The Router Recommendations Thread (Consumer)

Can somebody confirm that ASUS RT-N66U is better than Linksys E4200
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Mostpeople put the n66u above the E4200 I believe.
 
had e3000 - flashed with tomato vpn - had to reboot it once a week? returned it and just kept my 2000 because dual band was the only added benefit atm with that wireless router. flashed e2000 with tomato. In love atm.
 
Just popping back in to say that the ASUS N66U has been FANTASTIC so far. Far less issues than my WNDR3700 that I bought for my parents.
 
I have the RTN 66u. I would like to let you guys know whatever you do, do not flash the latest firmware update. I can not believe asus posted that piece of crap. I was at work and my parents at home said they were losing internet connection every few mins, since I updated the firmware last night. I cam home from work and bamm same thing happens to me. I reverted back to the 3.0.0.3.90 firmware and no issues what so ever. I will be sticking with this firmware probably forever since all the features I need work on it. The newest firmware is absolute nightmare. I flashed it twice to check and I was getting same resets every few minutes. 3.0.0.3.90 firmware has given me no issues what so ever, absolute stability for the month I have had the router.
 
I have the RTN 66u. I would like to let you guys know whatever you do, do not flash the latest firmware update. I can not believe asus posted that piece of crap. I was at work and my parents at home said they were losing internet connection every few mins, since I updated the firmware last night. I cam home from work and bamm same thing happens to me. I reverted back to the 3.0.0.3.90 firmware and no issues what so ever. I will be sticking with this firmware probably forever since all the features I need work on it. The newest firmware is absolute nightmare. I flashed it twice to check and I was getting same resets every few minutes. 3.0.0.3.90 firmware has given me no issues what so ever, absolute stability for the month I have had the router.

Over here there are a couple good threads on the RT-N66U (have one coming from Newegg myself) http://forums.smallnetbuilder.com/forumdisplay.php?f=37 .

Sam
 
I have the RTN 66u. I would like to let you guys know whatever you do, do not flash the latest firmware update. I can not believe asus posted that piece of crap. I was at work and my parents at home said they were losing internet connection every few mins, since I updated the firmware last night. I cam home from work and bamm same thing happens to me. I reverted back to the 3.0.0.3.90 firmware and no issues what so ever. I will be sticking with this firmware probably forever since all the features I need work on it. The newest firmware is absolute nightmare. I flashed it twice to check and I was getting same resets every few minutes. 3.0.0.3.90 firmware has given me no issues what so ever, absolute stability for the month I have had the router.

Pretty sure they pulled it. I checked for the latest firmware yesterday and no update showed up
 
Pretty sure they pulled it. I checked for the latest firmware yesterday and no update showed up


Yea they pulld the .93 out and they have .96 now. I am not really willing to flash it after seeing what happened last time. I am happy with the .90 firmware.
 
Trying to choose between E1000, E2000, E3000 for quick and dirty cheapo install:

(all prices are refurb, from Amazon)
E1000 is at $25, most basic model.
E2000 is at $39, adds gigabit and...?
E3000 is at $60, adds dual band wireless and...?

Leaning towards the E1000 (simply because this is truly a quick and dirty install and I need zero bells and whistles, just wondering if for performance or other reasons (DD-WRT compatability? Though from what I've read works fine on all 3) people would recommend something slightly better? Pondering the gigabit on the E2000... No fixed budget but I would not like to spend more than necessary.

PS DD-WRT runs perfectly fine on my E4200. No issues at all after approx six months.
 
For that price it's hard to beat. Is it top? not anymore, however it's still a fine router.
It should easily trounce your old linksys in more then one way.
 
is this still the top router?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...-na-_-na&AID=10440897&PID=3891137&SID=rewrite

I need to replace my ancient linksys wrt54g the wireless is getting a bit spotty. I want something nice for apple tv/3 laptops/ipads plus 2 computers gaming
my wrt54g v4.0 with dd-wrt on it with a little oc was still going good i replaced it with a linksys e2000 refurb i got for 33 from newegg flashed ddwrt to it


as for the top that spot belongs to the asus N66u 600 mhz processor and 256 meg of ram make it a beast of a router it also has full gigabit lan and wan 2 usb ports it blows most low end commercial units out of the water...
 
I usually am quick to recommend the WNDR3700 but now that mostly V3s are being found on the shelves and the V3 has downgraded specs, I'm looking for something else. V1 and V2 used Atheros and V3 now uses Broadcom. As of now, no third-party support (new version of course).

