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The Router Recommendations Thread (Consumer)

diizzy said:
No issues at all with the range, is it bad with stock fw?
//Danne
Click to expand...

Yes, I thought it was dd-wrt, flashed back to stock, same thing, 5ghz in the next room i have half the signal I had with my 320n, Weird.

It is the v1.6 unit, the power on the TX I believe was 18db on 2.4 and 14db on the 5.0
 
ermess said:
Hello there, does anybody have any experiences with this router ?

[ http://www.tp-link.com/en/products/details/?model=Archer+C7#spec ]

Recommendations on another product with the same specifications are welcome.

Ragerds, Ermess.
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Like I said above, the Asus AC68 which is an AC1900 router is working great for me. The features and such are just light years better than the DLink DGL4500 I was using. Also the range is just silly, plus there is a transmit power adjustment where it defaults to 80 with a range up to 200. The Netgear Nighthawk is another AC1750 product that is reviewed pretty well also. It has a faster dual core CPU over the Asus, but I like some of the other features of the Asus, prompting me to purchase the Asus instead.
 
This is what I have setup at the moment:
Cable Modem -> Airport Extreme Base Station-> (i) computers (ii) E4200 running dd-wrt connected to a VPN.

The AEBS serves as my main wired/wireless point for the whole house, except my PS3 and Apple TV are connected to the E4200 mainly so I can watch Netflix (am outside the US). My problem is if I want to watch local media content on either the PS3 or the Apple TV I have to physically disconnect the device from the E4200 and then it will wirelessly connect to the AEBS, so that it can see the rest of the computers on my network.

I'm wondering if any router can achieve this 'dual function' (I have no idea how to describe it) so that the data that goes to the internet still passes through the VPN but it is still visible to the rest of my network so I don't have to manually fiddle with it everytime I want to do something different. Or is this a setup problem and I am doing it all wrong?

I do realize that one option is to do Cable Modem -> E4200 -> AEBS so all traffic is automatically routed to the VPN but I am convinced speeds I get while on VPN are not as good as regular internet traffic, but that might just be my imagination. If there are no other options I will do some testing on this.
 
For the past 6 years, I've been running off of a CradlePoint MBR-1000 router. Has been a stellar and reliable workhorse. Has great features and huge coverage area....I highly recommend it. I replaced it this week with an ASUS RT-AC66U, and I say I'm even more impressed. The MBR-1000 set a very high bar with me when comparing router reliability, function, and covereage and I'm VERY pleased to say the ASUS RT-AC66U has surpased that bar. This new ASUS router is now my favorite, but I still have great respect and fondness for the MBR-1000.

I only replaced the MBR-1000 because I needed 5ghz band.:)
 
Often users ask the question about what the best router is and what are the differences. Here's an example of two popular ASUS routers:


ASUS RT-N16

Throughput - (Mbps)
WAN - LAN 300.3
LAN – WAN 341.1
Total Simultaneous 360
Max. Connections 30,000+ when running alternate firmware (factory firmware ver 3.0.0.4.260 is hard coded to 16,000)


ASUS RT-N66U and RT-AC66U


WAN - LAN 732 Mbps
LAN - WAN 729 Mbps
Total Simultaneous 810 Mbps
Maximum Simultaneous Connections 35,000+ (any firmware edition)


Notice the LAN speed performance difference, if you are intending to transfer data across your network and are using the router as your only switch, that specific detail may be important to you.


I personally like both of these routers when loaded with either the Tomato or Merlin firmware.
 
Need a new router. WNDR 3300 keeps dying on me.
I'll have 3 wired connections going to it. I have multiple wireless devices: (2) Roku, PS3, IPAD, Kindle, Printer, and laptop. It is not unusual to have several of these devices on at once. Often times someone is gaming while another is streaming.

My home is 2 stories at 3400 Sq. Ft. Router will be placed on second floor.

I want fast speed for the streaming. I don't think USB is necessary only because I haven't had it in the past, don't know what to use it for. If a good router just comes with that now then so be it, maybe I'll discover I didn't know what I was missing.

Price isn't a huge consideration but if saving 50 bucks only means a 5% decrease then that would be ok. I'd like to keep it below $250.

