Routers, routers, routers.....

[Angry_Gumball]

I'm looking for a good wireless router (range, speed, connectivity, etc) as my current router, the Netgear WGT624 V2 (not the coaster!) is screwing up since 3 months after I got it. I've tried technical support but upon further Googling, I found that this is an unavoidable situation with this router...as in, the router sucks! Basically, it keeps dropping connections and runs sluggish. So the question is, what is a good router to get that will send strong signals (like from my room as the starting point to a room about 30 feet away) without dropping connections and a half-decent speed (for online gaming...my bro can't even play his CS as it times out on him)?

 

Here is what I know so far: Netgear has issues like I'm experiencing, I used a D-Link wired router and after a year the power supply burnt out, and my friend was telling me that Linksys wasn't much better...I saw reviews at a 4 out of 5 stars according to Circuit city. So when it comes down to it, what is a good wireless router to use?

[Carnage]

I've personally always been a fan of Linksys.

 

In fact I have a Linksys WRT54G sitting a couple feet to my right. Though I'm not using the wifi feature currently.

 

Though at my parents house it had no problems getting a connection a floor up to my dad's comp. My computer in the basement had to be hard wired though. The wifi signal couldn't get through the heating/AC ducts that were in the way.

 

Wifi routers are always a pain in the butt.

[dougr]

Slightly OT, but make sure you use your security settings when you go wireless, or anyone in range could hijack your connection-not nice!

[Angry_Gumball]

^Yes, I've protected it....It's weird because the donut shop around the corner picks up a weak signal as I've tested. My brother's room goes through a series of like 3 walls or so.

 

Here's a layout of my house for a better understanding about the range. (Yes, I have a small house!)

[Carnage]

Have you tried changing the wireless channel?

 

Sometimes other wireless networks can conflict on your signal.

 

Try using 1,6,or 11. (6 being the last choice as it's the default)

[Angry_Gumball]

Is it just a simple switch or something on the router or do I log into the router's page thingy and configure it? There are no other wireless networks around here that should interfere to my knowledge.

[ats86]

Tip: DONT buy a D-Link I have a DI-624 and it really is bad. It cuts out heaps, and was so much trouble that in the end i just disconnected it. My friend also had a D-Link as well and had to send it back after a week because it just randomly cuts out. Get a Linksys.

[Carnage]

^^ Assuming you have the option it will be in the admin pages.

 

It's not only other networks. Many appliances can interfere if they're on the same frequency.

[Angry_Gumball]

Yea..just found it as you posted your message. My default was channel 11. I also noticed the region wasn't set as United States. Right now, I'm trying Ch. 1 to see if that helps. BTW, is the TPR forums running slow for anyone else?

[Carnage]

Yeah, they've been slow all night.

 

See if you get better results on one of those 3 channels.

 

Wifi can be tricky. Even a microwave can interfere with the signal. Or more commonly wireless phones.

[memphish]

2.4ghz cordless phones also = crap wireless. Also if you have your router right next to your computer move it if possible. I know they say 6ft, but thats not practical for most people.

 

You could also look into these.

http://www.netgear.com/products/details/WGXB102.php

[Angry_Gumball]

That wouldn't work. Only 2 computers are using wireless: My brother's computer and my laptop. My brother is using the Netgear WG111 USB wireless device. The rest of the computers are using a wired connection and was hard enough to route all of the wires.

[Angry_Gumball]

Today, I decided on a router, picked it up and obviously it's now hooked up. I got the Linksys WRT54GS and setup was a snap. I spent more time making room for it's slightly larger footprint than I did configuring it, so it was quite easy to set up. So far, everything seems to be running smoother as it's only been up for 20 minutes before this message got posted. Also, luckily, we haven't advanced our wireless phones to the 2.4 ghz phones as our 900 mhz work just fine. Just thought I'd post this so no one (including me) don't feel like I'm left hanging...now to go finish my yearbook project!

[Carnage]

Nice choice, that's the router I'm using.

 

Glad it's working out so far.

 

Just make sure to turn the security settings on. Don't want your neighbours stealing your internet access.