I'm reading about firmware issues on the WNDR3700s and other models on the Netgear site as well.

What is a good router which has a solid wi-fi signal in a three story house ($100-$200)?
 
You using Gargoyle? Have a DLink DIR-825 B1 and have kicked around using 3rd party f/w but always seem to read about issues so always blow it off. Not sure of the real gains or it it's just the ability to see granular details and control that may not help much.

Thoughts anyone?

I use it on my wndr3700v2 and have had great success. It's rock stable and I really love all the added features. My main draw to the Gargoyle stuff was all the positive feedback and awesome QoS functionality. It took me a little while to get it figured out (help guides were only so helpful, forums more helpful), but once I did I was very impressed. I ran tests after and the QoS definitely works. Much better than any stock firmware crap.
 
Does anyone know of any decent and inexpensive routers that have a external button/switch that allows the wireless to be turned on and off?
 
I am looking for a new router. I currently have a Asus RT-N16 but am getting interference with it. Read detailed description below.

I live in a relatively large house(4800sq ft) that is long. To get optimal signal from 1 end of the house to the other I have the router in the middle of the main floor. It is near a TV(maybe 2-3 feet away, no other outlet on that side of room) and when that tv is on (32" samsung LCD, maybe 2years old) it causes the router to slow down and send a really weak signal to one end of the house that the TVs back is to(takes about 30-40 just to load homepage, not usable). I have tried moving the router around, but due to it being an older house and how our sauna and hot tub our placed the basement cannot receive a strong signal unless in the room it is currently in. Running stock firmware, as DD-WRT actually produced a more powerful signal but it would shut off frequently. Have not tried tomato.

Is there any way to get a router that will not have the same interference from the TV being on with just 1 router?

I have tried 2 routers and although it worked fine sometimes, had issues with keeping the second router at a good strength.
 
I am looking for a new router. I currently have a Asus RT-N16 but am getting interference with it. Read detailed description below.

I live in a relatively large house(4800sq ft) that is long. To get optimal signal from 1 end of the house to the other I have the router in the middle of the main floor. It is near a TV(maybe 2-3 feet away, no other outlet on that side of room) and when that tv is on (32" samsung LCD, maybe 2years old) it causes the router to slow down and send a really weak signal to one end of the house that the TVs back is to(takes about 30-40 just to load homepage, not usable). I have tried moving the router around, but due to it being an older house and how our sauna and hot tub our placed the basement cannot receive a strong signal unless in the room it is currently in. Running stock firmware, as DD-WRT actually produced a more powerful signal but it would shut off frequently. Have not tried tomato.

Is there any way to get a router that will not have the same interference from the TV being on with just 1 router?

I have tried 2 routers and although it worked fine sometimes, had issues with keeping the second router at a good strength.


Did ya change the default channel ?
 
I am looking for a new router. I currently have a Asus RT-N16 but am getting interference with it. Read detailed description below.

I live in a relatively large house(4800sq ft) that is long. To get optimal signal from 1 end of the house to the other I have the router in the middle of the main floor. It is near a TV(maybe 2-3 feet away, no other outlet on that side of room) and when that tv is on (32" samsung LCD, maybe 2years old) it causes the router to slow down and send a really weak signal to one end of the house that the TVs back is to(takes about 30-40 just to load homepage, not usable). I have tried moving the router around, but due to it being an older house and how our sauna and hot tub our placed the basement cannot receive a strong signal unless in the room it is currently in. Running stock firmware, as DD-WRT actually produced a more powerful signal but it would shut off frequently. Have not tried tomato.

Is there any way to get a router that will not have the same interference from the TV being on with just 1 router?

I have tried 2 routers and although it worked fine sometimes, had issues with keeping the second router at a good strength.

dashpuppy makes a good point. If you have a laptop or a WiFi card in your desktop you can use a free utility like inSSIDer. It's quite easy to use as it simply tells you about other WiFi signals out there, their strength and what channel they are on. Then, if you see interference you can change the channel your WiFi router is using. It's quite possible you are competing with something on the same channel via WiFi. Another example if you are using the 2.4 Ghz band and have 2.4Ghz band cordless phones.

