Wireless routers

[monroepq]

I'm in the market for a new wireless router, probably not an apple but not opposed if that's the best option out there. I've tried looking at various reviews, specifically on newegg, but it seems that everyone here and there has had a problem with some router, but that's probably the case with all of them, right? I just need a solid wireless router that's equally compatible on leopard, vista, and linux, can forward ports, doesn't die out or need to be restarted everyday, and the signal doesn't die out after thirty feet. I live in a small house, so it doesn't have to extend too far. Is this kind of router in existence?

Also pci wireless adapter recommendations would be nice too, but I'll probably just by a cheap one since those have never failed me.

Thanks!

 

[SLC Flyfishing]

I've used Linksis, Belkin, Buffalo, and Zyxel before my current one (Apple Airport Extreme) none of them even touched the range I get with the Apple, and they are compatible with Vista. They have a USB input on the back for adding an external Hard drive to your network or a Printer or with a USB hub you can even use both.

SLC

 

[madfresh]

I use a Linksys WRT54G and so far it has been decent. I don't think it's that expensive anymore. Might want to check out a Linksys router.

 

[monroepq]

Yeah I was thinking about that model since it's relatively cheap and basic, and apparently it won an award on newegg. As for apple, it's always had weird compatibility issues for me when working with any windows os, like the network would work perfectly on mac but not always show up or connect on windows. I do have an older model though.. but abs is a lot more expensive than others.

 

[poopyhead]

I would go with an airport express or an extreme depending on whether or not you need "n" or air disk

for non apple branded stuff, based on my experience selling people routers, watching people return routers, and hearing people complain about routers I would go with a buffalo

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/103-7749949-1444661?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=buffalo+routers&x=0&y=0
check circuit city for a better price they always have buffalo stuff in the weekly sales ad

 

[rogersmj]

Another vote for the Linksys WRT54G. I use one, and I set them up at my father's, mother's, and my wife's parents' houses. They all have worked flawlessly for ages, and I like that the one I have is hackable (I don't think the later ones are so easy, though). Macs and PCs both work great with them. $50 just about anywhere.

 

[notjustjay]

I bought a D-Link "N" router (sorry, forget the model number, but it has two antennas, not 3, and cost only about $60), and it's great. Easy to set up the basics and there are so many advanced functions that I'm sure I'll never touch 90% of them. Range is excellent throughout all three stories of my house and even down the street a few houses (accessed via my iPod Touch). And the wireless speed, especially on my "n" enabled aluminum iMac, is so good that I haven't even bothered to start the Ethernet wiring project I thought I was going to do when I first moved in, and I've been here over half a year.

Getting a good router really can make a huge difference in your perceived internet speed. For a few weeks I thought my cable internet provider was giving me really lousy connections, but switching to this router was like night and day. I used to think any old no-name $20 would do fine, but I've seen evidence that this is not the case.

 

[mr.light]

I had a lynksys. It kept cutting off on me. Finally got an Airport extreme and I am very pleased. I would never get any other router again. Very simple to set up and the airport disk is very handy indeed.

 

[SubaruNation555]

Getting a good router really can make a huge difference in your perceived internet speed. For a few weeks I thought my cable internet provider was giving me really lousy connections, but switching to this router was like night and day. I used to think any old no-name $20 would do fine, but I've seen evidence that this is not the case.

Very true. I have Verizon FiOS and switched from using their crappy free router to an older Airport Extreme/Express combo and it made a noticeable difference.

 

[GSMiller]

I had a completely different experience with the Linksys WRT54G. It would continuously drop the connect and the knowledgebase offered by Sisco on the product was nonexistent. Maybe it was just that one router but I spent a lot more time troubleshooting it than enjoying the net, and yea I don't believe there is such a thing as a "perfect" router.

 

[taeclee99]

Get an Airport Extreme!

I used to use a netgear rangemax N router at home that had to be replaced three times due to dropped internet connections. I finally got fed up it so I ended up buying an airport extreme and chucking the netgear. Best decision I have ever made. The router has been working flawlessly for the past six months and the range is incredible.

 

[brop52]

WRT54GL is an improved version of the WRT54G linksys router. I would recommend that one instead.

You missed the chance a few months ago for the $20 rebate on Newegg and free shipping but it's still relatively cheap there now. Shop around if you'd like but I think Newegg is the best to deal with.

WRT54GL on Newegg