08-14-2010, 12:42 AM

Hi guys and girls!

Currently looking in the market for a new router. Currently running a Linksys WRT110 Range max for a Macbook Pro, PS3 and Toshiba Portege M750(work computer) and Ipad and my android phone. The current router as have given good service (purchased about 2.5 yrs ago. Problem is since a got the Ipad I have been a little bit more mobile around the house and I find the range lacking. Have 3500 sq ft 2 story colonial. One of my bedrooms I use for an office/gaming den and is the 2nd floor car corner of the house. On nice days I like to go down on the patio and work from there on nice mornings or to sit out on nice evenings with Ipad [and a beer ] but no signal. I have been reading some good reviews on here about the DIR-655 XTREME N GIGABIT ROUTER by D-link. At the price is right on this router. Was wondering if there any other models besides this that anyone has tried and given good service. Thanks in advance!

John

08-14-2010, 05:56 AM

The Apple routers are the best in the biz, bar none. They are priced accordingly, BUT if you want the best, that's the way to go.

08-14-2010, 06:33 AM

My house is about the size of your ground floor. For that much distance and good coverage I'd probably recommend a 2nd router instead of just a replacement, which is what I did. You can do this and either extend the existing network or create a 2nd network.

As I'm sure you already found, I have the 655 - think I have it set up as a combo g/n network as I have a PS3 that uses it. Then ran 100' cable across the attic from the office to the LR and set up a Time Capsule (equal to the Airport Extreme, but you could use just about any good router) at the opposite end of the house and a 'n' only network.

All my mobile devices are set up with both networks so I can quickly change and roam about from the front yard to the back yard on whichever one is providing the best coverage in a particular area.

The iPad does make you feel like sitting out on the patio with a good book on a nice morning/evening though doesn't it?

The AE could be used to extend your existing network without the wiring. Not sure about other routers, just never looked into doing that with them.

(Just FYI, I don't believe the range is any better on the AE than on my D-Link 655)

08-14-2010, 02:08 PM

Originally Posted by chas_m

The Apple routers are the best in the biz, bar none. They are priced accordingly, BUT if you want the best, that's the way to go.

I guess it depends on which review to believe but most reviews that I have read rate the Apple Airport Extreme fairly high on their list.

Here's one that rates the Extreme as the best.

Regards.

08-14-2010, 04:12 PM

My parents' house is a little bigger than yours and they have been getting along great with a DIR-655. Keep in mind they have every Ethernet port taken up and have almost a dozen wireless devices connected to the thing, so the router can clearly handle the bandwidth. It can also handle range as you can get a great connection anywhere inside the house and outside on the patio and deck.

My apartment is only 800 sq. ft. and I too have a DIR-655, though I use it more to handle my 54Mbps Internet connection and fast network transfers when moving files or streaming video.

08-14-2010, 04:22 PM

I own a Dlink DIR-655. Finest router I have ever owned or used.

I will not purchase any router without a true Firewall with SPI (Stateful Packet Inspection). NAT is NOT a true firewall.

08-15-2010, 12:28 PM

Thanks for the info guys!

08-16-2010, 11:03 AM

Got to go with chas m on this so far my Airport Extreme has outlived all my others and has had the strongest signal makes me wonder what the latest one can do besides simultaneous g and n.