One thing that might be an issue is this. Some of the nice brands have had WiFi built in their up-line models for a while. Is there any chance that your Samsung has WiFi and is running at 802.11g speeds? If it has built in WiFi this would be another place I would consider checking. Maybe the WiFi built into the TV (again, assuming it even has it) might be causing interference with your router. So, example, if you have a laptop that can do 802.11n speeds and your TV can connect at 802.11g then everything connects at the speed of the slowest device. Makes no sense that your seeing such slow browser loads.

I like to use dual band routers (2.4ghz and 5ghz). Depending on what you want to connect via WiFi you can separate who uses which signal if the device has either of these.
 
dashpuppy makes a good point. If you have a laptop or a WiFi card in your desktop you can use a free utility like inSSIDer. It's quite easy to use as it simply tells you about other WiFi signals out there, their strength and what channel they are on. Then, if you see interference you can change the channel your WiFi router is using. It's quite possible you are competing with something on the same channel via WiFi. Another example if you are using the 2.4 Ghz band and have 2.4Ghz band cordless phones.

One thing that might be an issue is this. Some of the nice brands have had WiFi built in their up-line models for a while. Is there any chance that your Samsung has WiFi and is running at 802.11g speeds? If it has built in WiFi this would be another place I would consider checking. Maybe the WiFi built into the TV (again, assuming it even has it) might be causing interference with your router. So, example, if you have a laptop that can do 802.11n speeds and your TV can connect at 802.11g then everything connects at the speed of the slowest device. Makes no sense that your seeing such slow browser loads.

I like to use dual band routers (2.4ghz and 5ghz). Depending on what you want to connect via WiFi you can separate who uses which signal if the device has either of these.


I was actually getting to this, HOWEVER it's been discussed so many dam times, I gave up and closed the post.

Someone should create a sticky thread about how to trouble shoot your wireless network & range, and how to use these tools.

I bet you 100$, we see lest posts & threads about what's the best router for NOTHING but runs like a Ferrari...
 
can anyone recommend me a nice wireless router? been out of the loop when it comes to router. I loved my D-Link DIR-655 that i gave away, either planning on buying the same one or going with something a little newer ? similar to this http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=681 I don't want to spend no more then $150.00

The router will be used mainly for Gaming/surfing/Streaming Music/Movies (netflix,Hulu)
 
can anyone recommend me a nice wireless router? been out of the loop when it comes to router. I loved my D-Link DIR-655 that i gave away, either planning on buying the same one or going with something a little newer ? similar to this http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=681 I don't want to spend no more then $150.00

The router will be used mainly for Gaming/surfing/Streaming Music/Movies (netflix,Hulu)

I've been using the DIR-825 Rev B for probably a couple of years or so now and have been quite happy with it. I'm in a townhome with several WiFi connections around me.
 
well just pull the plugged and bought the DIR-825 so far im happy with it i still need to tweak a few stuff... by far alot more options then my old DIR655..
 
well just pull the plugged and bought the DIR-825 so far im happy with it i still need to tweak a few stuff... by far alot more options then my old DIR655..

You using the factory f/w or DD-WRT or something else? I'm using the latest factory f/w myself.
 
im currently using the factory f/w.. should i upgrade to current Flashware ? or i should be okay haven't really read what flashware is stable/solid with DIR825
 
im currently using the factory f/w.. should i upgrade to current Flashware ? or i should be okay haven't really read what flashware is stable/solid with DIR825

Check to see which version you have when you configure your router. Or if that's done already just login in and check. Once you login look for the Status tab near the top and to the right. The info is near the top under the section called General. The latest version is 2.06NA. It's been out for a while so I would think you already have it. F/W in routers is kind of a funny thing. In general f/w tends to improve/fix issues. But sometimes people claim no difference and some swear issues crop up. I'm having no known issues with my 825.

I use it for highspeed internet access (25Mbps down/4.25Mpbs up). I've added a gigabit switch into my mix as I had a need for it. I have a desktop, NAS, multi-function printer, Verizon Network Extender all connected via ethernet and working fine. I also have a Boxee Box connected via WiFi and use my laptop via WiFi frequently. Haven't been having any issues. If I ever get to a point where things seem sluggish (maybe once a calendar quarter..or sooner) I will power cycle the cable modem and the router.

Edit: I stand corrected. F/W 2.07 was released on 4/4/12. Revision Info: Update: Disable WPS-PIN Method. I see f/w 2.06 came out on 8/11/11. It's possible you might not have this on your router. I imagine some of this stock sits around for a while and this router has been available for a while. The box, near the bar code, should say the hardware and f/w release as well.

