Router buying decison help!

[David L]

Hi All
I'm getting ready to replace my router at home. I currently have a Cisco M10 Valet. The M10 is working ok now. I have a 30mbs connection from Charter Cable I checked my wireless speed on Charter's wed site. It was about 25mbps down and 3.20mbps up.

I have two laptops one a Apple Mac Book Pro it has a n adapter. The other is a older Sony Vio I would not think it would have a N adapter. I have a desktop that is wired into the router I would guess it is a 10/100 adapter. We have two iphone's that use the network. A Panasonic smart TV with netflex and you tube. We have a xbox 360 but don't play online. Kids and guest coming over would like to set up a guest network for them. I also have a wireless printer on the network. I might want to add a HD that could be used for file storage or backup's.

I would like to have better speeds than I'm now getting. Like to have a fast connection for my Apple. I lose the connection somtimes on the TV when watching netflex. I live in a tri level house and the router is down stairs. Currently I can set on my deck outside and get a connection. I'm quite interested in routers and would like one that I can tinker with and learn about. Would like one that will stay current for a few years.

What would be a good choice for me?

Thanks

 

[PrivateJoker]

Hey David - It's a common question.

I would start with taking a good hard look at the reviews on SNB's site, and then just searching around you can find what routers have some 3rd party support.

This site has a strong Asus community, but depending on budget and if reliability and consistency might make a "stock" router more appealing in a house with other stuff going on all the time, maybe you just want the best out of the box router.

Take a good look at the reviews on this site, and buy from somewhere like Amazon where returns are easy, that's what I do!

 

[thiggins]

Look at N600 class routers. Check our rankings here

 

[David L]

Look at N600 class routers. Check our rankings here

I have seen the reference to class of routers like N600 or N66. Not sure I understand what a class is? Can you explain this or refer me to information?

Thanks

 

[thiggins]

I have seen the reference to class of routers like N600 or N66. Not sure I understand what a class is? Can you explain this or refer me to information?

SmallNetBuilder's Classification System for Wi-Fi Products - Revised

 

[David L]

I went ahead and ordered the ASUS RT-N56U. Seems it had all the features that I needed. Have one laptop with a g adapter card. Will likely replace it. So hope I made a good decision.

Thanks