My wireless router died- what do I replace with?

[hotreds]

I had a D-link for a number of years- today it was dead when I came home. I need to replace ASAP for my ROKU- any suggestions? Might get one of the 'bay or buy one at Wally World tomorrow, not sure.

Need the advice of the pros on here- what do I buy that isn't too expensive? Don't have any special needs, but want to get something decent.

Wuill I have to reset everything when I replace the router?

Is buying a used device a no-no?

[colinb913]

I personally wouldn't buy a used router, but thats just me. What exactly is "too expensive"? I have a Cisco (Linksys) Dual Band Wireless-N ---This one. (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Cisco+Linksys+-+Dual-Band+Wireless-N+Router+with+4-Port+Ethernet+Switch/2210106.p?id=1218314734913&skuId=2210106&st=Linksys%20router&cp=1&lp=1)

I got it for about seventy bucks in store, with a coupon from my reward zone card. It's a great router, and hasn't given me any troubles. We have two PS3s, three xboxs, a Wii, three laptops, two ipads, my cell phone, two blu ray players, two desktops, and two TVs (all that I can recall at the moment) that are linked up to it. Not necessarily at the same time, but it's a safe bet that at least four devices are using it at once at any given time.

I haven't experienced any lag, or dropped connections with it. It works upstairs, and downstairs with only one dead spot which is in the back storage room, where our furnace, and water heater are located.

In my opinion, this will suit you perfectly in case you do want to expand at a later date, and for now it will do you wonders.

Just my :2

[JoeCool87TC]

I've had good success with the inexpensive Rosewill Router (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833166042) I bought to replace my old Linksys when it died last June.

You'll probably have to re-introduce your wireless devices to the new router even if you set it up exactly like the old one since the MAC will be different. That was my experience anyway.

HTH

[Bill86]

Routers tend to just burn up after a while, I haven't had one that stands out in probably 7 years. I wouldn't buy a used one either.

What is your price range you want to work with?

[hotreds]

Closer to $50 than $100. I'm liking that Rosewill! Will I notice any improvement with a new router since mine is an older DI-624? I won't EVER need all that many options, Colin!

[colinb913]

Since the technology will be a bit more up-to-date, you should see a little improved speed over the network, not necessarily on web pages though (that has more to do with your ISP). But the connection from your router to computer/device should improve.

[emopunker2004]

I had a D-link for a number of years- today it was dead when I came home. I need to replace ASAP for my ROKU- any suggestions? Might get one of the 'bay or buy one at Wally World tomorrow, not sure.

Need the advice of the pros on here- what do I buy that isn't too expensive? Don't have any special needs, but want to get something decent.

Wuill I have to reset everything when I replace the router?

Is buying a used device a no-no?

Was it the Router or the power source? I have a 2-wire that is my router and modem for ATT. Mine went out and I called their CS and they overnighted me a new cord and it runs like a champ. just a thought.

[elderboy02]

I love Netgear's stuff :tu

[Skywalker]

I personally wouldn't buy a used router, but thats just me. What exactly is "too expensive"? I have a Cisco (Linksys) Dual Band Wireless-N ---This one. (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Cisco+Linksys+-+Dual-Band+Wireless-N+Router+with+4-Port+Ethernet+Switch/2210106.p?id=1218314734913&skuId=2210106&st=Linksys%20router&cp=1&lp=1)

I got it for about seventy bucks in store, with a coupon from my reward zone card. It's a great router, and hasn't given me any troubles. We have two PS3s, three xboxs, a Wii, three laptops, two ipads, my cell phone, two blu ray players, two desktops, and two TVs (all that I can recall at the moment) that are linked up to it. Not necessarily at the same time, but it's a safe bet that at least four devices are using it at once at any given time.

I haven't experienced any lag, or dropped connections with it. It works upstairs, and downstairs with only one dead spot which is in the back storage room, where our furnace, and water heater are located.

In my opinion, this will suit you perfectly in case you do want to expand at a later date, and for now it will do you wonders.

Just my :2

I have the same router! Works great!:tu

[CigarNut]

I like the Netgear Wireless N routers... They are reliable and the range of the wireless is outstanding!

[deadrise]

newegg (http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=145&name=Wireless-Routers&Order=REVIEWS)

you know there is going to be a lot of replies for different makes and models my suggestion is to look at the link sort it from most reviews to best reviews
read some of the reviews and make a choice you can live with.
I personally have a dlink 655 (gigabyte lan) but I always liked my linksys WRT54GL for a basic router it is good been around for years not hard to set up and for 50 bucks it is a good stable router

[pnoon]

newegg (http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=145&name=Wireless-Routers&Order=REVIEWS)

you know there is going to be a lot of replies for different makes and models my suggestion is to look at the link sort it from most reviews to best reviews
read some of the reviews and make a choice you can live with.
I personally have a dlink 655 (gigabyte lan) but I always liked my linksys WRT54GL for a basic router it is good been around for years not hard to set up and for 50 bucks it is a good stable router

Hugh - I have had this router for a long time. Simple to use and very reliable.
:2

[jledou]

I have had good luck with Netgear and with Linksys. I needed an inexpensive one for my parents house for when we visit and ended up with a Tenda (http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0316232) for $25 - only used it for about 4 days and just installed in December but I was pleasantly surprised with it.

[Eleven]

I'm getting in on this thread. I have the D-Link 624 as well, so it will be good to know what the options are when the time comes for me to replace it.

[ktblunden]

I've used Linksys, Netgear, and D-Link and the one that held up the best for me was D-Link. I steer friends toward D-Link as well and we've all had good luck with them. Just as with any electronic product none of them will last forever.

[hotreds]

Thanks to all!

