Wireless Router

[dfchelbay]

I'm looking for recommendations for a new router. Ours is pretty old and really needs to be replaced. I'm tired of having to reset it all the time and it's really not worth the trouble of updating firmware all the time. It's just old and outdated and it's time for a new one. It's a first generation wireless...that's how old it is...lol.

So, what wireless router do you have and are you happy with it. I have to get one with excellent range and power. The signal has to pass through cinder block walls on the lower level of the house.

What router would you recommend, and which would you advise I stay away from. Thanks.

 

[sam_gordon]

I just replaced ours a couple months ago. Got a Lynksys (Cisco) E2000. Have been very happy with it.

 

[irishbosoxfan]

We had a Belkin--it was crap. Had so many issues with it.

It was recommended that we get a Linksys.

 

[travelin' tigger]

We had a Belkin--it was crap. Had so many issues with it.

It was recommended that we get a Linksys.

I just got a Cisco Linksys WRT54G2 off Amazon and love it!

 

[farmermr]

I have a Belkin Play wireless N router. I've had it for 6 months and it has done everything that I ask of it.

 

[Molly Meow]

My IT guy hubby says that you're going to have a problem with cinder block walls no matter what brand you get - he's seen it work sometimes, but not others. He says that if you don't need wireless N (you probably don't if your computer is older than 3 years old, or if you don't do gigantic file transfers), he'd recommend the Linksys "Cisco" WRT54GL ($80 on Newegg) with the Linksys 9dBi Omni-Directional High-Gain screw-on antenna. You'd need two antennas (they're only $10 each on Amazon). That will give you a LOT of range. The E2000 (as recommended above) is a solid router, but DH is concerned you won't get the range necessary out of it due to the cinder block.

If this is confusing, please feel free to PM me and I'll make DH sit down and explain it better.

Good luck!

 

[sookie]

Apple time capsule here. We decided to upgrade and it has been totally worth it.

 

[benolathe]

Well, I am definitely in the minority as I would NOT recommend a Linksys. We had one for a few years, and had many problems with it. And I have spoken with several other people who have had problems with Linksys.

Our current router is the Apple AirPort, and it is great. Have been using it for over two years, and no problems. Also, it was very easy to set-up.

 

[smangan10`]

Linksys is the way to go. Very solid technology

 

[JB2K]

Cisco's "Valet" is Wi-Fi made easy (and has become a very popular option for those who are uncomfortable fooling-around with wireless router settings, etc.).

I've seen it at Target and many other national big-box stores...

 

[Praying Colonel]

^Got a Valet a few months ago to replace our old router. Very pleased with it. Very easy to set up, security's good, signal strength is great and easy to add on new guests and other wireless devices with the USB key that comes along with it.

 

[niccikatie]

We use an Apple Airport Extreme Base Station. I love that little box! Before that we had a Netgear RangeMax that worked very well.

 

[dex08]

Well, I am definitely in the minority as I would NOT recommend a Linksys. We had one for a few years, and had many problems with it. And I have spoken with several other people who have had problems with Linksys.

Our current router is the Apple AirPort, and it is great. Have been using it for over two years, and no problems. Also, it was very easy to set-up.

I am an IT professional and I also do not recommend Linksys routers. They are hit-or-miss and though they may work great for a little while, they will crap out on you. I had the WRT54G2 and it had lots of issues disconnecting and even a firmware upgrade wouldn't help. Google it.. you'll see how many issues it has caused people with no resolution.

 

[Molly Meow]

I am an IT professional and I also do not recommend Linksys routers. They are hit-or-miss and though they may work great for a little while, they will crap out on you. I had the WRT54G2 and it had lots of issues disconnecting and even a firmware upgrade wouldn't help. Google it.. you'll see how many issues it has caused people with no resolution.

Exactly my DH's point. : That's why he recommends the WRT54GL - since it's Linux-based, it's a lot more stable. He's had his fair share of routers crap out on him, too - it certainly is hit-or-miss! He used to work for an internet service provider and he's currently the IT manager for the company he's with now (so you know he's seen a ton of routers), and says that unless you want to fork out major $$$, most of the home-use routers stink. The ones he says to look for are the ones that are Linux-based.

 

[sam_gordon]

I am an IT professional and I also do not recommend Linksys routers. They are hit-or-miss and though they may work great for a little while, they will crap out on you. I had the WRT54G2 and it had lots of issues disconnecting and even a firmware upgrade wouldn't help. Google it.. you'll see how many issues it has caused people with no resolution.

As PP said, all home-based routers will crap out on you. My old Lynksys lasted about two years and then died. We have two Lynksys wireless routers at work that have been going for YEARS.

I am curious which home-based router you recommend.

 

[ColoradoMom!!]

In a search - I found this thread - about a year old. Would love any suggestions for a decent home based router.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

we got an Apple Airport just recently. Costly at $180 but supposedly it is the best there is. We needed it to pass through exterior walls to a detached room over our garage, so the range was important. Works great and supports all of our devices w/ no problems!

 

[PatMcDuck]

we got an Apple Airport just recently. Costly at $180 but supposedly it is the best there is. We needed it to pass through exterior walls to a detached room over our garage, so the range was important. Works great and supports all of our devices w/ no problems!

I also did research and the Apple Airport extreme was the best rated in I think Consumer Reports and other sources..... So far so good, it works very well.