Choosing a wireless router - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

CokeMachineGlow · 03-19-2010, 11:30 AM

Hoping that the CP networking gurus can help me out. Currently I'm running a dlink router from many years ago that's showing it's age and now I need to get a new router. I've ranked the following in order of importance:

Good G/N mix combo (as I'm using a G laptop as well as an N device)
Stable (unlike the WRT 310 N.. fastest router ever but drops connection daily)
Good range

Much thanks in advance

Fobby · 03-19-2010, 11:34 AM

DIR-825 Xtreme N Dual Band Gigabit Router

http://www.dlink.ca/products/?pid=681

This is the router I use at home. It's been running for a full year without a single reset.

You can set up two separate networks with this router, each will have their own security. I use one with WEP to support my older devices and WPA/WPA2 for my newer stuff.

My router is in the basement and I get connection throughout my 2-storey house

Komskies · 03-19-2010, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CokeMachineGlow

Hoping that the CP networking gurus can help me out. Currently I'm running a dlink router from many years ago that's showing it's age and now I need to get a new router. I've ranked the following in order of importance:

Good G/N mix combo (as I'm using a G laptop as well as an N device)
Stable (unlike the WRT 310 N.. fastest router ever but drops connection daily)
Good range

Much thanks in advance

I use a WRT310N and haven't had my connection drop for over a year. People that have issues with the connection dropping just didn't set it up properly.

CokeMachineGlow · 03-19-2010, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Komskies

I use a WRT310N and haven't had my connection drop for over a year. People that have issues with the connection dropping just didn't set it up properly.

I had 2 different versions of this router and even spent time on the phone with tech support from linksys... what is it that I was missing? What setting could possibly be to drop connection so often?

GoinAllTheWay · 03-19-2010, 11:49 AM

I have a similar model to Fobby, fantastic device. Great range/speed/reliability.

Komskies · 03-19-2010, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CokeMachineGlow

I had 2 different versions of this router and even spent time on the phone with tech support from linksys... what is it that I was missing? What setting could possibly be to drop connection so often?

I wish I had a good answer for you, but I don't have any expertise on this. Maybe I shouldn't have mentioned anything. Basically I had used the router for a year and a half and just like you I had connection issues all the time while gaming. I tried everything to fix it. I moved my microwave, I tried moving the antenna all over the place, I tried propping the router up on some books to get it closer to the antenna (the router was one floor below me).

Then about a year ago I asked my brother if he could come set my network up after I reformatted my computer, and I haven't had a single disconnect since then. I don't know what he did differently, but whatever it was, it fixed the problem. I'm just not technically inclined enough to give a better answer than that. Sorry.

CokeMachineGlow · 03-19-2010, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Komskies

I wish I had a good answer for you, but I don't have any expertise on this. Maybe I shouldn't have mentioned anything. Basically I had used the router for a year and a half and just like you I had connection issues all the time while gaming. I tried everything to fix it. I moved my microwave, I tried moving the antenna all over the place, I tried propping the router up on some books to get it closer to the antenna (the router was one floor below me).

Then about a year ago I asked my brother if he could come set my network up after I reformatted my computer, and I haven't had a single disconnect since then. I don't know what he did differently, but whatever it was, it fixed the problem. I'm just not technically inclined enough to give a better answer than that. Sorry.

eh no worries, believe me i went thru as much frustration as you did until i just gave up.

burnin_vernon · 03-19-2010, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fobby

DIR-825 Xtreme N Dual Band Gigabit Router

http://www.dlink.ca/products/?pid=681

This is the router I use at home. It's been running for a full year without a single reset.

You can set up two separate networks with this router, each will have their own security. I use one with WEP to support my older devices and WPA/WPA2 for my newer stuff.

My router is in the basement and I get connection throughout my 2-storey house

I can vouch for this one as well. Pricey, though.

CokeMachineGlow · 03-19-2010, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by burnin_vernon

I can vouch for this one as well. Pricey, though.

how does it copmare to the 655? i hear that you give up some range from the 655 for the dual band?

Sly · 03-19-2010, 11:08 PM

My advice is don't ever get a cheap router... the ones recommended above are real reliable ones I use myself.

jeep991 · 03-19-2010, 11:13 PM

I just got the DIR 655 on Monday and it has been great. I upgraded from my old DIR 615 which would drop connections all the time on my ipod touch. The 655 has way better range and the signal is much stronger throughout the house. Also, it's only $100 on sale now at Best Buy and Futureshop.

dissentowner · 03-19-2010, 11:14 PM

http://www.apple.com/airportextreme/

Best router by far I have ever had!

FanIn80 · 03-20-2010, 09:44 AM

Since a router essentially houses your entire network, and it's always a pain in the ass to tear down and rebuild a working network... my advice is just do it right the first time. Spend $100-200 on a decent one that's going to set you up for a few years, and then sit back and laugh at all the people who keep replacing their $30 routers every six months.

(Hint: Simultaneous dual-band. You might not need it right this second, but you'll thank me later for telling you to get it.)

PS: Attention Other People: Please don't flame me with epic stories of your $30 Dynex Router and how amazing it had been throughout all 40 of the years that you've been using it. Believe me when I say that you're one in a million.

Rathji · 03-20-2010, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FanIn80

Since a router essentially houses your entire network, and it's always a pain in the ass to tear down and rebuild a working network... my advice is just do it right the first time. Spend $100-200 on a decent one that's going to set you up for a few years, and then sit back and laugh at all the people who keep replacing their $30 routers every six months.

(Hint: Simultaneous dual-band. You might not need it right this second, but you'll thank me later for telling you to get it.)

PS: Attention Other People: Please don't flame me with epic stories of your $30 Dynex Router and how amazing it had been throughout all 40 of the years that you've been using it. Believe me when I say that you're one in a million.

This is the one thing I love about my router, the WRT160N. If I could do it over again I would want to get the Gigabit one (WRT320N) or the Gigabit one with Storage Link (WRT610N) because I actually wire stuff in now. When I bought the router I never plugged anything into it.

Burninator · 03-22-2010, 09:13 AM

I have had the D-Link 655 for a couple months and I am happy with it. Haven't put it through it's paces yet though. Just been using a laptop on it and my iPhone. Always a strong signal, but I live in a condo so that probably isn't saying much. I wanted to get the D-Link 825 but it was too pricey for me.

Also remember to use WPA/WPA2 security. WEP is very easy to crack now.