Wanting to upgrade router...need to update NICs too?

[Mike45450]

Hi all,

currently I'm running an ancient Belkin F5D7230-4 which doesn't offer QoS, and I'm sick of having huge lag spikes in games when others on the network open the smallest website. So I'm looking to get a new router that has QoS available on the default firmware, and/or you can install third party firmwares on it. But I have a few questions about changing to a new router:

1. Right now I'm eyeing the Linksys WRT54GL since it seems to be a nice, relatively cheap router with the ability to install a variety of firmwares on it. Is this a good choice, or are there better alternatives available now?

2. This is the thing I'm most worried about. Will changing from a Belkin router to a Linksys/other company router mean that I need to upgrade my NICs too? Everyone on the network currently has Belkin F5D7000 (revision 1133uk) NICs.

Thanks!

 

[Mike45450]

Anyone got any thoughts on this?

 

[wonko]

I can't see why your wireless network cards shouldn't work with any wireless router that supports 802.11g.
Are you sure that it's the internet traffic that's causing the lag, and not the wireless network? If the problem went away while using a network cable to the existing router, it might suggest that a new router might not be the whole solution.

 

[b0rn2sk8]

Powerline adapters are also a good solution if wires are not an option.


How many other hotspots are there in your area, also other 2.4Ghz devices such as cordless phones? There might not be any open channels. If you live in a built up area that might be an issue.