Benefits of New Routers?

[toasty]

I have a Apple Airport Extreme Base Station that I've been using as my wireless router for several years. I honestly don't know what year I got it, but it's been a while. I think it was around the time that the 802.11n standard came out, because it does have that and I seem to recall it was fairly new at the time.

It's working like a top and I don't really have any complaints about it at all, but I do wonder if I'm not missing out on something by virtue of not taking advantage of the newest technology. I think about how many computers and other devices I've had since buying the the thing, just makes me wonder.

Thoughts?

[Kamal]

Re: Benefits of New Routers?

James, the new wireless protocol due out is AC but that, like Wireless N was at the time of it's official stamping vs. router manufacturers releasing premature betas of it), is at least 6 months away. Stick with N, most N capable routers have N and G band capabilities. Do speedtest.net tests with both N and G bands and see what's serving your wireless needs the most and exploit that band.

The ONLY reason I would consider upgrading a (wireless) router (as ironic as it may seem, because I have had related problems at work) is the "port" speed connectivity i.e. if your "WAN" port (the port that plugs into your cable modem) is only 10 MBIT and your cable internet speeds are even higher than 10 MBIT, then you will need an ALL Gigabit port (wireless) router.

Otherwise, you're good to go for at least another 2 years (unless you buy AC compatible hardware i.e. AC compatable laptops / netbooks / tablets during this time).

[toasty]

Re: Benefits of New Routers?

thanks. What is the deal with the dual band, 2.4 + 5.0 Ghz, etc.?

[Kamal]

Re: Benefits of New Routers?

2.4 and 5 ghz are just wireless spectrum. (iirc) 2.4 ghz works by passing really well through walls and 5 ghz works by bouncing (albeit pretty crappily) off walls to your equipment. The best way to describe the spectrum (from a performance standpoint of course / imo) is like having an economy seat on airplane (they're cheaper to buy and are as such, more crowded) vs. business/first class on the 5 ghz. The area is less crowded but fewer devices uses it.

I have yet to use 5 ghz well at home, granted I have an older router and I don't have any personal experience with how the 5ghz band works on newer routers. 2.4 ghz seems to cut it well enough for me, even (wire-lessly) maxing out my 20 mbit cable modem connection at home. So as far as "internet" access goes, either 2.5 ghz N or even G should suffice.

HD streaming over N vs. G will differ, it depends on the architecture of your residence, again, running tests will help you determine what suits your needs. But I don't think using N over G (with the right hardware) will make that drastic a difference - especially using stock firmware on the router (I don't know if there is custom firmware available for the MAC Wireless, I know there is for Linksys i.e. DD-WRT, that completely transforms the Linksys router from sponge-bob square pants type personality into a Thundercat).

The benefit of 5 ghz is that, being less crowded, it can fly, especially as the HiDef quality climbs towards uncompressed bluray, but the hardware needs uninterrupted and un-blocked connectivity with the router.

If that seems like I'm rambling, PM me.

[picklemonkey]

Re: Benefits of New Routers?

I've actually been wanting a router that lets me manage the packets coming in for a set of devices. For example, blocking .EXE and .ZIP files for the kids, adult pages, etc. I can do basic stuff with what I have today, but if you know of anything that lets me get down to blocking filetypes, I'd love to hear about it.

[Kamal]

Re: Benefits of New Routers?

I haven't tried it with dd-wrt but its got a whole bunch of extended controls. Give it a go.

[dusk]

Re: Benefits of New Routers?

I know this is an old thread... but just wanted to let you guys know that I installed my Asus RT-N66U (Dark Knight) yesterday... and absolutely love it. Didn't know that I could get giddy over a router... but this thing is soooooo sweet! At some point I will install some custom firmware on this bad boy but for now I am thoroughly enjoying what Asus has to offer.

Anyone in the market for a new router needs to check this out first.

http://www.asus.com/Networking/RTN66U/

Doesn't hurt that I got it for a steal as well

[feather]

Re: Benefits of New Routers?

I use that too, it's great. My video-over-network stream got so much smoother after I ditched the lame TWC modem/router.

[dusk]

Re: Benefits of New Routers?

^^^ Are you running any custom firmware on it?

[feather]

Re: Benefits of New Routers?

Nope, the one it comes with has been good enough!