I don't do anything fancy with my network just plug in my wired stuff and access the wireless.

A guest network might be nice to have because I have visiting family members that seem to find being absorbed with their tablets is better than talking to each other.

I think I'll replace my modem at the same time. It is a SB5101. I was looking at the SB6141 but then I don't know anything about those either.

If it matters I live in Las Vegas and use Cox cable for my ISP.
 
If cox supports it the Zoom 5341J is a better modem.

I'd recommend the ASUS RT-AC66 or AC68 with the merlin firmware.

Making all those devices play nice and complete for the same internet connection will be a function of the QOS abilities of the router.

The router's I am suggesting can do that, but you'll have to program the QOS to do what you want it to.

This should help: http://forums.smallnetbuilder.com/showthread.php?t=7809&page=2
 
I have roughly that same size house, and my router placement is pretty poor due to the cable in location being at the front of the house on the bottom floor. Upgrading the AC68, I get full signal strength showing on all my devices, including BD players upstairs on the opposite end of the house, and I even get good enough signal strength walking around the block when I walk the dog on my cell phone. Crazy that I thought I had it good with Dlink and those gaming routers for all those years.../sigh
 
OK bought the Zoom 5341J, thank you for the recommendation. I think I'll get the router today. Any reason I should consider the Netgear Nighthawk vs the AC68? The extra $20.00 is not an issue just wondering if one or the other is easier for a novice. If I read right I think small net said Nighthawk is faster but CNET said ASUS is faster on the Wireless N 2.4.
 
Yeah it has a faster processor, and some reviews show it beating the Asus models and some show the Asus winning. I think you can't go wrong with either but I only have experience with the 66 and 68 so I can't comment on the Nighthawk.
 
I have the nighthawk and its been great, no problems with it at all and range is great too. Personally I would go the nighthawk because I don't really see what the extra $20 gets you on the asus model, also I am kind of distrusting asus with their software updates. I bought a $1100 asus laptop and they haven't really updated any of the software since 3 months after it was realeased, its about a year old now so I didn't really want to spend $20 more to get a router that they will just update when they get around to it.
 
I owe my dad a Christmas present in the $50 range, and his Asus 802.11G router is a bit long in the tooth, and they've gone from 1 laptop and a Blackberry in the house to 4 laptops, 4 tablets, 2 cell phones, plus family when they come to visit.

So, I was thinking about getting him a new router. I know one thing he will likely miss out on is the print server that the current router gave him, but I could just turn off routing and wireless on his current router and keep it around as a print server.

I'm looking at a couple options. Either 1. Find a new decent dual band router at that price. 2. Give him my WNDR3700 that's been flashed with DD-WRT, and buy myself a new 802.11AC router.

I can handle #1 on my own, but for #2, what is the consensus on 802.11AC routers? It looks like the high end ones to choose are the Netgear Nighthawk and Asus RT-AC68.

Assume my network consists of 3 laptops that can do 5.4ghz, 1 that can do 2.4, 2 tablets, 3 cell phones, a Wii. Guest network support would be nice, but if I can't have it, I have a WAP-54G I could use.
 
munkle said:
I have the nighthawk and its been great, no problems with it at all and range is great too. Personally I would go the nighthawk because I don't really see what the extra $20 gets you on the asus model, also I am kind of distrusting asus with their software updates. I bought a $1100 asus laptop and they haven't really updated any of the software since 3 months after it was realeased, its about a year old now so I didn't really want to spend $20 more to get a router that they will just update when they get around to it.
Click to expand...

And that would be exactly why....some of us are recommending using the merlin firmware when you choose the Asus router and want a factory firmware experiance.

Merlin = factory firmware + bug fixes galor + openVPN
 
I am currently running an old linksys wireless-G 2.4ghz broadband router w/ motorola SB4200 surfboard cable modem. I recently called the cable company due to my internet connection going on & off & also slow speeds lately. They said I need to upgrade bc my cable modem is very old. As you can tell from my hardware I have not looked into modems/routers for ages, since 2002 to be exact lol. My connection plan is the Cox cable preferred which has up to 25mb down 5mb up. I notice that certain cable modems are for different packages in the Cox service plan. So technically getting a modem that supports speeds above 25mb might be pointless for me...What is a really good cable modem that I can get that will give me faster speeds & will I need to upgrade the router as well or is what I have good enough? I really just want a router that can extend my wifi range. Would really appreciate the help.
 
