PCWorld Forums: How To Buy A Router - PCWorld Forums

Post your comments for How to Buy a Router here

fiber can? and how do i know when there is response?

Most people with broadband at best have 15 to 20 mbps download speed. If you even have a 54 Mbps G router your network is faster then your broadband. Unless you buy a more expensive N series router. I doubt you will find range or speed really better. Sure it helps those sending files between PC's on the network or streaming video from a PC to TV. But in reality most people won't notice anything. Until broadband surpasses your network speed. The router is not really the roadblock.

I won't even mention the new 3.7Ghz band that will come around in the next 2 years. So triple band routers will be here before you know it.

Hmm ... Let's see ... if you subscribe to PCWorld you are loaded with money and your home looks like CNN's control room. Sorry, I don't recognize myself. The title was how to choose a router, not "... a high end, top of the line router." Did I miss something?

Very poor article -- minimal content. I would expect a discussion of the various high-end routers. It looks like a Netgear ad. The author obvoiusly didn't do his homework.

Need update on WPS pin vulnerability in most wireless routers made since 2007. This should at least be discussed in recommendations.

Can you do an article on routers when you have wireless IP security camera devices attached?

Most Internet service providers in Canada, like Shaw cable, Rogers and Telus provide their own equipment that is a Router / Modem combination.

The end user has no choice in the matter. Shaw provides a wireless Cisco Modem / router which is not that bad.

There is a workaround for those people who want to have use their own routers.

They can turn off the router component and use it as a modem. There is no need for them to come to your location they ca do this at their office.

All you need to do is talk technical support people.

TIP FOR YOU, BEFORE YOU CALL.

The average tech-support person working for these companies are as dumb as a bag of hammers.

All you have to say is turn off the wireless component and turn this unit into standalone modem.

THEY WILL USUALLY NOT UNDERSTAND YOUR QUESTION!

TELL HIM TO ESCALATE IT TO SOMEONE HIGHER UP.

When thats done you'll just have a modem, now you can connect up any Router you like?

Hope this information was helpful.

With a price range from $30 to $100. Routers come in a lot of flavors and the newest products will cost more but not really deliver any performance gains. Even a novice can set one up and that's evident by the number of unprotected WIFi broadcasts. Many options allow users to customize antennas and some even offer external connectors to access remote antennas. All manner of boosters and such will expand ranges with any of the three flavors. I like to stick with the same brand router as the interface cards or onboard devices. That makes it more likely to be a simple install and take less than 30 minutes.

Quote

The same feeling.....but also a good article. Recently found a Anker Dual Band Router 600Mbps $39.99 which maybe the lowest price for the same router? Don't know how about it function except a 4.5stars on listing. If there any body tried this?