Wireless router for Mac and PC

[JustAnotherPCPerson]

Hi!

I don't know anything about networking/wifi but looking to get an inexpensive wireless router for my modem before boxing week is over!

Any suggesions?

I'd like one with:
- "Wifi access point"
- Mac and Windows support
- minimum 3 ethernet jacks
- 802.11ac support for mac (?)
- 802.11b/g/n support for phone

3 devices will be used for now:
- Macbook Pro via wifi
- Windows 10 PC via ethernet cable (no wifi)
- cellphone connected via wifi

I don't think I'll get the AirPort router.

Modem I have is DCM475

Modem's specs:
- Standard RJ-45 connector for 10/100/1000 BaseT Ethernet with auto-negotiation and MDIX functions; Support maximum Ethernet cable length up to 100m (Category 5).
- Support 8 downstream channels and 4 upstream channels.

It will be bought in Canada

Happy 2017!

 

[hallux]

Essentially, WiFi is WiFi, there's nothing really special about Macs Vs. PCs. Windows computers can also have 802.11ac, most wireless routers will have 4 ethernet ports. You don't NEED a 10/100/1000 uplink port to the internet for most home broadband connections, though it's good to have so you don't have to buy a new router to get the most from future upgrades.

That said, I've seen many suggestions for some of the recent offerings from Asus. I can't suggest anything in particular as I haven't bought one personally but they should ALL work with everything you have.

Where some of your biggest issues/concerns might come into play is setting up the router. I suggest a THOROUGH reading of all the available online help for the router you get prior to diving into the setup, and make use of the guides within the router while you're doing the setup if you have further concerns or questions.

 

[phrehdd]

Hi!

I don't know anything about networking/wifi but looking to get an inexpensive wireless router for my modem before boxing week is over!

Any suggesions?

I'd like one with:
- "Wifi access point"
- Mac and Windows support
- minimum 3 ethernet jacks
- 802.11ac support for mac (?)
- 802.11b/g/n support for phone

3 devices will be used for now:
- Macbook Pro via wifi
- Windows 10 PC via ethernet cable (no wifi)
- cellphone connected via wifi

I don't think I'll get the AirPort router.

Modem I have is DCM475

Modem's specs:
- Standard RJ-45 connector for 10/100/1000 BaseT Ethernet with auto-negotiation and MDIX functions; Support maximum Ethernet cable length up to 100m (Category 5).
- Support 8 downstream channels and 4 upstream channels.

It will be bought in Canada

Happy 2017!

Your needs are fairly limited (for now). What you didn't mention (that relates to WiFi), is the layout where your MBP will most likely be (worse case scenario).

What I suggest is that you take a little bit of time and explore "smallnetbuilder" site on the net. There are both reviews of WiFi routers and some basic articles as well on use of the router. Also, do you have a budget?

Depending on your location and set up, you might find that putting the phone connection on 2.4 and the MBP on 5 (gigahertz). The latter for 802.11ac and the 2.4 for the phone at 802.11n. Also, some routers will help you find which channels are optimal for your home (as they can detect other channels in use near by).

 

[JustAnotherPCPerson]

What you didn't mention (that relates to WiFi), is the layout where your MBP will most likely be (worse case scenario)

Approx 800 sq ft area

 

[phrehdd]

800 sq ft you should be able to get by with most reasonable quality routers (including the AE). It is just my opinion but I see no reason that the designated "1900" ac capable routers are not the standard middle of the line router. There are a lot of decent routers out there now and smallnetbuilder site is the place to go to see what's what.

 

[Weaselboy]

Approx 800 sq ft area

Our discussion in this thread is on point and might help you out.