Wi-Fi routers, school me some.

[RoadKingLarry]

I'm being lazy.
My Wi-Fi  router is a 11 year old 2-Wire model. In the last few years we've added quite a bit to our wireless crap.
Saturday when the daughter and family were over I noticed things slowing down and looked at my network and saw that there were 11 devices active. Well, crap, no wonder.
I shut down a few things that weren't actually being used like the Roku and my old netbook and killed the wi-fi on the wife's machine since she is connected via ethernet  which helped some.
So, are current production Wi-Fi router any improved from 11+ years ago or do I just need to manage my network a little more?

[cordex]

Current quality devices are a major leap in range and speed over 11 year old equipment.

[erictank]

I'm being lazy.
My Wi-Fi  router is a 11 year old 2-Wire model. In the last few years we've added quite a bit to our wireless crap.
Saturday when the daughter and family were over I noticed things slowing down and looked at my network and saw that there were 11 devices active. Well, crap, no wonder.
I shut down a few things that weren't actually being used like the Roku and my old netbook and killed the wi-fi on the wife's machine since she is connected via ethernet  which helped some.
So, are current production Wi-Fi router any improved from 11+ years ago or do I just need to manage my network a little more?

Do you happen to know what protocol your current network is running on? Trying to think what was standard 11 years ago - was it even 802.11b, at that point?

Yes, modern routers are leaps and bounds ahead of 11-year-old stuff. And not incredibly expensive, generally.

[Ben]

Also, many new routers allow a guest network, which in some models you can configure to a lower priority than the primary network. So if you have a house full of guests, and don't like some of them, you can put them on the guest network. :)

I actually run my Cradlepoint with the guest network on and broadcasting, and my primary network not broadcasting. That way I keep my personal devices configured to the primary network, and when people visit, they just need to enter the guest network password, versus having to add the hidden network. Easier for them, better security for me.

[RevDisk]

Basic: http://www.asus.com/us/Networking/RTN16/

Glorious: http://www.asus.com/us/Networking/RTAC3200/


If you go with a lower end router, try replacing the stock antenna with aftermarket ones.

[Marnoot]

Brand-wise, I'd go with Asus, the ones RevDisk posted are good ones. I'd avoid Linksys, the brand ain't what it used to be. I've been bitten by the last two I've bought (known firmware issues that are never fixed). My current one is hobbling along running DD-WRT, but even then has issues. I won't be buying any more Linksys stuff.

[cordex]

I've had very good experience with the ASUS RT-N66U.  Still overkill for your likely needs, although not as much overkill as the RT-AC3200.

[cassandra and sara's daddy]

I have the rt-n66u with one directional dish attenna and 2 upgraded ones for the other 2 . It rocks the house and the gamer in the trailer in the driveway


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[RevDisk]

Brand-wise, I'd go with Asus, the ones RevDisk posted are good ones. I'd avoid Linksys, the brand ain't what it used to be. I've been bitten by the last two I've bought (known firmware issues that are never fixed). My current one is hobbling along running DD-WRT, but even then has issues. I won't be buying any more Linksys stuff.

Back in the day, I'd say anyone was a fool to buy anything but Linksys. They used to be rock solid. Quality has significantly lapsed in the last couple years. Asus works reliably. Wish they were slightly cheaper, but eh.

[Calumus]

Once Cisco bought Linksys, they turned to crap. Add in their "cloud" routing that's been hacked a half dozen times and they're not worth the blue plastic they're made of. The Asus suggested are great routers.

[RocketMan]

I've had very good experience with the ASUS RT-N66U.

Same here.  I really like mine.