Need a new wireless router!

[Queelis]

Hello,

a need has come to get a new wireless router. Currently I have a cheapo D-Link DIR-300, and it is constantly dropping connection and I have to reset it (or, for example, wired connection to my PC is working, but wireless isn't).

Hence the replacement. I have a fast 100Mbit internet, so this time I want to go somewhere at least mid-range (with prices along the lines of Linksys' E2500, but I've read its wireless speed is quite slow, so I'm looking elsewhere).

The requirements aren't big: WiFi N support, and, if possible, Gigabit Ethernet.

What are your suggestions?

[ik9000]

have you tried manually fixing the channel? Mine kept dropping out until I realised all my neighbours were on channels 2 and 6

Set it to channel 9 instead of auto and apart from the odd drop-out it's been absolutely fine.

Also check the wireless settings. Are things like broadcast signal strength set to 100% etc. I imagine you've done this already, but just in case...

[ik9000]

the best routers I'm aware of are the Draytek Vigor ones but you do pay for them.

[Queelis]

Thanks for your replies.

Yes, the signal strength was set at 100%, but that's not very relevant, since the laptop is only 2 meters away from the router (and my PC is wired).

And I've set the WiFi channel to 9, we'll see how well that goes. Actually, before the router worked fine with strength set to 25%, since the distance is small.

I've checked out the DrayTek site (they're not available where I'm living, I think), and they're very much a business solution - I don't need such a serious device. I was thinking simply something more reliable from consumer-grade products.

[Larkspeed]

We have a Sitecom Wireless Gigabit XR 300N X3, Model Number WL-351

300N wireless
4 x 1 gigabit lan ports

I can't remember the last time I had to reset it, we bought it over a year ago and to my recollection we have only ever had to reboot it about 3 times in all that time.

By far the best router we have ever owned.

Had d-link, netgear and Linksys in the past and all gave us one issue or another, this one is flawless IMO

We paid 80 Euro for it brand new in a retail store so not very expensive either

[art vandelay]

Recommend Billion 7800N - haven't used a better budget router: gigabit, adsl and ethernet WAN, QoS, 6000 NAT connections, external antennas etc.

[OilSheikh]

LinkSys the new black slim ones ?

[Queelis]

I was thinking about those, but read the not-so favourable reviews and decided to look further.

What I don't like is that they don't have status LEDs - inconvenient. Given that my ISP can be sketchy, I like to see that the problem is on my end.

Thanks folks, keep the suggestions coming.

Maybe someone knows something about Belkin of Buffalo routers?

[capt_cornflake]

After My last one died, and the Netgear I got to replace it didn't work (and neither did the replacement) I opted to spend a bit more money (but still couldn't stretch to a draytek) and got a Billion one.

It looks like a bag of spanners, but has worked flawlessly.

[blueball]

D-Link DIR 655 should do what you want. I have one and it is excellent.

[Zybros]

Try the Linksys E2000 hasn't failed me yet and it has wireless N , 4 Gigabit Ports. I've currently got a gigabit connection to the router an it hasn't put a foot wrong even being left on 24/7.

[i4000]

At the upper end of the market, I have had really good results the ASUS-RT16N, it's an N spec rouer / WAP, with MIMO, three adjustable aerials on the back, a couple of USB sockets for running a print server / media server or similar. But the best feature (for me) is that whilst the stock firmware is perfectly adequate, it can easily be flashed to run the Excellent Tomato-USB custom firmware (http://tomatousb.org/). Amongst many other things this gives you much enhanced control of all the usually hidden / tweakable wireless settings, plus if you're that way inclined, it will give you root level shell access to the router to 'tinker' with to your hearts content

Even if you don't go for this model router, I would look for one that is Tomato-USB compatible. I would suggest re-flashing your current router it, but I'm not 100% sure if it's compatible (the dir320 is, but can't find anything definitive about the 300)

[Stringent]

Don't get a Linksys/Cisco router. I don't like the interface and its far to restrictive. I've liked Netgears range of routers and have served me well.

[shaithis]

http://www.dd-wrt.com/site/support/router-database

Seems your router is on the supported list.....I suggest flashing it!

[MaddAussie]

I just bought a TP-Link WR1043ND Last week and for just over 40 quid from Amazon its excellent.

[i4000]

http://www.dd-wrt.com/site/support/router-database

Seems your router is on the supported list.....I suggest flashing it!

I forgot about dd-wrt, another very good replacement firmware.