece of garbage I ever owned. I had the same problems as you.... have yet to have problems with the Linksys I bought in college or the 2Wire that came with my Uverse service.

Good luck, if you find a good one post it for me, I am buying shit for my new house and a good router is on the list.

 

[X]

I went to Walmart and got the most expensive Netgear they had -- it comes w/ a lifetime warranty. Had an issue with it once about 6 mo after I bought it, and they replaced it for free. Haven't had a problem since. :shrug:

 

[brett05]

Recommend Linksys/Cisco router. Really great if you want to tinker as well.

 

[nvanprooyen]

I've had the same Linksys router for over a decade. Heh. The old faithful WRT54G. I kind of wish it would break so I have an excuse to buy something newer, but the thing is rock solid. No network problems ever and it is plenty fast even though it's not a n. At any given moment in my house, streaming Hulu over PS3, I'm on my laptop, someone else on the main desktop, stepson playing League of Legends on his computer, maybe an Ipad or Android tablet streaming Netflix and absolutely no issues.

 

[R_Mac_1]

I'm rocking that same Linksys. Was considering getting something different as well, but it still works fine. I just got Time Warner internet at my new house in Texas and they offered me their modem/router combo but I decided to stick with.the ol wrt54g.

On topic: no idea what routers are good these days. But if you find a good one report back in case I decide to upgrade to a n router.

...Tapatalking

 

[FrenchieBully]

So, I have a Netgear WNDR3700 and it gives me tons of problems.

It used to drop wireless at least every other day. That problem seems to have mysteriously gone away. But now it loses packets constantly and causes browsers to hang all the time. I never had problems with the good 'ol linksys wrt54g but I want something faster than that dinosaur.

Just looking through newegg and tigerdirect, is seems like none of the current gen routers stand out. Seems like they all have problems. But as it is right now, I can't even load a youtube vid without hanging a bunch of times, sometimes even requiring a browser refresh.

Anyone have any recommendations?

I was thinking about maybe one of these ASUS RT-N66U

The Asus RTN66U Dark Knight is the best router on the market and also has the coolest name. I have it and it's wonderful. They have an AC version if you want to be future proof too. Just upgrade the firmware and you are good to go. It hasn't had to be restarted since it was hooked up almost two years ago. The stock software is easy to use.

I did make a few changes this guy recommended. Turned off WPS, AICloud, and media share. Instead of decreasing the TX power I increased it to 100 for better range. I think it can go up to 250 but will heat up.
http://blog.ittoby.com/2013/01/setup-and-tweak-your-new-asus-rt-ac66u.html

The range is already incredible on the Dark Knight, but bought this for the heck of it (bored) and it really works.

http://www.amazon.com/Asus-WL-ANT-1...8&qid=1374598936&sr=8-1&keywords=asus+antenna



If you live in a studio or small condo you might be fine with the RT-N56U.

 

[Crystallas]

If it's DD-WRT stable, I consider it a good start for a router. Better than going after brands(I know, back to the brand thing, lol).

 

[botfly10]

I've had the same Linksys router for over a decade. Heh. The old faithful WRT54G. I kind of wish it would break so I have an excuse to buy something newer, but the thing is rock solid. No network problems ever and it is plenty fast even though it's not a n. At any given moment in my house, streaming Hulu over PS3, I'm on my laptop, someone else on the main desktop, stepson playing League of Legends on his computer, maybe an Ipad or Android tablet streaming Netflix and absolutely no issues.

Still have mine, but I'm payin for 50 down and 20 up and I'd like to use it. But yeah, the 54g is so fucking bomber. I'm looking for the gigabit version of one of those and can't find it.

 

[botfly10]

The Asus RTN66U Dark Knight is the best router on the market and also has the coolest name. I have it and it's wonderful. They have an AC version if you want to be future proof too. Just upgrade the firmware and you are good to go. It hasn't had to be restarted since it was hooked up almost two years ago. The stock software is easy to use.

I did make a few changes this guy recommended. Turned off WPS, AICloud, and media share. Instead of decreasing the TX power I increased it to 100 for better range. I think it can go up to 250 but will heat up.
http://blog.ittoby.com/2013/01/setup-and-tweak-your-new-asus-rt-ac66u.html

The range is already incredible on the Dark Knight, but bought this for the heck of it (bored) and it really works.

http://www.amazon.com/Asus-WL-ANT-1...8&qid=1374598936&sr=8-1&keywords=asus+antenna



If you live in a studio or small condo you might be fine with the RT-N56U.

Thanks, this is what Im lookin for. A specific model that is above all else FUCKING STABLE.

Thanks.

 

[botfly10]

If it's DD-WRT stable, I consider it a good start for a router. Better than going after brands(I know, back to the brand thing, lol).

lol, I thought of you when I read the first couple posts and they were like, just get a cisco! And I was like dammit, thats not even a little helpful.