Pivo504 said:
I am currently running an old linksys wireless-G 2.4ghz broadband router w/ motorola SB4200 surfboard cable modem. I recently called the cable company due to my internet connection going on & off & also slow speeds lately. They said I need to upgrade bc my cable modem is very old. As you can tell from my hardware I have not looked into modems/routers for ages, since 2002 to be exact lol. My connection plan is the Cox cable preferred which has up to 25mb down 5mb up. I notice that certain cable modems are for different packages in the Cox service plan. So technically getting a modem that supports speeds above 25mb might be pointless for me...What is a really good cable modem that I can get that will give me faster speeds & will I need to upgrade the router as well or is what I have good enough? I really just want a router that can extend my wifi range. Would really appreciate the help.
Click to expand...

zoom modem 5341j if supported by your cable company (most are compatible)
Most modern routers will work.

Which router depends on how much you want to spend and what performance metrics you are looking for, but from where you are coming from almost everything is an upgrade.

Consider the ASUS RT-N16, RT-N66, RT-AC66 or RT-AC68 as the most flexible as far as firmware options. Use the merlin firmware if you want a factory experience or tomato if you want every option possible.

or Netgear Nighthawk , netgear recently added airtime fairness QOS to the unit on the last update.

Even the Dlink DIR-860L or DIR-868L wouldn't be too bad of a choice as their auto QOS is quite good for a pre programed hands off approach.
 
Mackintire: thank you for the fast response. Why do you pick the zoom over motorola SB6141 or the SB 6121? Based on newegg reviews hardly anyone uses the zoom over the motorola which makes me hesitate. As you can tell from my post my cable service is a 25dl/5ul so Im not sure how that will bottleneck me in terms of which cable modem/router to choose. The modem you mentioned is best used w/ultimate cable package while mine is the lower preferred package. BTW I dont understand the terms you are using for routers as my router experience is very limited (only owned this linksys WRT54GL which has over 3,000 reviews on egg). But as far as routers the current linksys wireless G has worked fine for years which is probably why I never changed it..I never get dropped wireless unless I am outside the home. I mainly connect wirelessly via a laptop & my cellphone. I like to extend the range of wireless (if possible even to reach outside) & try to get the fastest speed possible thru my modem. Also, I would want both a modem/router that is 100% reliable as you can see the modem/router Ive been using are over 10 yrs old & still working. The thing is would it really benefit me to spend 100$ or more on a router when my cable modem service speeds are only 25mb dl? I actually just did a speed test & I hardly go over 5mb/s dl...I jus redid the test now I got 13-20 but its never that consistent..
 
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Motorola's DOCSIS 3.0 cable models were the best and fastest to come out on the market originally.

The SB 6121 is a 4x4 stream modem that tops out at 168Mbps

SB 6141 is a 8x4 stream modem that tops out at 340Mbps



The Zoom 5341J is a 8x4 stream modem that tops out at 340Mbps, but has one additional feature. It will attempt to auto reconnect if anything occurs to the line that causes a reconnect event to occur. Motorola's modems hang about 50% of the time when a reconnect occurs and you need to call your provider to reset the link from their end.
You can identify this model by both the specific model number and the fact that it has squared corners.


Be aware that Zoom also sells the 5341 also labeled as the 5341H....this model is similar to the SB 6121 and does not have the auto-reconnect feature. This model is also prone to overheating. This model is easily identified by its rounder looking front end.
 
