Need a new Router and what about those signal booster thingys

[goddess40]

I am so not a computer person, my head spins when all the numbers start flying. So be gentle we me please.


Our router is several years old and should be replaced, our modem was replaced recently. My computer and Ipad like to link to the printer instead of the router and now that I've turned off the printer they often link to nothing. I have to go in and re-establish the link at least once a day.

Both devices are set to link automatically, it doesn't happen to the other four users so I'm thinking it must be my location in the house.

We currently have a Netgear N300 which was purchased by someone else who is known for their thriftiness.

I'd just like a recommendation what to look for in a new router, and wondering if a booster thing that plugs into the wall might help

Thanks,

[shraby]

1. I have a linksys that has serviced us well for probably 10 years or more.

[Egnever]

8. Linksys was sold off to belkin ( i believe a couple of years ago) Their quality has gone way down.

I would not recommend linksys any more.

They used to be rock solid when Cisco owned them. Now they are hit or miss.

[hlthe2b]

2. Good luck... I've been trying to get my router and modem to stop dropping signals for two weeks now

It is a Netgear N750 router with a Motorola (arris) surfboard modem. Both came highly rated and have worked great up until now.

I have done EVERTHING to optimize the signal, updated firmware for both computer wifi cards and the router itself, set both bands to the "best" channel and basically followed this article to a "t":

https://www.werockyourweb.com/your-wireless-connection-dropping/

Though it may be dropping signal SLIGHTLY less frequently, it is still doing so


So... I may be in the market shortly, too.

[DetlefK]

3. The newest models combine Router and Modem in one.

You have only one box sitting there and you don't have to wonder whether your Router and Modem are communicating properly. One of medium quality costs about $100. I bought such a model about a year ago and the installation was very easy.

[forgotmylogin]

4. Newer models are also stronger.

You may not need a signal booster unless your house is enormous or lined with lead. Newer devices connect with newer faster protocols. I don't keep up all the time, but my recent iPhone links like a champ and a new modern router might just solve the problems you have.

[mn9driver]

5. Get a dual band router.

It will improve signal coverage and stability. It will improve speed as well, and some models don't cost much more than a single band router.

Something like the Linksys N900 can be had for less than $50 on Amazon, though I recommend you check out more than one model as they have different feature sets and some are better reviewed than others.

[TexasProgresive]

6. There are a lot of things that can interfere with WIFI signals.

They are radio waves, metal and other devices that radiate radio frequencies can be the culprits.
This link is a good primer "What Is A Wireless “Dead Zone” And How To Eliminate It?"
One thing that we often forget is the WIFI signal is finite. Location, location, location is not only a mantra for real estate but also router placement in the house. Our house is small but the WIFI is weak outside. The house was sheathed in foil covered foam board with steel doors so the only outlet for the signal outside of the house is through the windows. Fortuantely we only have double glazed windows and not Low E glass which effectively blocks WIFI as well.

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/what-is-a-wireless-dead-zone-and-how-to-eliminate-it/

[Egnever]

7. A couple questions

How large is the house you are covering. Second question do you use tmobile for your cell service by any chance?

[goddess40]

9. 2100 sq feet

two floors and router is in the lower level

and no we have cellcom for cell service

[Egnever]

10. Multi story houses are tough to cover thuroughly

that said for a single solution I would suggest this router.

https://www.asus.com/us/Networking/RT-AC66U-B1/

That provides good stable coverage and should handle most if not all of your house.

I would start with that and try it for a week if it doesn't get the job done return it.

if you want excellent coverage throughout the house then you will have to spend more and in that case I would go with a system like this

https://www.netgear.com/orbi/

That is what is called a mesh system and it basically puts a bunch of little routers around your house that all work together to provide good coverage everywhere.

They are not cheap but if you need good coverage in a house the size of yours that is the way to go.

If decent coverage for most of the house is good enough with good coverage in most of it is enough the asus will probably get the job done at a decent price point.


edited to add the reason I asked who your cell provider was is that tmobile gives away that asus router to their customers for free.

[goddess40]

12. Any updates on routers since I posted this last year

I bought a booster but it dosen't seem to be doing the job so I'd like to replace the router

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

13. What's your price range? n/t

[goddess40]

14. Around $200

I don't want to overspend but I don't want to end up with something that doesn't quite make it either.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

15. Here's my choice:

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA8N25XX9959
This unit get 5 eggs on newegg with goods reviews.
It doesn't say that it supports WPA/2-enterprise but I inferred this would be for home use.

If I'm wrong and you need the WPA/2-enterprise this one I've used in a commercial environment:
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA7HN50K1379

Best of luck.