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Home wifi router suggestions?

T

tlbj6142

Member
My 5-7 year old D-Link is nearly dead (wifi doesn't work anymore and it is no longer supported), so I need to get a new router/AP before I bring home my shinny new android phone.

My existing router (when it did work) had issues reaching into our basement from where it was located on the main floor. Are the "new" routers better or should I look at getting 2 AP (I could easily run cable to each floor) or a router with external antennas which I could replace with a "remote" antenna which I could easily place "between" floors?

Any suggestions?
 
I've had the cheepy TrendNet routers (g 1st, then upgraded to n) and have never had trouble with either. Got them from Newegg when I caught them on sale (like $15 to $25). Can't beat the price. I don't have any range issue though...apartment living.
 
In my view the Belkin N1 Vision is a good pick. I have been running one for nearly 2 years now, and it is by far the most reliable piece of equipment I've had in the time I've had wireless routers.

My very first wireless was an SMC 802.11b wireless system with a built in serial print server. Actually was very reliable, but after about a year it died.

Replaced with a D-Link. Turned out to be fairly reliable, but died after about a year.

Replaced with a Linksys G router. Died in 2 weeks. Power surge. Can't blame the router, but I decided to replace it anyway.

NetGear router. Very reliable. Lasts about a year and a half and dies.

AirPort Extreme G router w/ USB print server: proprietary as heck, but lasted 3 1/2 years. It's still in line as my main backup should my Belkin ever fail.

Replaced with the Belkin Draft N N1 Vision. VERY reliable, great coverage, and going on 2 years now with only reboots every few weeks. Hasn't died yet.

They all die the same way: WiFi begins to get flaky. Dropped connections. Sometimes DNS stops working, etc etc. Start to see packet loss that was never there in the first place... then it just gets worse. You reboot the router, etc etc... but... still, it gets to the point where it needs to be replaced.

The radios just burn out. I think the service life would be much better from an industrial grade product, such as the Cisco Aeronet equipment. I will probably buy that, should the Belkin die (as I know it will).
 
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