Here's a list of changes (this is for Rev B of this router) since it came out (this is what I found at the main link not sure this is everything) for anyone interested:

Firmware2.07 - 4/04/2012 Revision Info:¤ Update: Disable WPS-PIN Method
Note: In order to upgrade the firmware version 2.07 properly, you must first upgrade to firmware version 2.06NA.

Firmware2.06NA - 8/11/2011 Revision Info:¤ Fixed: IPv6 issue.
¤ Added: IPv6 routing table in status.
Note: In order to upgrade the firmware version 2.06NA properly, you must first upgrade to firmware version 2.05NA.

Firmware2.05NA - 1/13/2011 Revision Info:¤ Fixed BT issue.
¤ Support IPv6 spec v1.13 (6rd DHCPv4 Option)
Firmware2.03NA - 4/27/2010 Revision Info:¤ Supports Ipv6 spec v1.08.
¤ Fixed: IPv6 6in4 issue.
¤ Fixed: DHCP Reservation misspelling issue.
¤ Fixed: WPS Push and Pin issue.
¤ Supports 12/24 time format function.
¤ Fixed: PPPoE re-connect issue.
¤ Fixed: BT issue.
¤ Supports SIP LAN to LAN.
More details:
1. Supports Ipv6 spec v1.08.
2. Fixed: IPv6 6in4 issue.
3. Fixed: DHCP Reservation misspelling issue.
4. Fixed: WPS Push and Pin issue.
5. Supports 12/24 time format function.
6. Fixed: PPPoE re-connect issue.
7. Fixed: BT issue.
8. Supports SIP LAN to LA

Firmware2.02NA - 7/08/2009 Revision Info:¤ Fixed cannot run Web Filter and MAC filtering at the same time issue.
¤ Fixed GUI show allowed char for setting of Device name and Local Domain name.
¤ Fixed Link-local only for IPv6 issue.
¤ Fixed login format same as DIR-655.
¤ Fixed the wps_pin and wps_default_pin is changed to 00000000 when we do reset to unconfigured.
More details:
1. Fixed cannot run Web Filter and MAC filtering at the same time issue.
2. Fixed GUI show allowed char for setting of Device name and Local Domain name.
3. Fixed Link-local only for IPv6 issue.
4. Fixed login format same as DIR-655.
5. Fixed the wps_pin and wps_default_pin is changed to 00000000 when we do reset to unconfigured.
6. Fixed the wps_pin value is changed to default pin when device is reboot.
7. Fixed Manual Uplink speed issue.
8. Add HTTPS option.
9. Fixed DCC cause user could not access internet.
10. Fixed SSID string display for Widget/Gadget.
11. Fixed BT Test fail => DUT will reboot when TCP sessions over 1200
12. Verify BT Cert.
13. Modify IPv6 PPPoE DNS Setting only can set specific DNS server.
14. Fixed when set "http://" inf url filter, the function will fail.
15. Fixed SSID cannot display ´\´ on status page.
16. Fixed port forwarding cannot save over 8 rules.
17. Fixed when Enable "Turn MAC Filtering ON and ALLOW computers listed to access the network" function and no input any MAC Address rule, it should appear warning message.
18. Fixed Help page don´t need "BigPond Connection" description.
19. Fixed Help Page does not have "Advanced DNS service" description.
20. Fixed Help Page does not have "USB SETTINGS" description and Hyper-Link Title.
21. Fixed Access Control - MAC Address filter for Block Some Access.
In Status->Logs page, it should display which one MAC address to access, not display IP Address.
22. Fixed Set Access control rule – Block All first then set MAC filter ALLOW, that LAN PC can access Internet.
23. Fixed Device Reboot issue.
24. Changed firmware version to 2.02NA.
25. Support Mac Safari can display autograph pictures.
26. Support Advanced DNS.
27. Support Schedule cannot over 24HR issue.
28. Fixed cipher type default is TKIP and AES on wizard.
29. Fixed 802.11n only not support WPA-Enterprise TKIP.
30. Fixed schedule can´t select data that include space char.
31. Fixed can´t save space char.
32. Modify cipher type from TKIP to both.
33. Fixed wireless title error word string.
34. Removed advanced wireless - Extra Wireless Protection help file.
35. Fixed WPS does not support WEP-Shared KEY and WPA-Enterprise.
36. Fixed WAN disconnect or release Network Status still show Establishing (include DHCP/PPPoE/PPTP/L2TP).
37. Fixed the countdown = 40s when setting internet.
38. Removed RTS Threshold on help.
39. Removed ap mode.
 
