Best wireless router for under $150-$200 USD?

Our old Linksy finally crap out after 8 or so years of service. I initially replaced it with the Linksy 160N, but had nothing but problems with it. Next, I went with the Netgear 3500, but it doesn't keep a stable connection with my PS3. So, what do you think would work for me? Here's what we have in our house:

3 PC's
2 Laptops
1 PS3
1 Blu Ray Player
1 Dish Receiver

Thanks in advance...

 

I was going to say another Linksys

I've been sporting their products for years.

 

I agree with Surfasb ... AGAIN...look at another linksys. Depending on your skill level mod a wrt54GL to a third party firmware to give you QOS and all those great network tools, then tie in a good N access point for your wireless and your still under $200

now if you just want the basics take a peek at the WRT610N or WRT320N

 

What about Linksys WRT400?

 

Looks like a good unit, I have not used one personally but reviews show well.
if you can get one cheap I would say go for it.

 

Look here http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/component/option,com_wireless/Itemid,200

Then read the review on the one you like.

Personally I use a 8 port Netgear FVS338 VPN router with 2 AP attached. The SMB class routers are design to be hammered 24/7 so for home use it doesn't hardly worked. The only time the routers gets rebooted is when I do firmware updates. I also expanded my network use a 24 port GigE Dlink Switch....

 

Holy smokes, I have no idea what you're talking about. I just want a basic network that has a stable connection to my PS3.

 

An SMB class router is probably a bit overkill.


The WRT400 doesn't have gigabit wired Ethernet. Otherwise if you are using it strictly for wireless, then it's great.

Getting a router with Gigabit ethernet is gonna cost more.

 

The center room in my house is the guest bedroom, so there's no computer in there. All the stuff connected to the wireless router is in different rooms. So, yeah, I only need wireless.

 

the 400 should be just fine then

 

Sounds like a winner. I'd of course run it through some real world tests to make sure it is right for you. Run your normal tasks and test the network performance.

I got friends who don't find out til a month later that their wireless network doesn't reach a certain bedroom/basement/etc. By then, it's past the return period.

No soup for you!

 

The furthest connection is the PS3, Blu Ray player, and DISH receiver in the living room. The Blu Ray and receiver has a stable connection, but not the PS3. I guess are those packets running back and forth made the connection unstable.

 

Wireless performance is so finicky. I could be sitting 2 feet closer to the router and the connection could get weaker. The sweet spot in my room is right in the friggin middle of my room.

 

netgear wndr 3700

 

linksys wrt610n no complaints

 

Tried this one. Got it based on reviews from Amazon, Newegg, and a few other sites.

Easy set up and was up and running in 20 minutes. Fired up the PS3 to play some Modern Warefare 2 and the network was stable for about an hour. Dropped and I had to reboot. Stable again for an hour and again had to reboot. Next, the connection only lasted about 30 minutes. After that, I packed everything back up and returned it to Fry's.

Based on the sales guy recommendation, I got the D-Link 655. Up and running in about 30 minutes. Fired up the PS3 hoping there'll be no problems. I played Modern Warefare 2 for over 5 hours with no drops.

 

Good to hear. Happy hunting.