Need advice choosing router

nHook · 2 Jun 2011 at 11:19

I am looking to change from my bt homehub2 to something a bit more decent.

I don't know much about the latest router tech. Is it feasible to buy something like the P-Link TD-W8960N 300MBPS Wireless N ADSL2+ Modem Router? A mate of mine recommended a Netgear but I have no idea what is good or not.

3dcandy · 2 Jun 2011 at 12:17

what's wrong with your homehub? It will be just as good as one of the cheaper makes, people give them bad reputations but they're ok for free. I'd guess you'd have to spend a good deal to notice a great difference, a cheap netgear or whatever won't be much better.

nHook · 2 Jun 2011 at 12:40

When the network has more than 2 users, I get frequent drops or large slowdowns. Ideally, I want something that can provide a good wireless signal for gaming/hd viewing across 2 laptops, 1 pc and a ps3.

Bt homehub2 doesn't do the job for me.

SeeKified · 2 Jun 2011 at 12:46

How much'd you be willing to spend?

3dcandy · 2 Jun 2011 at 13:13

right, well wireless signal from HH is pretty good, it's wireless N so the issue might not just be the HH. Also, if you're transfering HD stuff then wireless isn't ideal, much better off wired in that case, or homeplugs if laying cat5 isn't a viable option. Changing your router to improve wireless performance is a bit like trying to crack a nut with a sledgehammer. You will need to make sure you're using the best channel, that the laptops are wireless N too, latest drivers, etc. before ruling out the router.

SeeKified · 2 Jun 2011 at 13:32

Although I have to point out that the BT forum is riddled with users reporting disconnections and spontaneous reboots with the HHs. I've got a HH2 myself, found it to be unreliable within a few hours and promptly switched back to my E3000.

nHook · 2 Jun 2011 at 13:34

SeeKified said:
How much'd you be willing to spend?

Budget of £50 for now.

3dcandy said:
right, well wireless signal from HH is pretty good, it's wireless N so the issue might not just be the HH. Also, if you're transfering HD stuff then wireless isn't ideal, much better off wired in that case, or homeplugs if laying cat5 isn't a viable option. Changing your router to improve wireless performance is a bit like trying to crack a nut with a sledgehammer. You will need to make sure you're using the best channel, that the laptops are wireless N too, latest drivers, etc. before ruling out the router.

Thanks for the informative post. Checked that both laptops have wireless N and they do. What potential problem could be causing this?

SeeKified said:
Although I have to point out that the BT forum is riddled with users reporting disconnections and spontaneous reboots with the HHs. I've got a HH2 myself, found it to be unreliable within a few hours and promptly switched back to my E3000.

That's exactly what I am experiencing. I want a stable connection and the hh2 doesn't provide that.

3dcandy · 2 Jun 2011 at 13:56

It could possibly be the router, but I've always found wireless to be far inferior to wired if you have any sort of other wifi networks in the area. The HH is a cheap router, I'd be surprised if £50 gets you too much improvement, but you never know until you try. I'd be more inclined to spend £50 on wiring up the house, but that isn't always possible. I've ALWAYS been able to improve a wifi connection however with HH by changing channels and messing with settings, I very rarely leave the HH on automatic channel selection as that can be the cause of the random disconnects, but usually choose a good channel manually.

nHook · 2 Jun 2011 at 14:39

My pc is wired but I've use it wireless sometimes and the issue persists. I did try changing channels e.t.c but there was only a minor improvements. The random disconnects kept happening.

I am willing to spend more to fix those problems. Is there any routers you would recommend? tbh, I've tried a few things but feel I am out of options beside trying a new router.

Tealc · 2 Jun 2011 at 16:38

No idea if the TP-Link is any better than the Homehub but the two TP-Link products I have are just fine. Cheap, cheerful and they work well in the home environment.

I got the TD-W8961ND which is a tad newer than the 60N but I've no idea what the differences are.

On offer this week too.
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=NW-035-TP&groupid=46&catid=1595&subcat=

My old Netgear DG384GT would no longer keep my connection going and constantly dropped wireless devices and refused to let them join the network.

The other TP-Link I have is a Wireless extender which has been in service for 6 months+ and it's fine too.

nHook · 2 Jun 2011 at 17:06

For that price, it looks great. The amazon reviews are positive too.

How's your experience using it for hd content? Any issues with multiple users?

Tealc · 2 Jun 2011 at 17:13

I haven't tried to stream HD content wirelessly so can't help you there. We have around 10 wireless devices in the house and I've not had any issues getting any of them connected. The Xbox seems slower to download than with the Netgear despite no movement of devices but everywhere else in the house things are faster and better connected.

nHook · 2 Jun 2011 at 17:21

I will order the TD-W8961ND soon and see if it does well. Thanks for the feedback.