Wireless N Router

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Dimension

22 posts

Geek

#66680 21-Aug-2010 17:06

I am looking to upgrade to a wireless N router since my current wireless G is on its last legs. I have spent time reading through reviews but I am still no closer to finding one that stands out.

Ideally, I want to get a device which supports both 2.4 and 5 Ghz bands to future proof myself. It should also have good wireless strength and speed as all devices in the house are wireless. Based on this I thought I was set on the Linksys WAG160N which seemed to tick all the right boxes before finding out that it drops out regularly.

I was wondering if anyone with the same requirements as me can share positive experiences with wireless N routers you're using or know of to help me find one that is suitable.

Thanks

steve98

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#371429 23-Aug-2010 11:34

Hi Dimension

The thing to be aware of is that the WAG160n while being dual band is "one or the other" -- i.e. you have to pick whether it operates at 2.4Ghz OR 5Ghz. This means that if you have *any* wireless devices that can't operate at the newer 5Ghz, you will need to switch it to 2.4Ghz and until such a time as all your existing wireless devices have been replaced with ones that operate on 5Ghz, you may as well not even have that frequency.

What you ideally need a simultaeneous dual-band router which can operate at both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz at the same time, allowing your newer devices to take advantage of the less crowded 5Ghz frequency while still allowing older devices to work on 2.4Ghz.

In my own searches, I have found no modem/router combos that offer simultaneous dual-band, so you're probably going to end up buying a router that offers this, which in turn connects to a standalone modem for your internet connection.

You'll want to look at either the Linksys WRT320n or the Apple Airport Extreme.

heavenlywild

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#371431 23-Aug-2010 11:40

You often get interference from your cordless phones and other devices running on 2.4GHz. If you can, definitely go with an option of 5GHz too, if, like steve98 says, your devices can support that standard.

raab

262 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#371440 23-Aug-2010 11:56

I've got a netgear wndr3700 and linksys wrt610n, both simultaneous

One thing you have to be aware of is that 5ghz range is pretty bad, even more so if you've got concrete floors separating levels

I definitely recommend either, both you can install dd-wrt on if thats your thing

digitaldivide

94 posts

Master Geek
Inactive user

#371452 23-Aug-2010 12:11

steve98: Hi Dimension

The thing to be aware of is that the WAG160n while being dual band is "one or the other" -- i.e. you have to pick whether it operates at 2.4Ghz OR 5Ghz. This means that if you have *any* wireless devices that can't operate at the newer 5Ghz, you will need to switch it to 2.4Ghz and until such a time as all your existing wireless devices have been replaced with ones that operate on 5Ghz, you may as well not even have that frequency.

What you ideally need a simultaeneous dual-band router which can operate at both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz at the same time, allowing your newer devices to take advantage of the less crowded 5Ghz frequency while still allowing older devices to work on 2.4Ghz.

In my own searches, I have found no modem/router combos that offer simultaneous dual-band, so you're probably going to end up buying a router that offers this, which in turn connects to a standalone modem for your internet connection.

You'll want to look at either the Linksys WRT320n or the Apple Airport Extreme.

I found it hard to locate anything decent that does both DSL, and everything else.

I ended up turning off most/all the features & services of my current DSL router (e.g: Wifi) and connected to it a Airport Extreme Base station.

The Airport Extreme base station is the centre of my network at home.

It's been rock solid, supports different SSIDs for both when N and G are on (and a bunch of other SSID options), printer port, wake-on-lan/schedule, etc.

I reserve Wireless N for anything on my network needing streaming video or speed (e.g.: PS3, PC connected to my TV, etc) and everyone else gets Wireless G (guests, laptops, ipods, etc).

Specs are: http://www.apple.com/airportextreme/specs.html

It's not the cheapest piece of kit on the market, but they come up on TradeMe often

steve98

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#371453 23-Aug-2010 12:12

Oops yes I meant WRT610n in my post, not WRT320n (the 320 is not simulteaneous). I have the AirPort Extreme and can recommend it. Works with Mac and PC, and is super easy to setup being Apple.

Dimension

22 posts

Geek

#371678 23-Aug-2010 17:17

An update:

I will only be using the following on my network: Desktop with wireless adapter, laptop with built in N wireless
I live in a small apartment about 8 by 10 metres so I would think the signal will be present throughout?
There are only 2 other wireless networks that my desktop picks up so the area is not crowded with SSIDs
My main tasks are downloading, gaming and Skype (with video)

Based on that, what am I best getting? I just want to improve my current wireless speeds, especially for downloading/gaming.

webwat

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#372672 25-Aug-2010 14:14

heavenlywild: You often get interference from your cordless phones and other devices running on 2.4GHz. If you can, definitely go with an option of 5GHz too, if, like steve98 says, your devices can support that standard.

If you have problems with interferance or radio congestion on 2.4Ghz, change the channel. 5Ghz has fewer channels than 2.4Ghz but may have less interferance due to lower wall penetration. 5Ghz band is brilliant for point-to-point signals but maybe not ideal if you find that it picks up other 5Ghz transmitters.

Time to find a new industry!