New wireless router choices advice.

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highcountryrider

highcountryrider

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Dec 15, 2008
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I currently have an old Belkin Surf N300 wireless router. It's been pretty dependable for about 4 years now. My wireless needs are pretty simple, a Visizo Smart TV and a couple of laptops beside my main system which is hardwired to the router in my home office.

Wireless connection to the Vizio TV is pretty solid with no buffering but if I use one of the laptops at the same time, the TV connection will be dropped. Because it looks like the Belkin Surf has trouble handling the TV connection and any other connection at the same time and the fact that the router is getting old I'm thinking about upgrading to a new wireless router.

The two brands I'm looking at are the ASUS RT-N66U Dual-Band Wireless-N900 Gigabit Router and the NETGEAR R6200-100PAS V1 Dual Band AC Gigabit Wireless Router. Both are very similar in price. I don't have any AC protocol devices so that is not an issue or requirement. I'm just looking for the best choice for my needs: reliable connection, higher speeds and multiple device connection capability. Range is not an issue because I live in a small house with the maximum distance between my office (where the router is) and the living room (where TV is) is about 30 feet.

I did setup the ASUS N66U for a friend and was impressed with the ease of setup and it's 2.4 Ghz range. I'm not sure if my Vizio TV is capable of receiving on the 5 Ghz band but if so I would assume that would be a better choice for video streaming like Netflix and YouTube.

I'm fairly conversant with most computer stuff but that does not include networking. I probably wouldn't be able to take advantage of all the customizable settings available initially but would like the option to do so down the road. I'm not adverse to researching the best ways to do this but the built in configuration options for either router should be pretty easy and straight forward for now.

I would appreciate any opinions as to pros or cons of either of the two routers I'm looking at.
 
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No, what I was referring to was something like this. You can buy them individually or as a kit, like the one shown. You'd need a kit initially anyway as you will need a pair to start off with (although you can buy them as separates if you prefer. You simply plug one in near your router, connect to the router with the supplied 1m ethernet cable, then connect the other in a power socket near your receiving equipment (and connect to that with the other supplied ethernet cable). You won't have to configure anything, it's literally plug and play and you can buy additional ones for other areas of the house as and when you need them. The reason I also mentioned a switch like this is that you will have several pieces of...
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shure

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You didn't mention what internet connection you have. Your maximum download speed will also influence how many things can connect at any one time, especially if you are streaming video.

I recently bought the Asus RT-N66u. It definitely made a difference in my house. Previously I had blackspots and if my son streamed then everyone else suffered connectivity issues. Those issues have all but gone now and I only have a 8Mb connection. I have no regrets buying it.

If you do a lot of streaming to your TV have you considered Powerline adapters? They work through your electrical circuits so no unsightly wiring and generally offer a superior connection to wireless. I use them and e.g. my Xbox experience has improved significantly since I bought them. Just a thought.
 
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highcountryrider

highcountryrider

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Thanks for the reply. My connection is via cable. Download speed is 50 Mbps wired and wireless is about 35 Mbps so I've got plenty of speed I think.

Yeah, as stated I liked the RT-N66U. The reason I'm looking at the Netgear router is that it comes with a free Motorola SB 6141 modem which is an upgrade from the SB 6121 I have now. The SB 6141 also supports IPv6 which the SB 6121 doesn't. Both routers support IPv6. I don't know much about IPv4 vs IPv6 but from what I've researched it seems to be something that will be an issue in the near future. The RT-N66U seems to have better reviews and is quite a bit smaller than the Netgear R6200.

Is the Powerline adapter you mentioned a signal booster like this?
 
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shure

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No, what I was referring to was something like this. You can buy them individually or as a kit, like the one shown. You'd need a kit initially anyway as you will need a pair to start off with (although you can buy them as separates if you prefer. You simply plug one in near your router, connect to the router with the supplied 1m ethernet cable, then connect the other in a power socket near your receiving equipment (and connect to that with the other supplied ethernet cable). You won't have to configure anything, it's literally plug and play and you can buy additional ones for other areas of the house as and when you need them. The reason I also mentioned a switch like this is that you will have several pieces of equipment at the other end.

The Powerline adapters come in several different forms and speeds. If you're interested go for at least 500Mbps: you won't get anywhere near those speeds but it will be faster than your internet connection,which is all you need, as and always the faster the better. They also have versions with multiple ports like this, although the price does tend to shoot up, and they even have some with pass-through electrical adapters (so you can plug other electrical cables in). Finally, there are versions with wifi extenders built in, too. That's like the offspring of a marriage between what you found and the ones I've shown you:)

I've found mine work with absolutely no hassle at all. The only things you have to be aware off are: make sure both adapters are on the same ring circuit in your house, which is usually the case unless you have a very very large house; and don't plug them into extension sockets but rather directly into the wall. If you need several items plugged into the wall then get one like this, so everything else plugs into it.

edit: according to this site your current modem is IPv6 compatible. Who told you it wasn't? In fact, the one you have has a higher level of certification than the one that comes bundled with the Netgear!
 
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highcountryrider

highcountryrider

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Many thanks for the clarification and information, especially about the SB 6121 being IPv6 certified.

I had done a check on a website that checks the IPv4 and IPv6 functionality and it indicated that IPv6 was not available. I just assumed (ALWAYS dangerous!) that it was because of the modem, not even thinking that it might be because of the Belkin Surf N300 router I'm currently using.

With the SB 6121 being OK I will probably opt for the ASUS RT-N66U as I liked it's look and setup. Really appreciate your input, especially about the Powerline stuff. I might try that after I get the new router as I do have a Blu-Ray DVD that has internet apps but needs a hard wired input.

As is usual, so much to learn, so little time!
 
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