Why it's best: The D-Link DIR-655 is an attractively-priced single band (2.4GHz) wireless-N router that features excellent reliability and high average wired and wireless data throughput. Dollar for dollar, this is one of the best value routers on sale today unless you absolutely need a dual-band model.... Read Full Review
Why it's a best pick: The Cisco Linksys E4200 spearheaded the new design direction for the Linksys E-series family, and was also one of the first routers to offer three-stream technology for even faster wireless throughput rates. A handful of competitors may outperform the E4200 slightly, but this is still one of the most well-rounded routers on sale today.... Read Full Review
Why it's a best pick: If you're after all-out speed from your wireless router, the ASUS RT-N56U should be your first choice. This is one of the fastest consumer routers tested by SmallNetBuilder in both wired and wireless throughput rates. 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless performance is very strong, and allows the RT-N56U to be especially well-suited for high data demand applications like streaming movies or playing games.... Read Full Review
Why it's a best pick: The Netgear WNDR4000 is much more expensive than most other wireless-N routers, but very few can come close to matching the performance that this high-end router can offer. Three-stream technology allows this router to achieve a theoretical max throughput of 450 Mbps, placing it squarely in the company of less than half a dozen other routers that promise the same speeds. Though the WNDR4000 may be overkill for most, those looking for absolute performance will want to have a look.... Read Full Review
Why it's a best pick: The follow-up model to the high-performance Linksys E3000 is not nearly as successful this time around, but you can chalk it up to the sibling rivalry between it and the E4200 rather than a lack of performance. Wireless throughput numbers are not necessarily class-leading, but the E3200 puts out impressive performance on all counts.... Read Full Review
We got a couple of new Sony LCD Digital TV's. In the owners manual it says it has Broadband internet connectivity. It also says it needs "Wireless Bridge" and recommends CISCO Wireless Bridge: WET610N. I don't have to have both TV's able to access the Broadband internet (I'm not 100% sure of what that is) but it would be fun to be able to access the internet through my TV. I have a wireless modem that my Mac and my Grandson's PS3 uses. It gets slow when playing the games sometimes. Will a wireless bridge make it slower? Besides running a cable from the modem to the TV is this the only way to access Broadband internet? The CISCO Wireless Bridge: WET610N is recommended but can I use something else? Is there anything cheap out there that will do the same thing?
Thank you - Pollyana2
Can IOS devices, iPad2 & iPhone, and android smartphones benefit from dual band wifi routers? I am having strange connectivity issues with Netgear WNR2000, requiring router reboot ~3/week, as IOS devices ask for IP address & when appropriate addr fails to materialize, generate their own non-functional addresses. Rebooting router fixes problem, but this shouldn't be necessary 3/wk. Neighbor also informs me he sees my network inconsistently, which shouldn't happen, as I turn it off only when rebooting. Your thoughts welcome, as dual band routers are more costly than single band. My cordless phones operate on 5.8Ghz. Android phone reports current signal fair, until I'm sitting on top of router.
I have multiple wireless and hardwired devices (iMac, MacMini, TiVos, laptop, printer, PC, network drive, etc.); big two-story house, lots of metal in the walls, wireless devices scattered throughout.
My "old" (less than 2 years) Linksys Wireless-G and Cisco 8-port switch (about 4 years old) appear to be dying. I would prefer to get a single, 8-port device to cut the clutter and potential for signal drop (the Hawking range extender provided minimal help), but 8-ports are almost non-existent, especially with new technologies incorporated..
So, at the moment, I'm considering a dual-band simultaneous wireless-n router; in no particular order, ASUS RT-N56U, Linksys E3200, Netgear WNDR4000 - combined with a Linksys SE2800 to get the additional ports. [Question: Do I lose all of the dual-band capability for devices going through the switch?]
I'd rather not spend (another) fortune, but guess I'll pay the price to get the performance i need (this is a home office LAN, connected to the highest-speed available Cox Cable Business Internet, using their Motorola SB5120 modem). And, again, if I could get all that in a single device, I'd be a very happy camper.
So, William, what's your best guidance on this one?
Thanks,
J.R.
I have just switched from DSL wireless to cable wireless and have an old netgear b-g router. I am running a MAC computer, an HP PC, a windows laptop, a kindle, two TIVO units, an iPhone, an iPad, a blu-ray internet connected DVD player and an Internet connected LED TV plus my phone service. Everything is wireless except the DVD player and TV are hard wired and, obviously, the phone is connected to the phone line. I would like to buy the best n-router for my set up and don't mind paying a reasonable amount for quality. What would you suggest to take advantage of the speed my cable provides while meeting all the needs for my connections? Also, could the cable company's modem have a big effect? Thanks in advance for your advice.
Just for clarity's sake, I'll start from the last question you asked. Depending on where you live, your cable company may offer much faster service that goes under the 'DOCSIS 3.0' standard. Check with your ISP to see if it's available. If it is, you'll need a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem to enjoy the higher speeds. You can find more information about this over at Best Cable Modem.
As for your router, I'm going to point you towards the Cisco Linksys E4200 or the Asus RT-N56U. They're both more expensive than the D-Link DIR-655, but with everything you have connected to your network, I'm sure you wouldn't mind the extra performance.
Thanks, William. I appreciate you insight.
I just got a Cisco Linksys e4200 router. When trying to install it with the disk, I get to 25% installed and then the software tells me: "Cannot find your modem". It then asks for username password. I can't get past this spot. There is a connection because I re-hook up my old router and it works. What else can I try? Thanks. Ken
Are you using a PC or a Mac? Either way, you can skip using the disc altogether and configure the router manually.
