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Need a new wireless router

red66charger

red66charger

Android Expert
I'm looking for recommendations on a wireless router for my home. Typical use...desktop power mac with a lan connection an several laptops and gaming systems connecting with wifi. I don't say this much, but money is not a factor. I just want a killer router. Everything in the house is close. Thanks.
 
I have a Netgear WNDR600. I was strictly using the wifi only when I was temporarily living at my sisters house for a few months earlier this year. I never had any gaming issues playing Bad Company 2 online....none.
 
I have the Cisco RV110W, it has 64MB RAM, 32MB ROM, 300mhz CPU. Single-band Wireless N, G, B and 10/100 ports. Also, many other features such VLAN, multiple SSID, etc. $90 Cdn.

It handles 1 desktop, 6 laptops, streaming TV, a Wii consule (Netflix), 4 phones and 2 3DS units without issue.

Be aware that to make use of dual band routers your devices need to support 5ghz. Phones do not, most laptops don't but with a USB dongle can. My opinion is dual-band is not needed. Your ISP is the bottleneck long before your internal network speed.
 
Yeah the one I have not having 802.11 N is the one kinda bummer feature....makes it a little less future proof.....
 
andruoid said:
My opinion is dual-band is not needed. Your ISP is the bottleneck long before your internal network speed.
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The 5Ghz band isn't just useful for throughput; it's also a huge benefit if you live in an area with lots of competing wireless APs stomping all over your signal. Because it's less common in consumer-level kit there's a much better chance of you finding 'clear air', provided you of course have devices that support 5Ghz.
 
Slug said:
The 5Ghz band isn't just useful for throughput; it's also a huge benefit if you live in an area with lots of competing wireless APs stomping all over your signal. Because it's less common in consumer-level kit there's a much better chance of you finding 'clear air', provided you of course have devices that support 5Ghz.
Click to expand...

Definitely, there are many more channels on the 5ghz band. I did a site survey with inSSIDer and in my area there are 20-25 APs in range. All using the 2.4ghz band as well. I've never had an issue with interference.
 
Sometimes you just want fast network transfers too -- not just fast internet. I have a NAS and it's nice to get decent speed without having to plug in -- though... I still plugin if I really need the bandwidth.
 
Another reason to also get one of the better Wireless-N routers that are capable of 300 or 450Mbps.

This is one reason why I'm looking forward to getting the new Galaxy Nexus. My Incredible only does B/G; whereas the Nexus does B/G/N.
 
There are a mix of 6 different laptops in the house. All are built-in single antenna so 300 speeds are not possible unless a dual antenna USB dongle is used. 150 speeds are standard. Saying that, I assume an Android has a single antenna as well.
 
andruoid said:
There are a mix of 6 different laptops in the house. All are built-in single antenna so 300 speeds are not possible unless a dual antenna USB dongle is used. 150 speeds are standard. Saying that, I assume an Android has a single antenna as well.
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Yeah, you're probably right about that. At least your phone can still do 150Mbps instead of 54Mbps.:)
 
jikhead said:
My Incredible only does B/G; whereas the Nexus does B/G/N.
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And the Nexus will be dual-band as well, being both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. capable. ;)


The only major downside to using the 5 GHz band is that it has far less distance than the 2.4 GHz band.
 
Bonez said:
And the Nexus will be dual-band as well, being both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. capable. ;)


The only major downside to using the 5 GHz band is that it has far less distance than the 2.4 GHz band.
Click to expand...

Awesome, didn't know that about the Nexus. Thanks.
 
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