Help Choosing the Right Router

sfora71

Honorable
Jan 15, 2014
1
0
10,510
Hi, I haven't bought a new router for quite a long time and haven't been keeping up with the latest advances in networking, so I could use some help.

I currently have a Linksys WRT54G wireless router and cable internet with 7 Mbps download speeds (it's the best I could get from the local cable company). The router still works fine but it's overloaded by devices and I often have to power cycle. I attempted to update the firmware but it hasn't been supported by Linksys in a long time, so I decided to look into upgrading the router.

These are all the devices that will be connected to the network at some point or another:
- 2 desktops running Windows 7 64-bit
- 1 desktop running Windows XP 32-bit
- 1 laptop running Windows 8.1 64-bit
- Toshiba 40UL605U TV with apps
- Samsung UN32EH5300 Smart TV
- Chromecast
- Nintendo Wii
- Kindle Fire (first gen)
- Android smartphone
- HP Deskjet 3050A e-printer

All devices except for one of the Windows 7 desktops are connected wirelessly. The devices are spread throughout 3 floors throughout an 1800 sq ft home. The router, modem, and hardwired PC are in the basement. I realize they should be move centrally located but they need to be in the basement since there is a business run out of the basement.

I usually don't have any problems with the network until I try to stream something via Chromecast. Even if it's the middle of the night and everything else is shutdown or asleep, using Chromecast still kicks me off the internet.