need help with router decision?

tada1096 · 17 Nov 2012

ok i need a new router my old crappy one just isnt working anymore.

im trying to decide between the netgear N900 and N600

i have my desktop PC, xbox, and directv system hard wired to the router. I thne have my Mac, 2 ipads, 3 smartphones, a wifi printer, and PS3 using the wireless connection.

what im looking for is whats going to give me the best and fastest connection that doesnt lag or slow down.

what confuses me is that when im looking at the specs for the N600 its says the speed is 600 mbps and the N900 shows 450 but the N900 is newer and more expensive so im just lost.

so what do you guys think i should get?

2xg · 22 Nov 2012

Hello,

From this Amazon link of the Netgear N600 model, scroll below until you see 'Choose the wireless router that fits your needs' you'll see the comparison chart of the N600 and N900, it seems like N900 offers Premium Features than the N600. The question is....are you going to use those extra premium features? If there's no need to, go for the N600. Both are dual-band routers, I see you have a few wireless devices so you'll be fine.

Regarding this statement.....the best and fastest connection primarily should be coming from your high bandwidth subscription from your ISP.

what im looking for is whats going to give me the best and fastest connection that doesnt lag or slow down.

chev65 · 22 Nov 2012

Really it's the Netgear WNDR3400, the 600n refers to the potential wireless speed.

Maybe you missed this part. Five (5) 10/100 (1 WAN and 4 LAN) Ethernet ports with auto-sensing technology

Going back to 10/100 Ethernet seems like a downgrade to me. This isn't as fast as the 1000Mbps version.

And 600Mbps wireless no way on earth. The reviews for this router are terrible.

I'd still take the D-Link DIR-655 over any other router on the market but the new 802.11ac will be out soon with wireless speeds of 1Gbps.

2xg · 22 Nov 2012

Sorry but...there are 2 N600 Models, the WNDR3400 and WNDR3700 (which has gig LAN ports). I highly agree about the 10/100 techonology which is a downgrade.I have the 4500 Model which I will highly recommend, it performs well in my network and we have about a dozen wireless devices (Tablets, Smart phones, Laptops etc...). We had a D-Link dual band router which only lasted for 2 weeks, didn't work out for us.

You can't actually judge the right router for you until you use it and see how it performs, consumer reviews do help though. I think it will be best to buy from a reputable Vendor like Amazon for a hassle free return just in case the router didn't work out for the OP.

chev65 · 22 Nov 2012

2xg said:

Sorry but...there are 2 N600 Models, the WNDR3400 and WNDR3700 (which has gig LAN ports). I highly agree about the 10/100 techonology which is a downgrade.I have the 4500 Model which I will highly recommend, it performs well in my network and we have about a dozen wireless devices (Tablets, Smart phones, Laptops etc...). We had a D-Link dual band router which only lasted for 2 weeks, didn't work out for us.

You can't actually judge the right router for you until you use it and see how it performs, consumer reviews do help though. I think it will be best to buy from a reputable Vendor like Amazon for a hassle free return just in case the router didn't work out for the OP.

Yes Amazon is great. The DIR-655 isn't dual band but still the best router on the market. The reviews on dual band routers in general are terrible. I do have their dual band A/P which works great.

Dual band tech isn't all it's supposed to be at this point but with 802.11ac it should work better.

I have my doubts about the 600Mbps wireless also but I think they are talking about both bands total potential bandwidth there.