Router advice

Oh sages of the wireless board, I need your help. I've currently got a Belkin N-router that appears to be on it's last legs. It has awesome throughput to my desktop, no issues there. It used to do about 50% throughput to my wireless devices, so I'd get about 25mbs D/L speeds which was sufficient. Now though it is only putting through about 1-4 mbs for the wireless. I'm guessing this means something is going wrong in its guts. I'd like to replace the thing but I'm not sure what out there will be the most reliable for me. This current one constantly needs to be restarted to keep it functioning as it should (which is irritating) additionally I've got about 10-15 different devices that connect wirelessly at various times throughout the day. Ranging from gaming consoles, to handheld systems, phones, HTPCs, and laptops. So ideally I need something that will get close to transmitting (wireless and by ethernet) my 50MBs that I get through the modem and I don't have to constantly get up and restart the darn thing.

 

If you don't need 3stream (450mbps) the Netgear WNDR3700 is a good choice. Check out smallnetbuilder.com site on performance numbers and features.

I have never liked Belkin hardware due to reliability as your finding out. They always test good and run good but don't seam to last. I have had several die in less that a week with one dead out of the box.

 

+1 for the Netgear WNDR3700. Good performance and reliable uptime.

 

I shall investigate, drop the S on the URL otherwise it no worky... thanks

 

I have a Linksys E4200 v1 that works really well. I actually bought it as a refurb from the Linksys store. I think it sells for $89 now. The stock firmware was solid but missing some of the features I needed so I flashed it with DD-WRT last week and everything is running super smooth. I would say either one would work with that router depending on what you want it for.

 

I own the WNDR3700 and have no complaints. Its been reliable and I've been a fan. Just make sure you get a newer revision number vs an older outdated one. If you need help just google WNDR3700 revision number and there's a ton of threads on the subject elsewhere.

 

typically is it between a wndr3700 or linksys 3000 for kind of "future proof" dual band simultaneous router w/o breaking the bank.

Not sure what's wrong with older revision wndr3700 though.

 

I don't remember what was wrong with the WNDR3700 v1 either, but i remember downloads mentioning it and it was pretty serious.

 

Some of WNDR3700 V1 units had dying radios. There was nothing you could do but replace it.

 

For the same price as a WNDR3700 you could pick up an E4200 refurb. Why the focus on Netgear?

 

Based off of the above mentioned website, and loads and loads of reviews I've read. I went with this guy. Reliability got really consistent marks, plus it had some of the highest marks for WiFi throughput (assuming I'm understanding the charts) and it's got a pretty good coverage area. Based off the reviews, it's got some decent nerd-tinkerage available, but also has easy automated connect options.

 

Asus routers have good hardware, but their firmware is usually meh, not bad, just meh.

 

I think a good number of people would have gone with the Black Diamond but it deterred me because at that price I would expect some 3rd party firmware support and I don't think there is any to this day. Not that you would need it, or anyone needs it, but when you get to be more expensive, I expect more customizability.

I use a $20 refurb wndr3700 v2 and it works beautifully. No downtime/skipping. I also bought an Asus rt n16 and that DOES have support from DD-WRT. Haven't used it yet however.

 

While I love to tinker (never have with routers, plan to one day) I usually only by tinkerable products if I'm gonna be the sole user. My wife, who tolerates my mildly expensive addiction to tech, is not the most tech-friendly person out there. So something that's going to be used by the whole household, ease of use is important.