Hello William - I live in a house with brick walls, I need a new router as my old one can not reach 30 feet through the brick walls. I have 2 bars out of 5, even while sitting in front of the router! We have a lap top, a new IPad, Kindle and a new HP PC.... we are tired of our computers being SO slow. Please help!
It sounds like your old router is on its way out, so now is a perfect time for an upgrade. If you want to keep prices below $100, my recommendation is the D-Link DIR-655. You'll notice that this router has been ranked #1 here. It's not the fastest router you can find today, but it's just about impossible to do better for the price.
If you're willing to spend a bit more, have a look at the Cisco Linksys E4200. This is one of the top performing routers sold today, so you'll have no issues with the wireless router being the culprit behind slow speeds. On the other hand (and this is something I stress often), your wireless network won't be any faster than the speed of your internet connection. If you have this base covered with a fast connection, take your pick from the two routers that I've recommended. It really comes down to how much you want to spend for a router, but you won't be disappointed either way.
I currently have a Linksys WRT350N router, but we need something with a range of about 1000 feet,this can go to about 250; and we need more speed, the further away from the router the slower. What, specifically, would you recommend? We need the signal to go to a number of different cabins, desktop, as well as, laptops, MACs and PCs. Thanks
1000 feet is a stretch for any current wireless router, regardless of 802.11n certification. I'd recommend the Cisco Linksys E4200 to maximize your chances of getting a usable connection at longer ranges, but I'm not sure if 1000 feet will be possible without access points or repeaters. Then again, I'm not sure what your wireless environment is like.
I have a small jewelry business that will be hardwired for the most part, but I use an ipad to show products from my vendors. I will also use my laptop and iphone at work. I would like to purchase a new gigabit wireless router and then connect the different printers and computers through a hub or switch that I have. I am very confused - do I need the latest and greatest or even which one of them to choose. I have 3 desktop computers, 1 tag printer for merchandise, a network laser printer and possibly will purchase a receipt printer. Any suggestions? Thanks jsaun
Hi jsaun,
All of the wireless routers you see here feature Gigabit Ethernet ports, so no worries there. As far as getting the 'latest and greatest', that's completely up to you. I would be more inclined to steer you towards the D-Link DIR-655 at the top of this list, but that's before asking how demanding you are of your wireless network. From what you've said, it seems like the single-band DIR-655 will do just fine.
We currently own the Linksys Wireless-G, Model WRT54G. When we bought it we use a laptop only. Recently we have purchased an HD TV (Internet capable), and a Bluray player (also internet capable). We also use an iPod touch and a Kindle reader which both use a wireless internet connection. Occassionally our kids/grandkids visit with their own wireless items. So far, we have not have any problems with connectivity. Our TV shows we have a strong signal. It has been suggested that we upgrade our router to the Linksys E4200. What do you suggest?
If you're satisfied with your network, there's little reason to upgrade to the Linksys E4200 other than to give Cisco more of your money. My suggestion is to keep your Linksys WRT54G until you feel that an upgrade is absolutely necessary (router issues, dropped connections, slow performance), then consider the E4200 when the time comes.
hello :) Ive been looking for information about the best router.. and I got into this page.. Since 2009 Ive been using a netgear router that its now obsolete and has given me lots of trouble like disconnecting from the net or just showing 2 out of 5 bars, that best coverage that I got from that router was 4 out of 5 bars and the distance between my laptop and the router is around 25 ft.
So... given that I spend most of the time in front of my adored laptop, mostly playing games online, watching series and movies, which of these routers would you suggest me to get? I was thinking about the Linkys E3000 but idk if its too much.. If its as good as its rated then that would make my life so much peaceful.
TY :)
oh yea.. one last thing.. Im about to get a psp, would the linkys e3000 provide coverage for it too?
tyty
If your laptop supports 5GHz connections, I would wholeheartedly recommend a simultaneous dual-band 802.11n router like the E3000 you mentioned. Another good alternative is the Netgear WNDR3700v2, but I'm not sure how you feel about getting another Netgear router after your recent experiences.
One thing to keep in mind is that the PSP is an 802.11b wireless client. This is a much older standard, and uses the 2.4GHz band. While all of the routers that I've recommended to you are backwards-compatible with all of the older wi-fi standards (and therefore support the PSP just fine), connecting the PSP wirelessly will slow down the performance of your network by quite a bit. Simultaneous dual-band operation will make this a non-issue since you can connect your laptop to the 5GHz band (again, if it supports it) while the PSP can connect via the 2.4GHz channels.
The E3000 is a great router, but if you want even more performance I would suggest the newer Linksys E4200. It does everything better than the E3000, and doesn't cost too much more.
One more thing - your network performance is only as good as your internet service. If you're subscribed to a 1Mbps down/up service, a fast router won't help much.
I'm not really good at knowing stuff like if it supports 5ghz connections so I looked for my laptop product details and I found it :D http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01758029&cc=us&lc=e...
my internet service speed is: download 15mbps/upload 2.00
and the psp doesnt matter that much XD
Thank you so much for taking time to reply this. n_n
In your case, I'd recommend either the Linksys E3000 or the Netgear WNDR3700v2. They're both excellent routers, and should serve your needs well.
Just to make sure you understood this correctly - when you connect the PSP to your network, the PSP isn't going to see any decrease in performance. The rest of your other wireless devices will, though. The router will have to downgrade the wireless performance to the lowest common denominator - in this case, it'll be the 802.11b PSP. This means you're going to get 802.11b wireless speeds (in the 2.4GHz band) with your computer when the PSP is connected, whereas you'll get full speed when it isn't. The bottom line is, use 5GHz to avoid this or simply leave the PSP's wi-fi switch turned off until you need it connected.
Hope I was able to help.