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Wireless network upgrade

lykaon78

Golden Member
I think my old Linksys WRTG54 wireless router is giving up the ghost. The time frame needed between resets has slowly cycled down from almost never to about every other day.

I'm thinking of upgrading to this setup but I'm a networking novice so I'd like some feedback. My main goal is a range and stability upgrade. Product linkeage is at the bottom.

1. Ubiquiti Networks UniFi AP

Wired to

2. TP-LINK TL-R860 8-Port Cable/DSL Router

Wired to

3. MOTOROLA SB6121 SURFboard Cable Modem

Anything missing from this setup? Anything else to consider?


1. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...9SIA1EA0K66601
2. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833704070
3. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16825122015
 
I'd look into why you think the router you have now needs rebooting.

If you can install a third party firmware on it, you can configure auto reboots. Maybe the problem is with your cable modem.

If you're buying a new router, get one with gigabit ports for the future. That cable modem has one.
 
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I'd look into why you think the router you have now needs rebooting.

If you can install a third party firmware on it, you can configure auto reboots. Maybe the problem is with your cable modem.

If you're buying a new router, get one with gigabit ports for the future. That cable modem has one.

Agree. Not sure if you will transfer files over your network, or what your internet speeds are.
Many people have 100/20 internet now (Comcast just offered free upgrades to some people) and a gigabit lan and wan router would be useful for that.

Also the 6121 is a good modem, but there is a newer model 6141 now. Difference is it supports 8 downstream channel bonding instead of 4 like the 6121 does. Again, you won't see a difference now... but in the future who knows? The 6121 supports 160mbps downstream I think and the 6141 can do 320mbps. But if price is a concern, the 6121 is a good modem, your decision if the 6141 is worth the extra $15 (if you have 20/2 internet, then probably not.). If you don't mind buying from ebay... a few sellers on there accept best offers and will accept $67 for the 6141 I believe.

Also the zoom 5341j supports the same speeds as the 6141 but costs a little less (almost the same as the 6121 you linked). Lots of people seem to like it, however, zoom isn't the most well known brand.
http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-DOCSIS-Ca...rds=zoom+5341j


Also since you linked a tp-link router this may interest you. Not sure if it is closed yet. I believe the attacker has to be connected to your network to do it also, so maybe not as big of a deal.
http://tech.slashdot.org/story/13/03/15/1234217/backdoor-found-in-tp-link-routers
 
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Thanks for the good advice.

My router is at least 8 years old and still on wireless g. The problem's seem to escalate when I've added an iPhone 5 to the devices that tap in to my network... although that could be a coincidence.

Since I'm looking for a range upgrade in addition to stability the Ubiquiti AP seemed to fill that role nicely (based on other threads I've read here).
 
Is the network all within a single location? A wireless N with Gigabit should be all you need. I use two wired and up to eight (but usually just four) wireless connections with a simple Netgear Wireless N router. Even works outside just fine.
 
Yes. The network is all in one location.

Sounds like several have suggested I'm going overboard and a simple router replacement is all that is necessary.
 
Start with replacing the Router. No matter what, do not get a Combo Router/Modem.

Go with Giga and Dual Band Router to give you the capacity to deal with newer hardware.

Many Wireless Models work OK as people claim. The only problem is the Wireless depends heavily on the environment and that is rarely discussed in people recommendations. Thus whatever work for others might Not work for you.

According to my experience I usually recommend as general solution one of the following.

The four Routers mentioned bellow are DD-WRT capable and the first three have USB storage jack.

Money is Not an issue. Asus RT-N66U -RT-N66U N900
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833320091

Less expensive N-600. ASUS RT-N56U Wireless Router Dual Band N600
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833320062

BuffaloHigh Power N-600 Dual Band Giga.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833162070

I am broke I want Dual Band Wireless and do not care for Giga in the Router and USB storage

http://store.linksys.com/Routers/Li...-Router_stcVVproductId138177695VVviewprod.htm

When need Giga you can add this for $24 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833156250\

------------------

P.S, do not get rid of the WRT54G you can use it as an Access Point assign it to serve old Wireless client that are G only, and configure the new Router as a Dual Band for A/N only.
Using Access Points or Wireless Cable/DSL Routers as a Switch with an Access Point - http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html



😎
 
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