Looking for New Router Advice

I'm thinking about getting a new wireless router, because apparently my year-old WRT100 is dropping sockets when playing Demigod.  To be clear, the devs are recommending a router less than two years old.

The router will be hooked into my PC, but needs to have good wireless range for 360, laptops, etc..

Budget: $100 or less

Any thoughts?

57,562 views 17 replies
Reply #1 Top

I just hooked up a new WRT45GL and its been working flawlessly so far.

I was reccomended it because its sort of the "going standard". There are tons of worse routers and a few better ones. But as far as price goes it sits in the sweet spot.

Reply #2 Top

dont pick d-link or belkin... :) had problem with those brands.. netgear works fine for me

Reply #3 Top

Na, I personally would recommend a linksys, they are much more duable, my oldest one which is still working is more than like 3 - 4 years old, it still works cause of the wireless B and G, but I would recommend you get either wireless N or G, and I personllay don't know that much about the other brands.

Reply #4 Top

Linksys and Cisco has some alternatives, such as the Linksys WRT160N, WRT54GL or the Cisco WRV200.
If you don't want to fiddle around with a Linksys (Cisco's home user brand btw - their routers often runs Linux, meaning great potential but a lot of user configuration to do), I'd pick a 3Com 3CRWER300 or a Netgear WNDR3300/WNDR3500 - they're just within or a small amount above the stated budget, and they should meet your needs more than well.

The Linksys/Cisco ones are usually great too, although some computer (esp. Linux and general networking) is required to get the most out of them.

OR; You could blow the budget and get a D-Link DIR-855, which has a throughput that as good as owns any similar product, in pretty much any price range. That's what I would go for if I didn't have a custom Cisco setup =)

Reply #5 Top

Linksys hasn't been very reliable for me unfortunately (replaced mine and my folks, 2 routers just quit working).  I switched over to DLink networking equipment and haven't had any problems at all.  Using a Wireless N is the way to go. Fast and great coverage as well.  

I went the cheaper route and went with a Wireless N router, and attached it to a gigabit switch for my desktop and NAS. (about a year and a half ago)

 

 

Reply #6 Top

I use a Buffalo WHR-HP-G54 flashed with DD-WRT and I'd have to say its the best router I've ever had. Right now on Newegg you can pick one up for $65, and I think it's worth it, especially if you feel comfortable with flashing DD-WRT onto it. Even without DD-WRT its a great router and I have not yet have had a single problem with it.

Reply #7 Top

Quoting Mooster, reply 3
I would recommend you get either wireless N or G
End of Mooster's quote

99% of home user have no need for N and will NEVER utilize the bandwidth available.

G is fine for home use.

I have had no problems with Linksys WRT54GL (wireless G). running one at my house and installed one for my sister.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reply #8 Top

Quoting Tamren, reply 1
I just hooked up a new WRT45GL and its been working flawlessly so far.

I was reccomended it because its sort of the "going standard". There are tons of worse routers and a few better ones. But as far as price goes it sits in the sweet spot.
End of Tamren's quote

I second this. Also I use the Tomato firmware, which has a few more features. :)

Reply #9 Top

I was just about to say linksys with either DD-WRT or Tomato firmware.  you may want to look at the respective firmware providers to see which models are most compatible.    Thats your best when on a budget.

D-link is good if you're buying a high-end router.   Like a good D-link is VERY good.... a cheap D-link is very cheap.   being that your budget is 100, I'd suggest clearing away from D-link unless you plan to spend almost all of that 100.

Reply #10 Top

I use an el-cheapo netgear DG834G which works flawlessly and is well within your budget :)

Reply #11 Top

Yeah never skimp on hardware quality, you really do get what you pay for. Buy stuff on sale for cheap, but never buy cheap stuff.

Reply #12 Top

Netgear Rangemax, unless you're in the same room in which case a linksys works fine (I have both) :)

Reply #13 Top

I use a Buffalo WHR-HP-G54 flashed with DD-WRT and I'd have to say its the best router I've ever had. Right now on Newegg you can pick one up for $65, and I think it's worth it, especially if you feel comfortable with flashing DD-WRT onto it. Even without DD-WRT its a great router and I have not yet have had a single problem with it.
End of quote

Excellent suggestion!!

I use Buffalo Air Station at home.

Linksys WRT54G refurbished bought for $30.00 reflashed with DD-WRT awsome firmware.This setup is actually outside on a pole so it hits the shop and office the other day I connected from the store near my shop close to a 1/4 mi. no kidding!

Reply #14 Top

Thanks for the quick advice, guys. 

Right now I'm looking at the Buffalo WHR-HP-G54 which is on Newegg for $65

But I'm seeing this TRENDnet TEW-631BRP for $10 cheaper and it's N protocol.  It probably won't work with Tomato however.  

Thoughts on going with the newer, cheaper tech even with native firmware?  Thoughts on TRENDnet?

Thanks

Reply #15 Top

Quoting Ke5trel, reply 14
Thanks for the quick advice, guys. 

Right now I'm looking at the Buffalo WHR-HP-G54 which is on Newegg for $65

But I'm seeing this TRENDnet TEW-631BRP for $10 cheaper and it's N protocol.  It probably won't work with Tomato however.  

Thoughts on going with the newer, cheaper tech even with native firmware?  Thoughts on TRENDnet?

Thanks
End of Ke5trel's quote

Definitely go with Newegg...best pricing and reliability/dependability around...whatever you choose, good luck! :sun:

Reply #16 Top

I'm all about D-Link personally.  The Linksys routers I've used work great and have good technology, but they tend to flake out after a few years.

Reply #17 Top

Remember all the D-link problems in the beta I would avoid those.