I need/want a new router.

[garvey]

I have a Belkin 54g that is @ 3 yrs. old - connected to new cable modem that delivers video/voip and hsi. Having occasional disconnects.
I want a new unit with more signal strength and range so I can work on laptop in backyard.

Please advise me on best upgrade choice. Is MIMO something to get excited about?

Thanks

[wang]

This is the next generation wireless

Netgear RANGEMAX NEXT WIRELESS-N ROUTER GIGABIT EDITION
WNR854T

http://www.netgear.com/Products/Rout...s/WNR854T.aspx

[-scott-]

I dunno, I'm still running a Linksys on an 802.11b protocol that hasn't had any problems in 5 years of continuous use (purchased summer '02). I say go w/ something from them. We have a 1.5 acre lot & you can get a signal pretty much anywhere on the property I think - I had a friend pick it up faintly next door (inside). Router is kinda smack in the middle of our house.

Yeah, 11mbps is slow between computers, but our incoming data speed from cable is still under that, so I've been too lazy to upgrade. I'm not familiar w/ MIMO.

[Patonb]

I dunno, I'm still running a Linksys on an 802.11b protocol that hasn't had any problems in 5 years of continuous use (purchased summer '02). I say go w/ something from them. We have a 1.5 acre lot & you can get a signal pretty much anywhere on the property I think - I had a friend pick it up faintly next door (inside). Router is kinda smack in the middle of our house.

Yeah, 11mbps is slow between computers, but our incoming data speed from cable is still under that, so I've been too lazy to upgrade. I'm not familiar w/ MIMO.

Saddly Linksys switched to a M$ language from linux a few years ago and now they can be sketchy. 11Mbps isn't bad... my isp is only 6Mbps.

Truethfully..... Buy a decently priced/midd range model from one of the major manufactureurs.
At the rate things are changing don't buy the top end.... N standard hasn't been fully set yet.

[garvey]

As always - thanks for the input.
When it comes to range, I'm not sure what the problem is.
When I take my Centrino based Thinkpad out in the backyard, the signal from the router becomes very weak. When I use the laptop up in my second story bedroom, the signal is excellent coming from the router down in the basement.
I thought I needed a booster of some kind or a router with more range.

[Patonb]

The range is VERY dependant on things like walls and all the wireing and insulation in the them. Also, Cement blocks signals better than wood, so upstairs there is little interference, where as outside it has to "ooze" up and around to get signal away from the house.

Ideally you should put an AP outside to use it outside.

[PN]

I think you can get excited about MIMO (Multiple input Multiple output) because you are going to get greater range and greater speed. This is going back a few months but I do recall hearing that there was a problem with the Airgo chipset. This may be the reason why 802.11n has not been ratified. I would take a look at Belkin.

[PN]

I thought I needed a booster of some kind or a router with more range.

Wireless G Universal Range Extender.

[Andy]

Wireless G Universal Range Extender.

I'd be cautious about that, I have the Linksys version of that, not sure if it's the same chipset, but between the random drop outs, kind of flakey hand-offs from the main router to the 'extender', and general WTF??? type issues, I think the repeating is a not ready for prime time yet. Also, if speed is important to you, repeating will cut the speed in 1/2 due to the way it works.

[PN]

Andy, you have company. I read the customer reviews on Amazon but I decided to purchase the Linksys Wireless-G Range Expander WRE54G at Office Depot. All I can say is that I am getting Excellent signal strength throughout the home on four different laptops. No slowdowns issues to speak of. If the Wireless G-Range-Expander was flaky, I would've returned the unit within the first two weeks.

If you're not having any WiFi issues, wait for the next generation.

[Andy]

That looks familiar. How far from the main router do you have it? I'd see how good it works in the back yard, but that occasional red light on it showing loss of connection kind of made me unplug it. I had it somewhat far from the main router, but my laptop still could connect where it was located. Are you using encription of any sort with it?

It doesnt really slow down so to speak, but it will 1/2 that 54mb theoretical transfer rate.

[mattblan]

I found Linksys to be very flaky as well. If you want to make a really smart purchase you get a 29.95 belkin wireless G with mimo. Great security, range, and speed for a really good price. You might even be able to find it on the web for less. I got one in January at Best Buy for about $35 and it will play 4.3GB video files over the network.

[dan_nc]

Have you guys had to reset your home-style routers often? I'm finding that I can't connect and have to unplug-replug my router maybe once a month, sometimes more often than that. It's been like that with my linksys, d-link, and netgear branded routers.

[PEMDAS]

Anti-Static

I would go on PCMag they have the best reviews and then i usually head over to CNet and see what they are saying.

As far as resetting you router, I never have to reset my equipment, It's great. I used to when i had an all in one "gateway" but I got Linksys to replace it with a simple router and give me money back for the dif.! dont ask it was a long hard ordeal... but anyhow it usually has to do with your modem get the Moto SurfBoard!!! by far the best! hope that helps!

[Patonb]

Have you guys had to reset your home-style routers often? I'm finding that I can't connect and have to unplug-replug my router maybe once a month, sometimes more often than that. It's been like that with my linksys, d-link, and netgear branded routers.

My linksys did until i got the newest firmware. Do you d/l alot? That was my issue. Downloading torrents was a big killer as it would fill the ip table, thus bogging my router. Restarting flushed the table and all was good.

Since the last firmware that hasn't happend once.