Belkin Wi-Fi Time to upgrade?
 

I've got a Belkin Wi-Fi router, it seems to be getting weak. The old one can't seem to go through 4 walls and about 30 feet. I'm a computer noob. I logged into the URL,or IP address, whatever it's called, of the router and its been set for upgrades automatically on the software for 5 years, but hasn't seem to have done it. Should I get a new Wi-Fi router? I'm thinking yes. A friend suggested a Netgear router. My kid set the old one up Are they plug and play? $100-$200 for a router or so, I don't care. Thoughts? SmileWavy

Cisco....No problems- been on this one for two years, no issues.

Stay away from Belkin- cheapest of the cheap and short lived.

rjp

Very happy with my ASUS router. Can't remember the last time I had to reset it, which was something I seemed to always be doing with all the ones before it. Great range, two channels, so the kid can stream Netflix and not slow down my work. -J

Amazon.com: ASUS Dual-Band Wireless-N 600 Router (RT-N56U): Electronics

Cisco bought Linksys and recently sold it to Belkin

Belkin == Linksys (at least for some models anyway)

I have been using a Trendnet setup for a couple of years. Very happy with it. And as JAR0023 suggests, I have heard good things about the Asus router too.

I have a related question. Around here, the local cable provider will install a wireless router for free. That said, they have limited range... What can be used to boost the wireless signal?

JR

I believe you can use any wireless router just hook it to the other router with an ethernet cable. Lets see what the experts say. I have an older linksys I've considered using to do jut that as my wireless router jet doesn't cut it some of the time.

Difference between wireless and wired?
Is that even a sane Q?

I went through routers every 6 months.....belkin, netgear, cisco......all that.... Finally cracked and dropped the $$$ for an Apple Airport Extreme and I couldn't be happier...it has excellent range, handles all the devices I connect with ease (2 mac books, mac mini, 2 phones, 2 tablets a smart tv and an apple tv)

Try doing the upgrades first. The router probably receives the update but you have to allow it to run. It just makes it easier for the user. You don't have to go to the website and find the updates for your specific router yourself. Do them in the sequence that they are listed....oldest first. It may help.

I've had Linksys and Netgear. No problems with either.

Will a Airport work with a PC (Windows) based system?

Had trouble with a Belkin here at work... went with a middle of the road netgear at home... not too happy with it... claimed 1000 foot range but barely gets from room to room (60 feet), and has been asking for a firmware upgrade, I go through all the steps... and it continues to ask for a firmware update. It works so I am going to keep it for a year or two then upgrade.

Anyone try a D-Link or Buffalo?

Asus is being sued by several competitors because they say the RT-AC66U & RT-N65U exceeds power limits imposed by FCC there by giving them a competitive advantage.

The airports will work with anything. ....ive had several friends over with PCs that never had a problem

Dad runs Netgear N600 dual band - 1 year no problems and great signal over their single level home and backyard area. I am still running a rebranded Frys Electronics WiFi router that I bought new for under $50. No problems there either. I honestly don't think you need to spend more than $100 these days.

LOL. Glad I have my pre-ban ASUS. -J

I bought one of these : Amazon.com: NETGEAR Wireless Router - AC 1750 Dual Band Gigabit (R6300 v1): Computers & Accessories a few months ago and have been very happy. I wanted the new 80211.ac standard even though there really aren't many wireless cards that use it yet. I have found that 80211. G and N signals are traveling about 30% farther with this router as compared to my old D-Link 655 wireless N router.

Good Luck,
Michael

Here's my thread from a few months ago: http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/748958-computer-guys-what-do-i-need-wireless-router.html

I ended up buying the Apple AirPort Extreme, installed in my basement office I still had a great signal on the 2nd floor of my house. Also very easy setup, typical Apple. I have since upgraded to AT&T Uverse which included a wireless modem/router combo, so the AirPort is now just acting as a hub for my printer. I'm actually pretty happy with the Uverse unit, it provides a good signal to my house and attached garage.

I would have agreed with the recs for an Apple AirPort, but today mine is acting up and kicking me off the 'net every 3rd page. Very very annoying. And I'm running an all-Apple set-up (router, lap top, iPad, desk top). Up until today, this happened intermittently (and strangely just in the later evening). Today it's been happening every 45 seconds. I wonder if I can post this, or will have to do some network diagnostics first.

Even before today when it was running, I would have trouble getting reception in half of my upstairs bedroom. (The router is downstairs.) If I sat on the end of the bed, connectivity; at the head of the bed, intermittent connectivity. OK, I could live with that. Now it's crap everywhere in the house. For a 6-month old product, I'm not happy.