 

[daddies3angels]

I have alot of problems with routers so now i dont deal with them. I always get wireless modem from who ever i have internet through

 

[Crystallas]

lol, I thought of you when I read the first couple posts and they were like, just get a cisco! And I was like dammit, thats not even a little helpful.

Well, look at whatever site you like buying gear from, check the reviews, and if the router is DD-WRT stable, then I say, go for it. Most routers use Broadcom or Atheros chipsets. Unlike maybe 5-10 years ago where you had different implementations of the same chip in 100 different configurations, now it's mainly reference designs. Even Buffalo sells outstanding routers(also junk too, just be weary of the model).

Okay, lets make this simple.

Is this a wireless router? How much area do you have to cover? Do you have a lot of interference(like do you live in an area with a lot of wifi connections that come up on discovery?) If it's wired only for a few people, yes, just get whatever with a high rating in your price range(netgear/DLink/SMC/Linksys-Cisco).

 

[botfly10]

Yeah, problem is with wireless routers is that ratings are so variable and you have to factor in consumer retardation to a higher degree than with most stuff, imo.

Here are the specs for the Asus RTN66U

• Dual Band Router - 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands
• Wireless controller Broadcom BCM4331
• MIMO 3x3 on both frequencies (see Forum, BrainSlayer)
• Gigabit LAN and WAN switching
• 2x USB 2.0 connectors
• CPU Broadcom 4706 @ 600MHz
• 256MB RAM
• 32MB FlashRAM
• Built-in Micro SDHC socket
• Power supply: DC Output, 19 V, max. 1.58 A current (=> max 30W)

• 2.4GHz and 5GHz concurrent dual-band transmissions for strong signal strength and ultra-fast connection rates up to 900Mbps
• Gigabit Ethernet ports for the fastest, most reliable Internet performance
• Download Master for wireless data sorage and access to router-connected USB storage devices
• Expanded wireless coverage with detachable high-powered antennas
• File sharing, printer sharing and 3G sharing via multi-function twin USB ports
• IPv6-enabled for future proof web surfing compatibility
• ASUSWRT for easy setup, signal monitoring, and network application control

There is also a fully developed and stabel DD-WRT firmware for it.


I do live in a high interference area. And I need it for wireless connectivity for a lot of devices.

I am most concerned with stability of the wireless connection and packet integrity.

Right now, I am having a lot of problems with the internet hanging and I have traced it to the router. I have tried every channel available and all kinds of other settings with no luck.

Also, the first six months, my current router would drop connection and need to be reset 4-6 times a week.

I just want an updated version of a tank like the ol wrt54g

 

[Crystallas]

That's a great router. Even better, the AC1750 big brother.

http://www.asus.com/Networking/RTAC66U/#specifications

 

[botfly10]

Ok, I'm sold. Thanks guys.

On a side note, I got the Netgear WNDR3700 because it has nice specs and pretty good reviews. And cause it was DD-WRT compatible.

But lo a behold, it turns out there is no 3rd party firmware for the last 2 hardware revisions... Piece of shit is about to go on ebay.

 

[Crystallas]

My house is cat5/6 wired, and my needs are way different for wireless(yes, I still use wifi in a wired house). I use a "draft-n" netgear router still, LOL. For a draft-n, it's been reliable as hell for my needs. However, I've been eyeballing AC1750 spec gear for a little while. If you get that router, I'll be jelly. LOL

 

[botfly10]

btw, is there a real advantage to using DD-WRT if you wont be using advanced feature or tinkering?

 

[Crystallas]

btw, is there a real advantage to using DD-WRT if you wont be using advanced feature or tinkering?

50% preference, 50% it could unlock features that weren't present from the manufacturer that actually benefit your needs.

I consider DD-WRT more of a fall-back option for when their firmware packages suck. The AsusWRT is actually solid. DD-WRT is better, but really, compared to AsusWRT, you'd have to want to endlessly tinker with it, to find some benefit. But let's say you own the router for a year, Asus has their sights on developing other products and puts this one on the back-burner. Where are you going to get updates from, in case you want to buy a wifi component that has fuzzy support with older items? The router would be just fine if it weren't for that peripheral. Or, you decide that you want a different router, but you want to salvage this one for another use somewhere in your house. Well, DD-WRT firmware can be setup to make your router into a fully functioning network bridge. It may not seem like much, but another way I see it, if the router isn't DD-WRT developed, that means it's going to be pretty difficult for the manufacturer to release updates as needed. In recent years, Asus hasn't demonstrated this problem, but they have abandoned support for 6-month old products because they made niche products or maybe bit off more than they could chew?

 

[botfly10]

Yeah, my Netgear is a totally redesigned hardware revision that only had one firmware release, 2 years ago. Some bullshit.

In general I was wondering if the DD-WRT increased functionality like wireless signal strength or stability. And it seems the answer is not, so I will probably not use it on the Asus unless I run into a problem.