Wireless router

[lustindarkness]

I need to start looking for a new router, my old dinosour Netgear keeps disconnecting me, even the PS3 that is hardwired to it. So, what sould I be looking for? Any recommendations? Also, should I also ask Charter for a new cable modem? that thing is just as old.

[Vricklund]

I like the La Fonera routers, mainly because they're dirt cheap and you can reflash them with open-wrt or gargoyle. If you want I can email you a invite/discount on one ($/€19.95 shipping charges not included).

[viper37]

WRT400N, from Linksys is apparently very good.  I'm not sure I'd rate as 100% positive though.  It seems to act... weirdly, some times.

[Barrister]

Apple Airport Extreme. 

[lustindarkness]

WRT400N has good reviews, thanks. La Fonera seems to be british?
Is these the price ranges I can expect for a decent one? Bit more than I thought, but seems reasonable. Thank you for any recommendation, even the Mac crap :p, I'll keep looking too.

[Vricklund]

Unless you don't have any wireless G gadgets or plan on upgrading all your equipment to wireless N there is little more than better coverage to win by buying an N router. See, an N router will gear down to G speeds if any such devices are found within range, to keep it compatible with your G gadgets. Perhaps this has been "fixed" in the newer routers?

Fonera is Spanish, the router is made in Taiwan I think.

If you're getting a cheap G router it's best to make sure it's possible to flash it with opensource, as the firmware delivered with such routers are nerfed and/or very poorly done. The opensource alternatives, however, are usually better than even the better commercial firmwares.

[derspiess]

Not everyone wants to flash third-party firmware on to their routers; I try to keep this in mind when advising people at work what to get.  For most of them, a cheap reliable Wireless G router will do the trick. 

I have no first-hand experience with Wireless N routers-- G works fine in my house for what I need.

FWIW, Verizon had a deal a few weeks ago for Wireless G routers they were trying to unload.  I got one (should have loaded up) for $7 including overnight shipping to use as an emergency backup.

[Vricklund]

Not everyone wants to flash third-party firmware on to their routers; I try to keep this in mind when advising people at work what to get.  For most of them, a cheap reliable Wireless G router will do the trick.

Perhaps. It's really no more difficult than installing your favourite office suite. 15 min of your time and it'll give you a router that's alot more flexible.

[derspiess]

Not everyone wants to flash third-party firmware on to their routers; I try to keep this in mind when advising people at work what to get.  For most of them, a cheap reliable Wireless G router will do the trick.

Perhaps. It's really no more difficult than installing your favourite office suite. 15 min of your time and it'll give you a router that's alot more flexible.

Depends.  For some routers, you have to flash a certain version or it's bricked.  For others, you have to flash a certain version *then* another version.  It's not that difficult if you do your research & make sure to follow the exact procedures, but it's not fool-proof.  Last thing I want to happen is to recommend to someone that they buy a certain router so they can install this cool custom firmware on it, only to have them bork the installation & blame me for the advice.

Not that I think Lusti isn't capable of doing it; I just don't know if it's something he wants to do.  Most people would have no use for the extra features you get from custom firmware-- they just want the thing to work.

[lustindarkness]

Not everyone wants to flash third-party firmware on to their routers; I try to keep this in mind when advising people at work what to get.  For most of them, a cheap reliable Wireless G router will do the trick.

Perhaps. It's really no more difficult than installing your favourite office suite. 15 min of your time and it'll give you a router that's alot more flexible.

Depends.  For some routers, you have to flash a certain version or it's bricked.  For others, you have to flash a certain version *then* another version.  It's not that difficult if you do your research & make sure to follow the exact procedures, but it's not fool-proof.  Last thing I want to happen is to recommend to someone that they buy a certain router so they can install this cool custom firmware on it, only to have them bork the installation & blame me for the advice.

Not that I think Lusti isn't capable of doing it; I just don't know if it's something he wants to do.  Most people would have no use for the extra features you get from custom firmware-- they just want the thing to work.

This, keep it simple and easy and made sure it works.

[lustindarkness]

Oh, and thanks guys.

[Alcibiades]

My router has been giving me a lot of grief over the past couple of months and it appears to be going out here shortly.  So hoping to buy a new one tomorrow if I can get your guys' input on this.

Been looking at

D-Link 4-Port GamerLounge Broadband Gigabit Gaming Router
http://www.amazon.com/D-Link-4-Port-GamerLounge-Broadband-Gigabit/dp/B0006TIA0C/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t

or the one mentioned here,

WRT400N
http://www.amazon.com/Cisco-Linksys-WRT400N-Dual-Band-Wireless-N-Router/dp/B001SEL36M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1269929524&sr=1-1

Same price, just wondering what you guys recommend.

I use it for 2 Pcs and a ps3.  All wired so that really isn't too big of an issue for me either way.  Just need something that doesn't cut my internet connection when I turn on my ps3 or decide the connection wants to quit until I reset the router.

Thanks

[Vricklund]

Been looking at

D-Link 4-Port GamerLounge Broadband Gigabit Gaming Router
http://www.amazon.com/D-Link-4-Port-GamerLounge-Broadband-Gigabit/dp/B0006TIA0C/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t

My parents' been using a wireless version of that router for 5 years. Slightly muddled interface but it's been stable and has all the settings you might want.

[viper37]

I have the WRT400N, can't say it's bad, can't say I'm really impressed either.  However, I've been disapointed with the past D-Link routers I got...

Imho, you should go for the wireless router, just in case you need it in a year or two.

[lustindarkness]

Can someone explain the G vs N? A good G is like half the price, need to consider that.