Wireless Router Recommendations

[Kelegacy]

My luck with electronics is never ending.

My Netgear router is not yet 2 years old and is dead. So I’m here asking for recommendations for a replacement, something very affordable but also a durable brand. I don't want to spend a lot, but I'm willing to spend a bit more to avoid this crap anytime soon.

I remember people mentioning Buffalo in the past. What do the rest of you stand by or use? I’d like to pick up a new one this weekend--my girlfriend is having fits about not being able to use the laptop while sitting on the couch and I’m currently switching wires back and forth between my 360 and PC.

Thanks!

[Jboy001]

I have use a linksys WRT54GL with DD-WRT firmware on it, have had it for about 3 years now and no issues.

I use a buffalo wireless gateway with 4 ports to get my consoles and HTPC online without running cat5 all over the house, also rock solid
I think both brands are pretty solid.

[Ancalagon]

I hear Linksys is a good brand. The WRT54GL is a favourite with tinkers because you can install a mini version of Linux on it, and get an expensive router for the price of a cheap one. I'm planning on buying the WRT160N next week, its apparently an upgraded version of the WRT54GL with draft n capability.

Other than that, I dont really know. You could even stick with Netgear, I think they make decent routers. The only brand I've heard people say "Avoid" about is Belkin, and I remember having a Belkin Wireless router that had pathetic range. Of course, mileage may vary though.

Do you a need a wireless router with a built in ADSL modem, or just a wireless router?

[Gormanimal]

I also use a GL and have a custom firmware on it (tomato). It really is a great router.

[Kelegacy]

Well, so far it looks like I'll go with the GL. I'll talk to my lady friend and get the okay (won't be hard) and then I'll probably order tonight. I'd rather buy it ASAP in-store so I could get it faster, so I'll have to shop around. Amazon has one of the best bargains I can find on it.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BTL0OA

[Aggort]

I was never fond of Linksys until I read how to change the firmware. If you don't mind getting your hands slightly dirty then go for it. Also Belkin make great routers. I'd avoid Netgear at all costs.

[Kelegacy]

I was never fond of Linksys until I read how to change the firmware. If you don't mind getting your hands slightly dirty then go for it. Also Belkin make great routers. I'd avoid Netgear at all costs.

If updating the firmware is a chore, I won't be doing it. I just want something out of the box that's going to work like a champ. I won't be installing Linux or anything like that on it. It's just going to be used to get online in my place.

[biosc1]

Asus WL520G (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=25303&vpn=WL-520GU&manufacture=ASUS) ~ $50.

I've had it running for over a year with no issues. Supports DD-WRT and has a USB port...which defaults to a printer server, but with DD-WRT you can make it a network storage port. Supposedly. I've never had a need to go to DD-WRT because it worked out of the box.

Great range on it too. I previously had a DLink 724 and my PS3 would constantly disconnect. Now it always has a strong signal...the laptop in the living room, about 2 walls away never has an issue either. I abuse the heck out of it too. It supports 1 wired desktop, 1 wired 360, 1 wireless desktop, 1 laptop, 2 iPhones, 1 PS3 and 1 Wii without issue.

Plus...it's white and sleek... ;)

Otherwise, the Linksys is fine too. I have it running in the office (paired with a Linksys AP) and it needs the occasional reboot, but it is under more stress than a home router would be.

[Gormanimal]

If updating the firmware is a chore, I won't be doing it. I just want something out of the box that's going to work like a champ. I won't be installing Linux or anything like that on it. It's just going to be used to get online in my place.
If you're purchasing the GL you need to do yourself the favour of updating the firmware. It's the primary reason most computer savvy people purchase it. I can't speak for dd-wrt (although I'm sure it just as easy to setup) but putting the tomato firmware on it takes about 2 minutes. And all you need to do is log into the router, select the update firmware option, select the firmware you downloaded and click update. That's it. There are a number of tweaks you could apply afterwards, but just changing the firmware will greatly improve performance.

If you're not going to update the firmware it will work just as well as any average router. Nothing gained nothing lost.

[Kelegacy]

If you're purchasing the GL you need to do yourself the favour of updating the firmware. It's the primary reason most computer savvy people purchase it. I can't speak for dd-wrt (although I'm sure it just as easy to setup) but putting the tomato firmware on it takes about 2 minutes. And all you need to do is log into the router, select the update firmware option, select the firmware you downloaded and click update. That's it. There are a number of tweaks you could apply afterwards, but just changing the firmware will greatly improve performance.

If you're not going to update the firmware it will work just as well as any average router. Nothing gained nothing lost.

No, I'll probably snag the GL. I did a little research earlier and found out it isn't that hard, and can even make the router rival some $600 hardware that Cisco sells.

For an extra $10 than I was thinking of spending, it's worth the foresight should I ever need the extra frills.

[biosc1]

and can even make the router rival some $600 hardware that Cisco sells.

Well...Linksys is owned by Cisco...

[Ancalagon]

Does anyone have experience with the D Link DIR 615?

[benson]

I went from a Netgear router that worked great for me for about 4 years to an Apple Time Capsule (which is also their AirPort Extreme base station). I've had it for several months now, and it has worked flawlessly. That thing was the easiest router I have set up as well.

Of course it is much more expensive than most people would like to spend, but I got mine off Craigslist for less than half price. I couldn't pass it up.

If I were to recommend one to someone, I'd probably recommend the Linksys that you are looking at or the Asus as mentioned above. A friend of mine has the D-Link DIR-655 and loves it. That one was tested as the fastest draft N router around as well.

[Goronmon]

For those that use DD-WRT, I've found Tomato to a better option. Plus, I've heard some less than pleasant things about the "author" of DD-WRT, though I'm not sure if it's still the same guy running the project.

Anyways, I'd say give Tomato a shot if you haven't yet.

[Kelegacy]

All right, I tried one last time to save some money and "fix" my current router, but I can't seem to stay connected to it long enough to restore factory settings. Piece of crap. Looking online, my router is plagued with problems--tons of people bought this PoS. I'm lucky it lasted this long.

Anyway, I'm off to buy the GL. It's the best bet, and is priced fairly well at $60 via Amazon. Guess I'm gonna have to open up my wallet again. Fun...

Thanks for everything guys!