PC/Wireless internet question for the guru's

[Dave328]

How long should a wireless router last? I think my second one has **** the bed. That makes 2 Linksys dead in the last few years. My wireless connection has been getting worse and worse lately, making me reboot/restart modem/restart router in order to get my connection back. I used to just do it all in order, but now I pay attention and it seems the router reset is what gets me back on. Any hardier brands out there? I went with Linksys because it was, at the time, one of the few compatible with Xbox's wireless adapter so I'm not married to the brand or anything.

 

[Jack]

This should help

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2398080,00.asp?fullsite=true

 

[Dave328]

This should help

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2398080,00.asp?fullsite=true

Definitely get me started. Thanks.

 

[Jack]

No problem, FWIW, I have a net gear that has lasted me about 3 years, I like their products over linksys. Also some of the equipment I install is based on netgear routers, specifically the first one on that list, and out of the 100+ I've installed, I've never had a problem.

 

[swamper]

Check out this site for research as well.

http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/

 

[tallwalker]

Heat is usually the killer especially with LinkSys. +1 on the Netgear stuff.

 

[Cochise]

I've owned belkin, linksys, and netgear routers over the years. The netgear is the only one that still works, and I've been using it for about 6 years now while my friends that don't listen keep burning through linksys's. Mine was the first type N netgear released, so I still don't need to upgrade it either. I actually consider that router my luckiest tech buy ever.

 

[blitztech]

Heat is usually the killer especially with LinkSys. +1 on the Netgear stuff.

This. Do not stack the router/modem/whatever else you have on top of each other. Don't put them in small confined spaces. Make sure the vent holes are not blocked. I have a 7 year old Linksys that still works and before that I had a net gear that was on 5 years before I decided to upgrade. I just upgraded again and expect 5+ years out of this one. I usually upgrade before they die. This rule goes for any piece of electronic equipment.

 

[Hermit]

My last Netgear router lasted almost six years, so I got another one.

 

[Dave328]

Thanks for the replies. Looks like I'll try a Netgear. I gotta think that by now most new routers are Xbox compatible. As far as heat, both my router and modem sit atop a small bookcase in my air conditioned office, so I really don't think heat had anything to do with it's demise.

 

[rrussotwo]

Netgear or buffalo all the way.

I prefer anything compatible with dd-wrt full or VPN for VPN support.

 

[Jack]

My netgear is

 

[rrussotwo]

My netgear is

Did you lose your Internet mid sentence?

 

[BigNick73]

I used to only run the Linksys WRT54g they lasted forever w/o issue and then they changed em up and they started to suck.

Been using the asus 66u that's on that list for a few months now and couldn't be happier. I also have a linksys/cisco wrt54g2 that's been running a few years now. It's been reflashed with dd-wrt and only works as a bridge for the non wireless stuff in my tv cabinet (xbox, dish box, etc) so not a true test for normal use.

 

[Jack]

Did you lose your Internet mid sentence?

No, your post wasn't there when I typed that. It was meant to follow dave's.

 

[XD-GEM]

My Belkin is on its third year with no issues.

 

[jgreg]

Just bought a net gear it has a lifetime warranty others I looked at did not working great added extender net gear also to feed my sons xbox next house over working great their also