More router questions

[alexam]

I have Windows 7 Ultimate on my PC, XP Professional on my laptop and also have an Apple iPad4. My present supply is via Virgin Media and they supplied a Motorola Modem, which is linked to my Linksys 54G Router.

I am not technically minded, but appreciate, through research, that I should upgrade my router to 'n' rather than 'g' to hopefully give better range and power. Virgin will be sending me their new Super Hub 2 to replace the modem and router I presently have, but in further research, that Hub has really lousey reviews from various professionals and users.

I spoke with Virgin about this and established that if I don't get the results I am looking for, I could simply use the Hub as a modem and link it to another router.

My question is, what is the best router, particularly for long range, as |I would like this to go beyond my conservatory, where the present signal often drops out. Not looking for cheap, but quality router.

 

[Kari]

I wholeheartedly recommend Belkin routers for you. I have used Belkin almost exclusively last 6 or 7 years, only had issues once as told here: http://www.sevenforums.com/hardware-devices/123138-belkin-n1-vision-router-endless-reboot-loop.html.

I currently have one Belkin AC 1200 DB Wi-Fi Dual-Band AC+ Gigabit Router and three Belkin N300 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Range Extenders. Together they give me WiFi allover the two and a half storey house and greater parts of the yard and garden. No dead spots inside the house, at least 3 out of 5 signal strength outside up to 60 to 80 meters (200 to 260 feet) from the house.

Please notice this recommendation is my subjective opinion, only based in my good experience with Belkin products.

Kari

 

[kbrady1979]

If you want top notch coverage, you can mark off routers with an internal antennae. The work good for small spaces, but you NEED an external antennae for the best coverage. You will also want one that is "dual band" meaning it covers the 2.4GHz range as well as the 5GHz range. Even if you don't have any devices that currently can utilize 5GHz wireless, it's better to go ahead and have it. You also want to look at connectivity. Are most of your devices wireless, or do you need a bunch of ethernet ports? Most good routers come with a dedicated WAN ethernet port(connects to modem) and 4+ LAN ethernet ports...make sure the router you choose will at least cover the devices you have. That should narrow your choices down considerably. Most routers will have about the same features once you sort through that. Some will have USB ports for external storage and printer sharing too.

Several months ago I wanted a new router to stream HD content from my desktop to the Blu Ray player in my bedroom consistently. My Linksys router just didn't have enough "ass" to stream movies with 20+Mbps bandwidth without buffering/skipping. I went with the Asus RT-N66U router and absolutely love it. I can stream HD content with video bandwidth up to 30-ish Mbps no problem now(that is a full Blu Ray disc, not an encode). Very easy to set up and manage....was working within 5 minutes of changing out the routers.

Let us know if you need anymore help.

 

[alexam]

Many thanks Kari and Kelly, all good information and will be considered. One thing I had not considered was the external antennae, as I was under the impression that the latest routers with internal antennae's where OK. I will look more into that.

It's nice to be able to ask for advice on here and get swift replies - cheers guys.