[emopunker2004]

Glad I could help you out Hugh. $10 for a plug sure is a steal compared to a new router eh? :D

[hotreds]

Indeed! I was also not looking forward to having to reprogram a bunch of stuff. However, I'm wondering if a new router might help me with my Netflix streaming that at times is HORRIBLE!

[BlindedByScience]

It's going to be pretty hard to go wrong with any of the name brands; Linksys, Netgear, D-link, even Rosewill (NewEgg's house brand).

For our new house, I put one of these (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833124388) Linksys wireless routers in....and I absolutely love it. I paid $40.00 more for mine...:D Works fantastically, easy to recommend.

[CigarNut]

Indeed! I was also not looking forward to having to reprogram a bunch of stuff. However, I'm wondering if a new router might help me with my Netflix streaming that at times is HORRIBLE!
How's your internet bandwidth? It may be that a new router won't do a thing... If your internet bandwidth is better than you typically see on your computer then the upgrade might be worth it...

What wireless band are you using on your computer (G, N, etc.). N is about the fastest you can cheaply get these days.

You can always buy a new router and if it does not help, return it...

[BlindedByScience]

How's your internet bandwidth? It may be that a new router won't do a thing...

...since the old one is dead, a new one should work far better.....:D

Just a thought.....:tu

[emopunker2004]

...since the old one is dead, a new one should work far better.....:D

Just a thought.....:tu
Ah but it's not dead! It was the power cord as I had mentioned. :tu

[emopunker2004]

Indeed! I was also not looking forward to having to reprogram a bunch of stuff. However, I'm wondering if a new router might help me with my Netflix streaming that at times is HORRIBLE!

If it will help, at least you don't have to go and buy a new one NOW. At least your old one is functioning so you can make an educated decision on a new one if you so desire.:tu

[ucubed]

Well if your router is a pre N routers, then an almost any upgrade to an N router will benefit. If you have a lot of electronics I would suggest a dual band router. Depending on how many things are going on (streaming on multiple computers/tvs at the same time, video gaming) then a higher end router makes quite a big difference. Right now, performance wise, I trust Cisco, Netgear, and Asus, though D-Link has always been pretty good. Some cheaper dual bands http://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Wireless-N-Router-4-port-Ethernet/dp/B0041LYY6K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327468684&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.com/E2500-Advanced-Simultaneous-Dual-Band-Wireless-N/dp/B004T9RR4A/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1327469156&sr=8-9
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833124388&nm_mc=OTC-C173T&cm_mmc=OTC-C173T-_-Network+-+Wireless+Routers-_-Linksys-_-33124388

Though they might be a little out of your range...


If you want a single band... http://www.amazon.com/Cisco-E1200-Linksys-Wireless-N-Router/dp/B004T9RR6I/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1327469156&sr=8-5
http://www.amazon.com/Cisco-Linksys-WRT310N-Wireless-N-Gigabit-Router/dp/B000Z3XXR4/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1327469156&sr=8-10

If you don't mind refurbished. Although I've had many issue with refurbished routers before... http://www.amazon.com/Cisco-Linksys-WRT160N-RM-Refurbished-Wireless-N-Router/dp/B001VMAYAM/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1327469446&sr=1-3

[hotreds]

Basically a ROKU, laptop, and Wii are conneted to the router. I don't think it is an "N." I have cable internet, theoretically pretty fast. Tests show me at 23mb/s, lot better than dial-up, anyway.

[Thrak]

G or N wont make much difference when pulling data from the internet (ie - netflix) because you are limited by your external connection.

20mb from your cable is less than half of what G can push (54mb/s), so you wont hurt yourself using the G band.

I use a Cisco E3000 and Netgear WNDR3300 and have had good results with both. The E3000 is setup such that the G band is for all the random devices (phones, laptops, tablets, desktops, etc) and the N band is for media only (streaming HD movies/tv to WDLive or PS3, or pulling on-demand stuff down from directv) using the WNDR as a wireless bridge to my entertainment center.

[jledou]

A couple of times I have noticed connections dropping in and out with older wireless routers which may be what you're experiencing, it may also be a dead zone, interference or just a weak signal where the items are located. Looking at the signal strength moving your laptop around the house may determine this.
Could also be the isp dropping the stream in and out. This would be possible if more than one device has a glitch at the same time or if it happens say at the same time period every night or day. May be overload on their system or could be the modem they gave you going out/old.
Just some thoughts on things to check into.

[kickerb]

Indeed! I was also not looking forward to having to reprogram a bunch of stuff. However, I'm wondering if a new router might help me with my Netflix streaming that at times is HORRIBLE!most routers will let you export the settings, that way if you upgrade with the same brand, your settings will migrate easily.

i'm a huge fan of D-link, had mine for years with no problems

[ucubed]

G or N wont make much difference when pulling data from the internet (ie - netflix) because you are limited by your external connection.

20mb from your cable is less than half of what G can push (54mb/s), so you wont hurt yourself using the G band.

I use a Cisco E3000 and Netgear WNDR3300 and have had good results with both. The E3000 is setup such that the G band is for all the random devices (phones, laptops, tablets, desktops, etc) and the N band is for media only (streaming HD movies/tv to WDLive or PS3, or pulling on-demand stuff down from directv) using the WNDR as a wireless bridge to my entertainment center.

Essentially no, but it will provide better range and effectiveness/reliability at said ranges

[Thrak]

Essentially no, but it will provide better range and effectiveness/reliability at said ranges

Not necessarily... 5ghz N is not as good at penetrating walls due to its higher frequency. If you run it at 2.4ghz you'll overlap with G and could get interference.

Of course each situation is different and should be evaluated individually.

In any case, unless you've monitored and identified G as your limitation, it should do fine for the vast majority of home users. My movie streaming spikes over 80mbps routinely, so I had to move that segment to N to avoid stuttering and pauses.