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Thanks for your help i'll log in tonight and see what f/w it currently sits on hopefully it's 2.06NA so i don't have to do any work and back up my current settings... Either way im very happy with it i've been reading alot of about the 5.0 GHZ radio antenna i haven't tried streaming my netflix but hopefully it will improve it. im currently at up10Mbps and down 1.0Mbps, but so far family relatives say their internet seems so much snappier so im happy with that.. on the other note my Blackberry is having a hard time reading my 5.0 GHZ Radio Antenna , so for now it logs into the 2.4 GHZ with no problems.. might be a little overkill for my crackberry anyways
 
Thanks for your help i'll log in tonight and see what f/w it currently sits on hopefully it's 2.06NA so i don't have to do any work and back up my current settings... Either way im very happy with it i've been reading alot of about the 5.0 GHZ radio antenna i haven't tried streaming my netflix but hopefully it will improve it. im currently at up10Mbps and down 1.0Mbps, but so far family relatives say their internet seems so much snappier so im happy with that.. on the other note my Blackberry is having a hard time reading my 5.0 GHZ Radio Antenna , so for now it logs into the 2.4 GHZ with no problems.. might be a little overkill for my crackberry anyways

Glad to hear it. Ya...I find it funny that dual band routers have been around for years. Hell I had an old 784 from DLink ten years ago (I believe) that was dual band then. The reason was to get away from interference of neighbors since I'm in a townhouse. But... still most device are running 802.11n 2.4Ghz. Odd if you ask me. Great idea however. I helped a friend by a 60 LED last year that has dual band WiFi. That to me makes sense. Course his WiFi access is only 2.4Ghz so.

One think you might check on your Blackberry is if there are later version of WiFi drivers. That could help. I'm assuming it won't have issues working on the available channels that the router is capable of. Pretty standard stuff.

By the way backing up your configuration is a snap. However, it's recommended that if you install a new f/w that you reconfigure it. I've heard stories either way that someone upgraded to a later f/w and restored a config file from an earlier version and had luck and some have not. I've seen both myself. But there is an upside. You'll be more familiar with the router and how it works. Plus, it really doesn't take much time anyway. It's always good to do a config backup to. If you ever have to do s factory reset you can then restore your router config file in a snap.
 
I'm tired of always owning shitty home routers and constantly having to reboot them. I sucked it up and ordered the Asus RT-N66u and a 3 year service warranty from newegg...212$ total...hope I don't regret this!
 
I'm tired of always owning shitty home routers and constantly having to reboot them. I sucked it up and ordered the Asus RT-N66u and a 3 year service warranty from newegg...212$ total...hope I don't regret this!

I dont think you will regret it. I have one and have no issues with it. If the one you receive has the older firmware you will have to download the firmware updates from ASUS's site and point to them via the web based set up software. .112 has a fix for the firmware update, in the web based set up, so that it will work properly. Good luck!
 
I'm tired of always owning shitty home routers and constantly having to reboot them. I sucked it up and ordered the Asus RT-N66u and a 3 year service warranty from newegg...212$ total...hope I don't regret this!

Keep us posted on how it goes.
 
I just ordered an RT-N66U as well. I will post back with some results when it arrives from Amazon.

It was sort of an impulse buy before reading this thread. My DIR-655 died during a lightning storm so I needed something quickly. Amazon offered same day shipping (really next day since I ordered too late today), so I jumped on that. It should arrive tomorrow morning.
 
I just ordered an RT-N66U as well. I will post back with some results when it arrives from Amazon.

It was sort of an impulse buy before reading this thread. My DIR-655 died during a lightning storm so I needed something quickly. Amazon offered same day shipping (really next day since I ordered too late today), so I jumped on that. It should arrive tomorrow morning.

Cool. Been running the DIR-825 for 2.5 years or so. Been happy with it and don't want to spend the $$ on an unnecessary upgrade. On a tight budget right now. But, the feedback will be nice as I've been watching the info over at SmallNetBuilder on RT-N66U and the RT-N56U. Look like good units and they seem to really stay on top of their f/w.
 
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