New router?

Question

so im thinking of buying a new router. My internet connection sometimes. depending on the day, frequently drops. my internet service charter did nothing to help, and charged us secretly for our "free" modem on our bill. Ignoring them, i think the next problem is the router, its kind of old, so im thinking of replacing it. Right now i have a D-link prolly the 624 or so. But im thinking of upping to the D Link Xtreme N, or perhaps a Lynksys, but even ignoring brands, i would like to know what the better kinds of routers out there would be. I am planning on using my internet for general purposes, gaming, (Computer and Console), and downloads. If anyone could help me out on finding a consistent reliable router, i would appreciate it. Thanks.

Answer 1

Depending on the age of your modem, and upgrades that your ISP has made since it was installed, your modem could no longer be compatable with their system. Many times an ISP will increase their speeds and the older equipment will disconect while trying to keep up. If you have ruled that out; before purchasing a new router I would recommend checking with your game console manufacturer for their compatability recommendations.

Her are the recommendations for Xbox 360



Routers

The following routers have earned the Xbox Live Compatible logo.



Microsoft Supported Firmware Wireless Standards

MN-100 1.08, 1.11.017 Wired only

MN-500 1.08, 1.11.017 802.11b

MN-700 02.00.07.0331, 02.00.08.0333, 02.01.02.0590 802.11g/b



D-Link Supported Firmware Wireless Standards

DI-524 1.05, 3.00 802.11g/b

DI-604 2.18, 3.2, 3.36, 3.51 Wired only

DI-614+ 2.18, 3.2, 3.35, 3.43 802.11b

DI-624 2.25, 2.28, 2.42, 2.50, 2.70 802.11g/b

DI-634M 2.01 802.11g/b

DI-784 2.38, 2.42 802.11a/g/b

DGL-4100 1.2, 1.3, 1.6 Wired only

DGL-4300 1.2, 1.3, 1.6 802.11g/b

WBR-1310 1.01 802.11g/b

EBR-2310 1.00 Wired Only



Linksys Supported Firmware Wireless Standards

BEFSR41 (v3) 1.04.8, 1.05.00 Wired only

BEFW11S4 (v4) 1.45.3, 1.50.14 802.11b

WRT54G (v1, v2, v3) 3.01.3, 3.03.6 802.11g/b

WRT54GS (v2) 3.37.6 802.11g/b

WRT55AG (v2) 1.10, 1.79 802.11g/b/a



Netgear Supported Firmware Wireless Standards

WGU624 1.0.1.2EN, 1.0.1.9EN 802.11g/b

WGR614 (v1) 1.40 802.11g/b

WGR614 (v5) 1.0.7_1.0.6 802.11g/b

WGR614 (v6) 1.0.11_1.0.7 802.11g/b

WGR614 (v7) v1.0.12_1.0.12NA 802.11g/b

WGT624 (v2) 4.2.6_1.0.1 802.11g/b

WGT624 (v3) 1.0.12_1.0.1, V1.0.120_1.0.1, V1.0.128_1.0.1 802.11g/b

WGT634U 1.4.1.8, 1.4.1.10 802.11g/b

WPN824 1.0.10_1.0.7, V2.0.15_1.0.11 802.11g/b



ZyXEL Supported Firmware Wireless Standards

X-550 X-550_V1.1 802.11g/b

P-330W 1.8 802.11g/b



*****************UPDATED******************



The WRT54G would be my choice. The S desigtnation is for Speed, however the speed boost will not improve the speed of the wireless gaming adapters (at least in the case of xbox 360)

I have used the WRT54G in our home, we have 2 wireless laptops, 1 hardwired desktop, 2 wireless xbox 360's and 1 hard wired xbox 360... All work through this router with no problems or speed loss.

Answer 2

I think you can try Linksys WRT54G. Though there have been many versions of this router, this is a classic and is always solid. Also for those worried about setting this up, the phone support is fantastic. Very easy, works great. And i find that a decent deal for it is only $44.

http://www.dealstudio.com/searchdeals.php?deal_id=63313&ru=283

Answer 3

Try CNET for reviews. I think in general that the brand specific accelerated hardware is a waste of money. Most IT people like Lynksys (Cisco) routers. I think Netgear Consumer products are cheap. I used DLink for years and now have Linksys because I have Vonage. I think the Linksys has performed the best.

Answer 4

There is no difference between a "Cable/DSL" router and a "Broadband" router. It's just a different moniker. Try simply disconnecting your XBOX from the router and see if the speed increases. If it does, then I would see if there are any updates available for the XBOX. That could solve your issue.

Answer 5

I would actually check your modem. If you connecting is dropping, your modem may be going bad. Ask the company to come out and test/replace it. But for routers, I have always used Linksys routers without problems.

Answer 6

Linksys WRT54G I've had it for years without problem.