Best dual band router

[Obsoleet]

I bought a Netgear WNDR3300 for a friend's house months ago and she's had good luck with it. I wish it had gigabit as well but I could do without that. Are there any dualband routers that have good results? I've read on most if you connect a 5ghz N device and a 2.4ghz G device the whole thing slows down to a relative crawl.

Thanks in advance

 

[kevnich2]

For one thing, right now N is still in draft mode so don't spend a ton of money on something because when it is actually finalized (hopefully within my lifetime) the hardware probably won't be compatible with what you get. Secondly, if it's true simultaneous dual band, having a 802.11G device (2.4ghz) and N (5ghz) on the same device shouldn't slow it down at all because it's using two separate radios. Now if you have one 2.4ghz radio that's doing B, G & N then yes, having G & N will slow things down.

Just some advice, if you don't NEED it, just stay with the G and way til things are finalized.

 

[JackMDS]

I do not think that there is more than one or two Drafts with two Radios on the market.

As said above running at the same time 802.11g and Draft-N slows it down a little.

Running 802.11b at the same too, slows it down a lot.

As for Giga switches in Entry level Routers.

As it is right now a regular Router with a stand alone Giga switch yields a better Giga Network.

It is time that people should understand that the Wireless Cable/DSL Routers are functional combo units.

Routing circuit + Access Point + Switch, in One Plastic Box with one power brick.

Combos are in most cases a combination of compromises (probably calling them Compo would be more adequate).

Example, this Switch cost only $31 and thus far it does better than any Giga switch in an Entry Level Router.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817111480

 

[Obsoleet]

I'm not an expert at networking but I understand consumer routers. I work in an operations control center for an international company, swapping control nightly with my colleagues in Europe to maintain 24/7 control. I'm not a networking specialist but rather systems (the bladecenters, SAN, various company solutions) but I have a decent understanding as I studied networking in school. I just want something that's not going to suck. I know most of them do. I've had good luck with consumer Netgear products in the past even though I know most ppl seem to prefer Linksys for the cheap stuff.

This is the one I was talking about http://netgear.com/Products/Ro...Gateways/WNDR3300.aspx

 

[JackMDS]

Well according to the chart in the page that you linked to.

It would do x10 the distance, and x15 t5he speed of regular 802.11g.

I have a buffalo 802.11g I get indoor 50 feet coverage at 22Mb/sec. functional transfer.

So as compare to my system you are going to get indoor 500 feet coverage, and 320Mb/sec. functional transfer. :shocked:

So what else you are looking for?

 

[Obsoleet]

lol no one believes that stuff. people just want something that works thats cheap

 

[aphex]

I am about to pick up a D-Link DIR-825 which can do simultaneous 2.4ghz and 5ghz with its two radios. Gonna do a direct comparison to my Airport Extreme/Airport Express combo that I'm using now to run the same (Extreme-5ghz, Express 2.4ghz). As rock solid as my current combo has been, due to the location of where I need the express in relation to both my home stereo & my airport extreme, the combo proves to be an annoyance to my wife as I need a long ethernet cable running between the two. I decided I would rather get a dual band simultaneous router to handle both, and just use the express for streaming audio.

I'll let you know how it goes.

One thing I might add though, 5ghz has been a GODSEND for me. 2.4ghz is VERY crowded in my development, I can pick up almost 20 different access points on my second story. As a result 2.4ghz does not work very well anywhere but my ground floor. 5ghz is pristine and empty, so even though it can't travel as far, the speed and reliability for me has been a huge improvement.

 

[Madwand1]

You could try browsing SmallNetBuilder's wireless charts for some comparative information.

The Linksys WRT600N can be found on sale these days, and is supported by DD-WRT (you might need to double-check revision information.)

The Linksys WRT610N is a revised model with UFO packaging and internal antennae, but is not yet supported by DD-WRT.

DD-WRT support is not critical, but is good for the long run, and can help you significantly expand the functionality of the device, including bridging.

 

[kevnich2]

Honestly, Unless you have a dire NEED, stick with G. If your having interference just get an A access point but N is still, well, draft says it all. I did manage to acquire a Netgear A/N AP that honestly works really well but I've tested and messed with other N devices and, they all were worthless.

 

[Emulex]

wrt600n works fine with rev 10431 eko at 270mbps

just upload the micro using the web interface and setup a few things.

solid.

i paid $109 for mine (before live cashback on ebay) make sure you keep it cool.

 

[Obsoleet]

i bought a netgear wnr3500. its not dual band but it does have gigabit ports and 5ghz n. im using g with it now. it works great so far. i like it a lot. still looking forward to hearing about peoples experiences with these though.

 

[Madwand1]

Originally posted by: Obsoleet
i bought a netgear wnr3500. its not dual band but it does have gigabit ports and 5ghz n.

If it did 5 GHz in addition to standard g, it would be dual-band, but it's not, and only has 2.4 GHz capability.

 

[Obsoleet]

Ah crap you're right. I'm gonna get the WNDR3300 while I can still return this one!