New router info

[ChairShot]

Well my good ol' D-Link DR615 died last night... We noticed that the connection was bad, I go check on the router and no activity is shown. I unplug it, wait 30 sec, plug it back and it it doesn't even start like it has no power.


I guess it's time to buy a new one! It' been a while, and I'm really not too familiar with all the newer must have features.

Router will be used in a 2 story house with basement (old router had no problems covering it all + outside).

3 ipads, 2 phones, 1 laptop, 2 desktops , PS3, Apple TV + visitors!

I dont think I need something that fancy amd expensive. I would like to get one for around 100$-150$.

I've been reading reviews and suggestions on various forums and came up an with an early couple of choices

TP link AC 1750 @ 119$ CAD
D Link AC 1200 @ 99$
D-LINK DIR-855L @ 67$
D-LINK DIR-820L AC1200 @ 85$

All seem good and able to serve me right... but I always stumble on reviews that say that the signal is lost often and hard resets are needed!

USB port on the router sounds nice, is it worth it to get a USB 3 vs 2 and will a printer work on that port or is it just for a HDD?


What do you guys think?

 

[smitbret]

Unless you have a real need to replace it, see if you can find a cheap power supply. Odds are better than 50% that the router is fine but the PSU or cable is bad.

I can vouch for the TP-Link AC1750. I has been my go to router for the last couple years or so. I would just caution that if you get a V1 there may be some issues in connecting with Apple devices. I haven't heard of anyone getting a V1 in over a year, though. V2 and V3 both have this resolved.

Don't be too turned off by a handful of "signal lost and have to reboot" reviews. A lot of those are by people that don't understand basic WiFi function and bought a router thinking that because it is a dual-band AC router then they should be able to cover their 4500 sq/ft ranch home and get the 300Mbps like it advertises on the box. If you'll notice, even the best routers fail to get 5 star averages anywhere. Marketing causes a lot of unrealistic expectations and it's not uncommon for even the best to run with a 3-4 star rating.

USB ports are nice, but run fairly slow even USB 3.0. Most will support an attached printer but you'll probably want to check the device documentation if this is a must have because I know there are a couple out there that don't. Some people will try to use them as a NAS by attaching an external HDD. It works but you'd get much better performance from the same external HDD if it is connected to a network attached RaspPi2. I have a USB 2.0 attached to the back of one of my routers that holds a couple of Device Drivers that I find useful over the network, but nothing I would access often or in a hurry.

 

[ChairShot]

I tried another PSU that was the same output and no go. Not even lighting up

EDIT:

What about the Linksys EA6300 Advanced Multimedia AC1200, currently on sale at 56$?

 

[Elixer]

3 ipads, 2 phones, 1 laptop, 2 desktops , PS3, Apple TV + visitors!

I dont think I need something that fancy amd expensive. I would like to get one for around 100$-150$.

I've been reading reviews and suggestions on various forums and came up an with an early couple of choices

TP link AC 1750 @ 119$ CAD
D Link AC 1200 @ 99$
D-LINK DIR-855L @ 67$
D-LINK DIR-820L AC1200 @ 85$

All seem good and able to serve me right... but I always stumble on reviews that say that the signal is lost often and hard resets are needed!

USB port on the router sounds nice, is it worth it to get a USB 3 vs 2 and will a printer work on that port or is it just for a HDD?


What do you guys think?

No love for the Asus RTn66u? If you don't need AC, this is one of the best routers out there.

http://www.amazon.com/RT-N66U-Dual-Band-Wireless-N900-Gigabit-Router/dp/B006QB1RPY

If you need AC, they also make those for $40 more.

Yeah, you can hook up a printer & a HD to this as well.
I tend to like routers that allow you to flash 3rd party firmwares over the ones you can't.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Unless you have a real need to replace it, see if you can find a cheap power supply. Odds are better than 50% that the router is fine but the PSU or cable is bad.

This. I've restored a number of "dead" routers back to full health, by replacing the wall-warts, generally off of ebay.

 

[ChairShot]

Ended up getting the TP link AC 1750.

Love it so far.

I really see a big improvement with the Apple TV as well as the range vs speed.

Setup was easy, 2 usb ports are helpful for sharing the printer and a external HDD.