Help will a router help

[cape cod]

I have a poor signal only at home. Never more than 2 bars, and sometimes none. 3G to no G from moment to moment. This is a Verizon phone. Could I put a router on my Comcast connection to my PC to improve this? And would Comcast charge me? Anyone been down this road?

 

[82nd Airborne]

I have a poor signal only at home. Never more than 2 bars, and sometimes none. 3G to no G from moment to moment. This is a Verizon phone. Could I put a router on my Comcast connection to my PC to improve this? And would Comcast charge me? Anyone been down this road?

A wireless router would help you tremendously for data (also your battery if your 3G is constantly trying to reconnect). Hopefully you still get a 1X signal (this is what your TB uses for phone calls and SMS) which is more than likely. If you do end up getting a router and connect to it, the 3G symbol will be replaced by a WiFi symbol, so you won't be able to tell how good your 1X connection is. The good news is 1X signal is a bit stronger than 3G, so you shouldn't have a problem with phone calls/SMS texts. I don't know your plan for Comcast, but if it's unlimited data then you're all set. Your phone calls and SMS will not be part of the WiFi connection so Comcast has nothing to do with that (unless your using something like Skype).

 

[cape cod]

Thanks for the info. I'll be shopping for a router..any suggestions?

 

[82nd Airborne]

Thanks for the info. I'll be shopping for a router..any suggestions?

I use an Apple Airport which works great. I haven't shopped for one in some time, so I would suggest going to a retail seller like Bestbuy and read the user reviews they have for the various models they sell. Having said that, I will never own a Linksys again. Good luck with you decision!

 

[pat3332]

I recently got the Netgear N600 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router, part # WNDR3700. It's very fast, so easy to set up even I was able to do it, hasn't needed a reboot yet and I haven't had to contact customer service about anything which means a big +1 to 82nd Airborne about Linksys.

 

[Martimus]

Linksys routers are a good choice so long as you do your research and pick the right router. Many of the newer Linksys routers are jokingly called ashtrays by many due to their flat, concave design. These routers have poor cooling capabilities and tend to overheat.

For that reason I typically recommend to people to either look at the high end E-series Linksys routers, the business class Linksys routers, or one of the older routers with external dipole antennas. For most applications it's often best to stay away from the Linksys ashtray...