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Pivo504 said:
Mackintire: thank you for the fast response. Why do you pick the zoom over motorola SB6141 or the SB 6121? Based on newegg reviews hardly anyone uses the zoom over the motorola which makes me hesitate. As you can tell from my post my cable service is a 25dl/5ul so Im not sure how that will bottleneck me in terms of which cable modem/router to choose. The modem you mentioned is best used w/ultimate cable package while mine is the lower preferred package. BTW I dont understand the terms you are using for routers as my router experience is very limited (only owned this linksys WRT54GL which has over 3,000 reviews on egg). But as far as routers the current linksys wireless G has worked fine for years which is probably why I never changed it..I never get dropped wireless unless I am outside the home. I mainly connect wirelessly via a laptop & my cellphone. I like to extend the range of wireless (if possible even to reach outside) & try to get the fastest speed possible thru my modem. Also, I would want both a modem/router that is 100% reliable as you can see the modem/router Ive been using are over 10 yrs old & still working. The thing is would it really benefit me to spend 100$ or more on a router when my cable modem service speeds are only 25mb dl? I actually just did a speed test & I hardly go over 5mb/s dl...I jus redid the test now I got 13-20 but its never that consistent..
Click to expand...

The WRT54GL hardware version 1 and 2 were fantastic routers way back in the day.

Trying to find a reliable router these days is a a bit of a crap shoot. Manufacturers are changing where and how they are built all the time. The gen 1 WDR3700 hardware version 1 was the WRT54GL a couple of years back as was the D-link DI-625 before it.

The only model I know that has been consistently had fantastic build quality are the Apple Airport Extreme models. But they have less bells and whistles and range than some of the other models being sold on the market.

If you want something of high quality and have no intention of tweaking anything, please consider looking at an Apple airport extreme. http://www.amazon.com/Apple-AirPort...6619488&sr=1-1&keywords=apple+airport+extreme


For you: my advice is this.

If you feel that your cable modem is causing lackluster performance or if you want something that can deal with disconnects get the newer Zoom modem.

Your router is definitely holding your internet performance back. The WRT54GL starts running out of steam around 12Mbps. If you want maximum bang for your buck look at the ASUS RT-N16 and upload either the merlin firmware http://www.lostrealm.ca/tower/node/79 (for the OEM experience) the easy tomato firmware into it. http://www.easytomato.org

This router can handle your connection and needs with ease and will give you a good bang for your buck and a friendly user experience. If you choose to go hardcore, you can disable the friendly wizard driven gui and dive in to all the rich features available on the tomato firmware. The easy tomato firmware was custom built for the RT-N16 router to allow for maximum compatibility and as few bugs as possible.

If you are willing to spend the cash I'm certain you 'd be pleased with the apple airport extreme.
 
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Well the real question for me as far as routers is how much better will the range/signal be using the ASUS RT-N16 vs my current router & also vs the apple ($200 sounds a bit high) router you mentioned? The thing is I do my main file sharing/heavy net usage on my desktop PC which is connected directly into my modem. I only use the router for light things such as web browsing, listening to music & sum movie streaming thru a laptop & cellphone wirelessly. So my biggest reason to upgrade is to increase Wifi range/signal throughout the home & if possible outdoors
Also, what does the dual band.2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless stand for? Does having both bands extend the range or what does this mean?
 
Pivo504 said:
Well the real question for me as far as routers is how much better will the range/signal be using the ASUS RT-N16 vs my current router & also vs the apple ($200 sounds a bit high) router you mentioned? The thing is I do my main file sharing/heavy net usage on my desktop PC which is connected directly into my modem. I only use the router for light things such as web browsing, listening to music & sum movie streaming thru a laptop & cellphone wirelessly. So my biggest reason to upgrade is to increase Wifi range/signal throughout the home & if possible outdoors
Also, what does the dual band.2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless stand for? Does having both bands extend the range or what does this mean?
Click to expand...

Let me reset your expectations.

If you had a 54Mbps connection before....expect it to be 3 times faster running at 144Mbps.

If you had a fair connection before connecting at 36Mbps.....expect a 54Mbps or slightly faster connection.

If you have a flaky low 2-24Mbps connection before.....expect a more solid 24-36Mbps connection.

If you barely had a signal before....expect to barely have a signal now. But you may find a somewhat usable 1-12Mbps that is semi-reliable.

Since the newer routers have the ability to use signals that were bounced off of the wall or walls and reassemble the signal into something usable....you should find a level of usable stability you did not have before.

