Looking to upgrade from a WRT54GL to a router that won't bottleneck my ethernet connection!

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
Salzeda

Salzeda

Distinguished
Dec 27, 2011
43
1
18,530
Howdy, folks. Been out of the tech/hardware game for a while now, so I could use some advice!

I recently upgraded my cable modem from an old Motorola SB5100 to a SB6141.

After some tests, it appeared that my connection was being restricted by my router.

Here are my speeds without going through the router: https://i.imgur.com/95jwAxp.png

And here they are when I go through the router: https://i.imgur.com/T2fpSKO.png

It's clear that a router upgrade is in order. Here's the thing, though: I don't care that much about wireless speed. There's only one other person on my network, and they're a fairly light Internet user, although they do indeed require wireless.

I, myself, have always used a wired connection because I'm a gamer and value reliability above all else.

Also, I'm not too keen on spending more than $100. I'm not looking for the highest of the high-end here. I just want a router that's extremely good value and won't bottleneck my wired connection while providing an adequate wireless signal.

So, opinions/advice? I'd also be happy to answer any other questions if it would help determine what the best choice would be.

Thanks!!
 
Sort by date Sort by votes
braceyourself07

braceyourself07

Honorable
Apr 20, 2013
30
0
10,560
You can find a number of wireless-n/gigabit routers for <$100. Just find one with features you like and has good reviews/warranty. Since you don't need much by way of wireless, don't worry about 'dual band' or wireless-ac, etc... unless you think you'll be upgrading to this in the future (e.g. streaming media devices, laptop, etc...). Can't really recommend one over the other. Any wireless product I've ever used (Linksys, Netgear, TP-Link, etc...) have all performed well for me.

 
Upvote 1 Downvote
Salzeda

Salzeda

Distinguished
Dec 27, 2011
43
1
18,530


Thanks for the reply, and yeah, after browsing Amazon/Newegg for a day, it seems like there's a whole lot of suitable options to choose from. I've looked at models from all those brands and they all have similarly good reviews. I'm tempted to just go with a TP-Link because they're cheaper, but I'll have to do some more research to be sure.

I have a bad feeling that I've been spoiled by the ruggedness and reliability of the WRT54GL. There doesn't appear to be one stand-out router like the WRT54GL was when it was in its prime.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
braceyourself07

braceyourself07

Honorable
Apr 20, 2013
30
0
10,560
Yeah there are so many out there to choose from. I currently use a TP-Link router myself, but I have a specific setup... a TP-Link wired router and two ubiquiti unifi wireless access points. TP-Link is definitely no-frills. The user interface is fast and clean, where I've always seemed to experience a sluggishness with Linksys, Netgear, D-Link, etc... interfaces. Setting up port forwarding, etc... is very simple, but definitely no bells and whistles there. But that's the trade off for the cost, though I'm perfectly fine with it. Most people associate TP-Link products as "cheap" because of the price, but they usually are accompanied by good reviews from people that actually use them. Linksys has kind of become the 'starbucks' brand of home routers and while they're not bad, I don't think they're worth the price. Maybe check out cnet.com as they have some pretty recent reviews of mainstream products... kinda hard to find reviews on more obscure stuff, though.

 
Upvote 0 Downvote
digitaldoc

digitaldoc

Expert
Ambassador
Oct 31, 2003
5,213
0
36,960
Yes, you are losing some speed through that router, and it is time to upgrade.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2398080,00.asp

The link is to a recent 10 best list of routers. Generically, I would recommend to consider the Trendnet AC1750 on the list, as it has Gigabit ports. If you want a more specific recommendation would need your target budget, and list of devices to connect to it.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
Salzeda

Salzeda

Distinguished
Dec 27, 2011
43
1
18,530




Thanks for the replies. After some more researching and deliberating, I decided to go with the TP-Link N600 router.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008RV51EE

It seemed like a good compromise between quality and price. It has the main feature I wanted (gigabit ports) and some other nice features as well (like being IPv6-capable). The reviews were generally very positive, so here's hoping it will serve me as well as the WRT54GL did.

I saw little reason to spend $100+ dollars on a router with features I would not really be able to take advantage of. I don't have the income or the desire to stay on the bleeding edge of innovation to justify buying anything fancier.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom