Advice on Wireless Router

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Craik

9 posts

Wannabe Geek

#111432 3-Nov-2012 11:27

Hi everyone,

Long time browser, first time poster :)

As the Topic suggested, I need help choosing a new Wireless Router.

Currently, I have a Thompson TG585 v8 (Telecom) Router. This router is old and not very good. My problems with it include:

Constantly drops connection
Poor range
Hard to configure
Poor compatibility with iPhone's and Macbook laptops.

My flatmates and I have decided it is time to all pitch in and buy a new router, and I have offered to do the research.

Basically, we need a router that does the following:

Great Wifi range
Allows connection of 10 different devices at once (laptops, mac's, printer, iPhones etc)
Is compatible with Apple and PC products
Consistent connection
Easy setup (none of us are very tech savvy)

We are prepared to spend between $200-$300.

Can you help suggest a good router that meets our needs? All help is very much appreciated!

Thanks,

Craig

nakedmolerat

4629 posts

Uber Geek

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Lifetime subscriber

#711301 3-Nov-2012 11:55

Netgear DGND4000 for less than $300

Craik

9 posts

Wannabe Geek

#711378 3-Nov-2012 14:09

nakedmolerat: Netgear DGND4000 for less than $300

Thanks nakedmolerat, that router looks really good!

Do you know if this router will support iPhones, macbook laptops, mac computers and PC's? That is the main sticking point with our current router and I'd hate to spend $300 and have similar issues.

Thanks!

richms

28187 posts

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#711539 3-Nov-2012 22:28

Tell the store what hardware you have (they will always say that it will be fine to get the sale) so that when you have issues you have a very good reason to return it without any restocking fees etc as it is not suitable and you are covered by the CGA.

Richard rich.ms

chevrolux

4962 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#711597 4-Nov-2012 00:47

I am just always be an advocate for get the elements that do their specific thing well. For instance if you simplify my own LAN there is the Draytek 120 bridging ADSL to pfSense (on a virtual box) and then a Unifi Pro doing the wifi. At the moment the galaxy s3 is the only thing using the 5Ghz but in general the whole set up is super stable and performs very well (there is a NAS, PBX and multiple DLNA devices in it too).In saying that, I had a small play with a fritzbox recently and I was very impressed with what it did in terms of VoIP and DECT. It was the 'older' 7340 but still seemed very feature filled. I would go for a fritz! if you want an all in one device.

KevinL

656 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

#711598 4-Nov-2012 01:30

"none of us are very tech savvy"

I'd just get an all-in-one ADSL/Wireless Router. One box, easy to configure, no messing around.

I use a TP-Link TD-W8960N ($100 shipped from Playtech/Computer Lounge/Ascent) and it's fairly robust.

Using a dedicated router (in addition to a separate ADSL modem, or at a pinch you can use your existing router as a modem only) will potentially give you more features e.g. bandwidth quotas for users/pooled IP addresses. It does increase the complexity, though - it just really depends what you want to achieve.

If all you want is something 'better' than your current device, then a ADSL Wireless Router is probably what you want.

DrStrangelove

368 posts

Ultimate Geek

#711640 4-Nov-2012 10:05

KevinL: "none of us are very tech savvy"

I'd just get an all-in-one ADSL/Wireless Router. One box, easy to configure, no messing around.

I use a TP-Link TD-W8960N ($100 shipped from Playtech/Computer Lounge/Ascent) and it's fairly robust.

Ditto. This will fulfill your requirements as you have documented them.

nakedmolerat

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#711670 4-Nov-2012 11:03

Craik:
nakedmolerat: Netgear DGND4000 for less than $300

Thanks nakedmolerat, that router looks really good!

Do you know if this router will support iPhones, macbook laptops, mac computers and PC's? That is the main sticking point with our current router and I'd hate to spend $300 and have similar issues.

Thanks!

It should be fine. I have macbook, desktop pc, androids on the network. They works perfect.

The good thing about this router is it comes with ADSL2+ router and also can be used for fibre connection (UFB) in the future.

Quic Broadband

Move to New Zealand's best fibre broadband service (affiliate link). Free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE. Note that to use Quic Broadband you must be comfortable with configuring your own router.

Speedy0197

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#711797 4-Nov-2012 15:39

i just bought the tp-link 8960 for 105 included postage.
easy to set up, fast speed, no problems
http://www.pbtech.co.nz/index.php?z=p&p=MODTPL8960&name=TP-Link-TD-W8960N-300M-Wireless-N-All-In-One-ADSL2