Draft N Routers

[MDE]

I'm in the market for a wireless router for my new apartment, and I'm confused by the selection of Draft-N routers. Taking a look at Newegg, some are as cheap as G routers, and others are upwards of $200. Are the more expensive routers worth it, and has anyone used one of the cheaper "no-name" routers with good results?

My basic wants:
Gigabit ethernet switch
802.11g support, although N would be very nice
Stable, solid router that won't drop connections
simultaneous 2.4 and 5 GHz support (to keep the Xbox 360 and MacBook from competing for the same airspace)

I'll be connecting:
2 PCs (wired Gigabit ethernet)
MacBook (draft N capable)
2 Xbox 360s (at least one wired, possibly both)

I've looked at Linksys's new models and they're on the expensive end of what I expected. I remember seeing an Apple AirPort Extreme base station for under $100 somewhere, but that may have a one-off sale.

Thanks for the help!

 

[ChAoTiCpInOy]

The draft-N AirPort extremes are usually like 200. The linksys ones are pretty good, but do you really need the draft-n capabilities? If you want the gigabit ethernet I would just go with the linksys draft-n with gigabit just to be future proofed.

 

[JackMDS]

If you do not really need the N factor for Wireless LAN transfer this combo is one of the most cost effective solution and works better the the Giga Switch Wireless combos.

TrendNet Giga Switch - http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817111480

Zyxel 550 -
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...181218&Tpk=zyxel%2b550

*********
The thing that you can count on as Future Proof is that you cannot Proof the Future.

 

[sjwaste]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
If you do not really need the N factor for Wireless LAN transfer this comno is one of the m ost cost effective solution and works better the the Giga Switch Wireless combos.

TrendNet Giga Switch - http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817111480

Zyxel 550 -
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...181218&Tpk=zyxel%2b550

*********
The thing that you can count on as Future Proof is that you cannot Proof the Future.

Just FYI, the 8 port is cheaper right now:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817111479

Free shipping vs $10 for the 5 port. Odd, I know, but if you're buying today, get the 8 port

 

[kevnich2]

That 8 port was about $70 the other day. I have one of them, it works great on my network. Awesome speeds and reliability for me. I've never had a problem with it.

 

[spidey07]

Every piece of draft N gear you buy delays the standard.

Good job.

 

[kevnich2]

Originally posted by: spidey07
Every piece of draft N gear you buy delays the standard.

Good job.

Normally your posts are quite good, but recently you've been quite obnoxious. Don't post if it's not anything useful, ok? Nobody in this entire post said they bought anything draft N. We were all talking about a G wireless router with a separate GigE switch attached to it so the OP could still have gigabit speeds on his wired computers.

 

[Madwand1]

Watch out for the difference between dual-band and simultaneous dual-band. This issue gets you into the high end of pricing, and then you might be better off with a combination of multiple devices to get the job done.

 

[kevnich2]

Dual-Band allows you to run either 5ghz N or 2.4ghz G/N albeit at slower speeds and could be interference issues at 2.4ghz rather than the 5ghz. Simultaneous lets you run both 5ghz N and 2.4ghz G.

 

[JackMDS]

With the desire to save on number of boxes and cable's clutter, people gravitated to combos.

Thus far, I am yet to see any type of Entry Level Networking Combo hardware that can perform well.

For a reason beyond my comprehension, "Marketing" concerning Entry Level Network Devices is dancing at the demarcation line of fraud and every one eating it and expects it to be Yummy.

The combos were invented to provide easy installation in environments where the usage of the Network is simple; it meant to provide transient service to cooperate visitors, and humble home users.

Combos are duds when it comes to the need of enthusiasts.

More to the point, if you need to run 802.11a, get an 802.11a Access Point (it is Not that expensive).

If One is crafty there are many ways to conceal extra boxes and cables to blend with the décor.

 

[GundamF91]

When are they coming??? I can't wait!

 

[kevnich2]

I myself would like to find decently priced soho router/firewall that I can run DDWRT on but does not have any wireless so I can use it just as that. Right now I just have a wireless router with the wireless disabled and a separate access point. It performs a lot better having those two roles split with different hardware.