Wireless router going out, need suggestions!

[axion]

I currently have a D-Link DIR-655 and it has been working fine for the past couple years. Recently it will drop connection all around, wires and wireless. I noticed it would do this after playing BF3 online only which was strange, but my wife says it happens during the day while I am at work as well.

The internet works just fine when the router is bypassed so I know it's on my end and not TWC's.

We have our main PC connected via hardwire, and we use the WIFI for our cell phones, an ipod, a laptop and we will very soon be connecting a Roku media device in our bedroom.

I am looking for suggestions on a quality replacement for this router, that will suite our somewhat basic needs and not break the bank, $100 or less really.

Not sure it matters, but we have the Road Runner turbo, which I think is 20mbs? I would like the router to keep top speeds to the wireless devices, as well as fast streaming to the media player we plan on adding. Thanks!

 

[JackMDS]

Your TWC Modem is a Modem Only or a Modem/Router combo?

If it is a combo you have to configure the 655 as an AP.

Otherwise get this - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833320091

 

[axion]

The TWC Modem is modem only. I was looking at that model through a post you suggested in another thread iirc, was looking for something a little cheaper but still quality? SOO many options out there!

 

[JackMDS]

This one is very good too and cost less.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833320062

Otherwise, this is as low as I can recommend for Dual Mode and Giga LAN port.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833162070

 

[axion]

This one is very good too and cost less.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833320062

Otherwise, this is as low as I can recommend for Dual Mode and Giga LAN port.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833162070

Thank you!

 

[s44]

I suggest the Linksys E3200, esp. if you're not averse to flashing alternate firmware. (Shibby 109 finally has it running without a hitch, though config complexity has gone up.)

But the N66u is top of class.

 

[axion]

I suggest the Linksys E3200, esp. if you're not averse to flashing alternate firmware. (Shibby 109 finally has it running without a hitch, though config complexity has gone up.)

But the N66u is top of class.

I thought I read somewhere that the new Linksys/Cisco models shaped like that didn't have very good wireless range? True or False?

 

[s44]

I thought I read somewhere that the new Linksys/Cisco models shaped like that didn't have very good wireless range? True or False?

Define "range".

If you mean will it go through multiple walls with good speed, here's the downlink thoroughput for routers on the 2.4ghz band with a wall a ceiling and 35 feet of air in the way:
SmallNetBuilder location D

You'll notice a few things:
(1) The N66u is a beast. There's a reason it's the first-choice recommendation here.
(2) The "flat" shaped Linksys 4200v1 is pretty good... too bad you can't get it any more.
(3) The N56u that JackMDS recommended isn't bad, either. I didn't recommend it because IMO firmware flexibility is more important than the radio. You can always swap the radio for a standalone AP, but with a Ralink-based router like the N56u you can't ever change the firmware.
(4) The Linksys 3200 doesn't do as well as the above but beats all the Buffalos except the way-more-expensive AC model.

Moral: You basically get what you pay for.

 

[JackMDS]

For the price the Bufflalo has better Wireless and it is coming with a choice of stock and DD-wrt.

The E4200 is a decent Linksys, the E3200, nah!.

 

[s44]

the Bufflalo has better Wireless

Except it doesn't.

and it is coming with a choice of stock and DD-wrt.

DD-WRT is messy junk.

But whatever.

 

[Lash444]

ddwrt was good during the 54g days. gargoyle (which doesnt have as many features ) is so rock solid stable on my wndr3500 that i dont think i have ever rebooted it.