router update to gigabit, need suggtestions

[kater1]

Hey all,

It is time to update my router. At the moment I am running a Netgear WNDR3400v2. It works well but I am now needing a Gigabit connection for my new NAS (Synology DS212j).

I keep looking at the Netgear WNDR3700. I like the interface of the Netgear setup. I am use to it and it works well for me. What are your all thoughts on this?

I have multiple network cameras setup also (mostly Foscam). We access these through the net to watch our yard (dog yard) and the wifes grooming area (she a dog groomer).

We have a Vizio Smart Tv, Roku, 1 laptop, 4 network cams that are connected via wifi all the time. The there are cellphones that come and go. I currently use the WEP security (I know, outdated and easy to hack...) I am going to move up to WPA2 but have to take all my cameras down and configure via wired connection before I change over.

So I guess what I am needing is as follows:

Wireless 802.11a/b/g/n
Gigabit lan ports
Wep, WPA2
Would like unlimited port forwarding...
good maximum wifi range


My network setup is as follows

cable modem (NewWave 15Mbps package) - router - 24 port unmanaged switch - 24 port patch panel - cat 5e cable to multiple points in the home.

I would also like to reuse my WNDR3400 as a AP to replace my Buffalo WHR-HP-G54 that is used as one.

Thanks

Bill

 

[nsafreak]

Frankly since you're not on a gigabit connection for your WAN (Internet) there's no point in upgrading the router to gigabit. I'd recommend going the far less expensive route and get a gigabit switch for the LAN and hooking everything from your LAN into it instead.

 

[PliotronX]

Frankly since you're not on a gigabit connection for your WAN (Internet) there's no point in upgrading the router to gigabit. I'd recommend going the far less expensive route and get a gigabit switch for the LAN and hooking everything from your LAN into it instead.

Good idea on the GbE switch. Boom.

 

[kater1]

But, wont just a switch cut wifi speed if router not a gigabit router?

 

[PliotronX]

But, wont just a switch cut wifi speed if router not a gigabit router?

To the internet and anything hooked up to the Netgear's Fast Ethernet ports, they will remain capped at 100Mb, but anything hooked up to the GbE switch will be GbE. It won't reduce speed anywhere but just enhance LAN connections, basically. Nsafreak's thought, and is totally correct, is that unless you have Google Fiber, a GbE WAN port is a waste because no other North American ISP is capable of saturating 100Mb. Your current Netgear 11n is still a great router. What we're saying is that instead of replacing it, you can supplement it which will get you the performance you want in your LAN without spending large amounts. Since you said you want to replace the Buffalo, I'm assuming you may want two AP's though...? In that case, the router with GbE makes sense.

 

[Boondox]

100 Mbit Ethernet will outperform 300 Mbps WiFi, so there is no concern for your WiFi to be faster or slower. Your Gigabit switch will help increase network transfer speed between wired devices, but won't increase WiFi throughput.