The any of the newer routers suggested will handle file sharing and heavy net usage in ways far beyond your old router.

In sheer number of concurrent connections your old router supported around 6000, The ASUS RT-N16 supports 300,000.

2.4Ghz wireless is what most people end up using. But there are only 3 non-overlapping channels 1,6,11 so interference is often an issue. 2.4Ghz also travel through walls somewhat easier than 5.0Ghz
The 5.0ghz spectrum is less crowded and thus, less noisy. Less Noise = higher speeds, stability and performance. The only problem is 5.0Ghz doesn't travel to well through walls.

If you learn how to program the QOS options on any of those routers you can make all your devices work simultaneously, harmoniously, and seamlessly without slowdowns or interruptions. (this will take a measure of time and understanding on how this function works in relations to your activities in order to tune it)
 
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Wireless functions similar to two guys with megaphone yelling at each other from two distant mountain tops. Giving a larger megaphone to one guy does not help the other guy at all. This is why the old school method of "turn up the wireless power" is typically a bad methodology. All you'll end up doing is overheating your router and your performance will actually go down due to the wireless transmission sounding like some sort of sick overmodulated trucker screaming "breaker break channel 9"


For example on your old WRT54G approx 81mw was as high as you can go without overmodulating the signal and increasing distortion, but that never stopped users from going as high as 200mw in their effort to achieve better wireless coverage.
 
Well like I said earlier with my linksys I never had any issues really with internet dropping, low signals ect...So Im wondering how I can increase the signal to even being able to use the wifi outside the home?
Basically the Asus will most def extend the range/signal strength of my wifi over this linksys?
 
Pivo504 said:
Well like I said earlier with my linksys I never had any issues really with internet dropping, low signals ect...So Im wondering how I can increase the signal to even being able to use the wifi outside the home?
Basically the Asus will most def extend the range/signal strength of my wifi over this linksys?
Click to expand...

Most likely yes. Keeping in mind you're currently using a router that was released in 2005.

If you are looking for best wireless performance I would go with the merlin firmware.
 
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Is the merlin firmware already flashed into the router or is it something that you need to do on your own & risk messing it up? So you think this is the best router at the 80-100 price point?
 
Pivo504 said:
Is the merlin firmware already flashed into the router or is it something that you need to do on your own & risk messing it up? So you think this is the best router at the 80-100 price point?
Click to expand...

Need to do it yourself, but it works the same way as updating firmware (and not that fancy dd-wrt tomato stuff). As long as you follow instructions failure rate should be pretty low.

https://github.com/RMerl/asuswrt-merlin/wiki/Installation
 
Right but is this the best router to get in the 80-100 price point in terms of speed, reliability, range/signal strength ect?
 
I don't know if anyone ever can recommend a 'best' anything. But its a very good buy for sure.
 
The term "Best" is very subjective when it comes to consumer class routers.

Once in a while there is a standout model, but at the moment I don't think there is one.
 
I have not ordered a product in awhile. Do you guys recommend amazon or newegg? Both sellers have the same price on the modem/router combo but Amazon says it will ship free within 2 days while newegg is free egg shipping but it says 4-7 days? Every PC product Ive ever bought was from newegg. Ive never bought any computer products from amazon how reliable are they vs newegg in terms of shipping, product, returns?
 
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Well you did mention my router was best back in the day...Im guessing that is why it has 3000 reviews...So if there is not a standout model should I just stick with my current router?
 
Just because a car was "motortrends car of the year" for 1990. Does not mean it can even compare to an avg car from the year 2010.

You're router is outclassed in almost every way other than build quality by a $30 router produced recently.


Even still..... I would question the experience one would receive when comparing a 20 year old Cadillac to a modern Ford Focus.

Your router is quite old, and is probably towards the end of its usable life. If you took it apart I would not be surprised if there were capacitors leaking on the circuit board.
 
well you've def convinced me to upgrade! I just never had issues with it so I never changed it.. I used to upgrade PC parts often but I found it to be a waste of money so now I only upgrade when its 100% needed like the case of my cable modem..Can anyone comment on newegg vs amazon ?
 
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