LF Wireless Router Recomendation

[HELPNEEDED]

Why hello all,

I'm currently with Telus Optik and the router they supply, well to say the least does not keep a stable connection. In that I mean it holds the connection, but the speeds seem to fluctuate. I feel as if its the router and not the laptop/desktop.

I would like to stream wirelessly HD content throughout my apartment, and the telus router even though G, fails to do so. I just bought a smart tv with wifi, so this would be super handy.

The router at times will get through a entire movie at 1080p without issues, but at other times just stalls. But if I hardwire my pc in, it streams any level of content no problem to my TV which is wireless, so my assumption is somehow the upload rate is effected.

Any ideas on what router would be a good buy? Should I go dual-band even though my PS3 and TV are probably not dual-band?

Thank you,.

[Rathji]

I just bought a Linksys E3200 and am very impressed. I would not purchase a new router at this time if a) it was not gigabit and b) did not have dual band. Just the fact you are streaming media means you won't regret it.

I am just guessing since I don't own a PS3 but I assume it will connect to the 5Ghz band with no problems. I am sure someone will know for sure.

[PsnaP]

Theres a few things to check out...

Where is the router located in relation to your TV? Signal strength will degrade the further you are away from the source. Have you tried streaming to another device close to the TV? For all we know your TV could be the issue in that it wont transmit back to the router properly. Finally, Im going to assume that you have the Actiontec router, perhaps a call in to tech support to have someone come out and swap the router out or maybe move it closer to the TV. I guess worse case is you do pick up another wireless router and if it does work better than great, if not you can just return it. If you do go with another router make sure you turn off the wireless on the Actiontec in the settings.

[MickMcGeough]

I've got an Actiontec Telus router as well. They're pretty limited as far as configuration options go, but see if you can change the channel it's running on (there should be 12). Sometimes you can noticeably decrease 2.4Ghz interference issues by running on another channel. Also make sure you're using 40Mhz channel width, not 20Mhz (I'm pretty sure the Actiontec supports this setting).

If your devices support 5Ghz, absolutely get a dual band router, even a cheap one. I've got a pretty entry level dual band D-Link that, without any tweaking, could hit sustained throughputs of around 90Mbps (I couldn't get more than 10-12Mbps with the Actiontec*). 90Mbps is way more than enough for HD streaming. (Note this is throughput, not what speed Windows reports that you've connected at).

*Technically, 10-12Mbps is more than enough for HD streaming as well but if it dips (and it did, often, for me) you'll get stuttering. Depending on your media client software, you can increase the buffer size as well which can help smooth things over during dips.

[dobbles]

hey all, pardon me while i bump/hijack the thread...

i was wondering if you guys had any suggestions for a good combo of a router and a wireless bridge?

i want to get a wireless bridge so i can get my living room on my network. and since my router is 5 years old and only G, i figure i might as well upgrade to a solid N router to keep me going for many more years. figured it might be easiest to get the same brand for both items so they sync up the best. or heck, i would assume some routers can function in both roles and i would just need 2 of the same thing. but i havent looked around much yet to see what my options are.

i dont plan on streaming video on a regular basis or anything. so it doesnt have to be high end stuff.

any suggestions?

thanks in advance CP geniuses!

[OldDutch]

Originally Posted by dobbles

hey all, pardon me while i bump/hijack the thread...

i was wondering if you guys had any suggestions for a good combo of a router and a wireless bridge?

i want to get a wireless bridge so i can get my living room on my network. and since my router is 5 years old and only G, i figure i might as well upgrade to a solid N router to keep me going for many more years. figured it might be easiest to get the same brand for both items so they sync up the best. or heck, i would assume some routers can function in both roles and i would just need 2 of the same thing. but i havent looked around much yet to see what my options are.

i dont plan on streaming video on a regular basis or anything. so it doesnt have to be high end stuff.

any suggestions?

thanks in advance CP geniuses!

I got a dual band receiver/bridge from best buy. I got the NetGear one, but it only has one port. Works fantastic.

I just saw D-Link makes one as well, and has 4 ports:

http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX33795

Get a dual band router, and a dual band adapter/bridge (If you do not need to extend signal).

Dual band is awesome. Not only is it faster, but I had a baby monitor that was slowing down my 2.4ghz, so I flipped my units to 5Ghz, and never looked back. Draw back is 5Ghz doesn't have the range 2.4Ghz has. However, you can choose which devices hook into which band, so you can test out performance.

Anyways, for router I have a Cisco E4200V1, really like it. However, I think the current value/performance champ is the Asus Black Diamond router:

http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX32640

Either should do the trick.

[dobbles]

so you had no problems synching the two brands together? i figured i would need to try and stick with the same brand for both, so if thats not the case, thats good news.

[Jimmy Stang]

Originally Posted by dobbles

so you had no problems synching the two brands together? i figured i would need to try and stick with the same brand for both, so if thats not the case, thats good news.

On my router (Linksys E2500 or something like that), each band has its own SSID. For devices that only support the 2.4Ghz band, you'll only see the 2.4 SSID. If a device supports both, you'll see both and can connect to either (obviously the 5Ghz band would be your first choice). Essentially, they're both connecting to the same network.

The Linksys E2500 is actually a pretty good router, although it doesn't have a gigabit switch built in. This isn't a concern to me as I have a separate, wired router and I operate it only in AP mode. It does the job admirably.

Like OldDutch, a baby monitor was destroying my old wireless G signal on the 2.4Ghz band. Plus, it was an old, crappy router anyway. After getting the new one, my computer that connects to the 5Ghz band is blazing fast as it completely avoids the interference, and even my 2.4Ghz devices are faster than before. They were nearly unusable with the old router + baby monitor.

[Rathji]

I will second the Linksys, E4200, but only because I found it cheaper than the Asus Black Diamond. I think either are pretty much equivalent for features.

[OldDutch]

Originally Posted by dobbles

so you had no problems synching the two brands together? i figured i would need to try and stick with the same brand for both, so if thats not the case, thats good news.

I would suggest going into the router admin page when you get it. Check the Wireless ID setup page, and you will see two sections, one for 2.4ghz and one for 5Ghz.

Name the bands different network names. For example, mine are named xxxxx and xxxxx-5G. That way I can tell them apart.

Then when you are in the network selection screen on your laptop/bridge you will see the two names. Connect the device to the better band, but I would test first.

You can also shut off one of the bands if you want. I wouldn't though. Up in my bedroom, I barely get 5Ghz, and it often drops, but 2.4Ghz comes in fine. So I flip my laptop over when up there.

If you are in a condo, or small house and you can get decent 5Ghz everywhere, then by all means turn off 2.4Ghz. Again, I would run a test first to make sure everything streams correctly.

[TurnedTheCorner]

My Linksys E3200 has been rock solid since I picked it up in January. I echo the sentiments about getting a dual band router. The Asus Black Diamond or either Linksys (E3200/E4200) should suit your needs well.

[Jimmy Stang]

^ And to add, although most "new" devices can handle both 5Ghz and 2.4Ghz, some older laptops won't be able to utilize the 5Ghz band. Heck, even my iPhone 4s can only do 2.4Ghz. So for that reason alone I keep both bands running, and as OldDutch suggests, with different names.

[TurnedTheCorner]

Agreed. I keep both bands running as well. I needed a newer adapter to pick up the 5Ghz band on my desktop. I keep the 2.4Ghz for my laptop, smartphone, and handheld gaming devices.

[HELPNEEDED]

TTC: the E3200 worked perfect for me!