Wireless-N Router - Confusion in choice!

12-12-2009, 16:55

I'm finally joining the 21 Century and getting a wireless router, but am confused as to which will be best for my needs.

What make/model is VM currently offering for Â£40 (I'm 10Mb cable on old NTL network)?

Originally was thinking of going for Netgear WRN2000, but read bad reports about this due to dropping off/greatly reduced speeds.

My next choice is D-Link DIR615, but mixed comments. Speed/covergae would seem to be better, but problems getting up and running.

I don't need it for P2P.
My main PC will be connected to it via Ethernet.
The connection to wireless device will have to go between floors/through one brick wall/one plasterboard partition.
Mostly to be used for general web surfing, possibly moving some audio, very little video streaming.
Only want to pay around Â£50, may at later date get cabling installed between floors (though hell may freeze over sooner!)

Suggestions/comments would be greatly appreciated, please.

Cheers

Peter_ · 12-12-2009, 16:56

Netgear WGR614 G router for Â£40

D Link DIR615 N router for Â£50

12-12-2009, 18:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moldova

Netgear WGR614 G router for Â£40

D Link DIR615 N router for Â£50

Thanks Moldova.

Not going for the Netgear WGR614, as it's only G.

I'm just concerned about this current thread on the DIR-615
http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/87...onnection.html

But then pabscars is having no probs with the WRN2000, there is this thread about issues with that make/model
http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/87...r-rubbish.html

So I'm very confused

I've also just found the Linksys WRT160N

If someone from VM (maybe sales) knows what is currently being offered by VM for Â£40 (does that inc P&P) ? then at least it's a start.

As I say and feedback on the above 3 models greatly appreciated.

Peter_ · 12-12-2009, 19:44

We no longer supply the WNR2000 as the D Link DIR615 replaced it and as you are on 10Mb it should work fine and it is a doddle to set up using my instructions. http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/34916465-post3.html

Click this link to find out how easy it was to set up. http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/34925997-post11.html

12-12-2009, 20:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moldova

We no longer supply the WNR2000 as the D Link DIR615 replaced it and as you are on 10Mb it should work fine and it is a doddle to set up using my instructions. http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/34916465-post3.html

Thanks Moldova.

Apologies I had not seen your instructions.

Thanks for the information.

Peter_ · 12-12-2009, 20:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by jingleman

Thanks Moldova.

Apologies I had not seen your instructions.

Thanks for the information.

I think you never noticed that I was also a Virgin staff member.

I deal with these routers on a daily basis setting them up with customers over the phone, and the D Link is by far the easiest.

TAZMANUK · 14-12-2009, 16:43

I have both of these routers here is my 2 pence worth

WNR2000 not a bad router which works great with the wn111v2 usb adapter, i have had a few drop outs now and again but easly fixed, nearly all routers drop out now and again from time to time.

Most effected appliance for my situation is the microwave hates it and get nothing but work when its off but how many times does that happen very miminal, they are new drivers out the dongle which i updated only on sunday, there is a new firmware upgrade as well, i did try it but had issues so went back to 1.2.0.8 from 1.2.3.7

Overall this router is fine and has good range.

The D-LINK one, well its not bad however has bad range, the dongle also had bad issues with as at the moment there isnt a windows 7 driver for it, but i beleive there is now, however i was fed up with messing about with the dlink as it couldnt my dongle couldnt find it and had limited connectivity, so i went back to the netgear wnr2000, i believe there is a newer version like wnr3300 or something so look on ebay for one of those.

I have always had netgear and never had issues, i am on my 3rd netgear router just simply that i have upgraded as none of them became faulty just upgraded the way technology has advanced over the years.

I think within the new year this router i may upgrade to one of the new ones netgear provide.

I think its down to personal preference, some people swear by nergear, others like buffalo or d-link just to name a few.

however the d-link didnt like windows 7 where as netgear worked without any issues at all

pabscars · 15-12-2009, 13:01

Ive also had both and for what its worth I would say the wireless performance of the D-Link was better than the Netgear, however gaming through the D-Link was for me very poor.

The netgear however seemed very good when I was using it for my xbox and PS3, but did suffer from the occasional drop out/ reboot.

Again for what its worth I dont either of these any more and have purchased a linksys WRT610 which up to now has made a world of difference.

Ive only had this a week but so far I,m really impressed with it.

MovedGoalPosts · 15-12-2009, 14:20

Steer clear of the Linksys WRT610N. It's a pile of pants and keeps dropping the wired connection to the computer. I've lost count of how many times I've had to reboot it.

pabscars · 15-12-2009, 14:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob

Steer clear of the Linksys WRT610N. It's a pile of pants and keeps dropping the wired connection to the computer. I've lost count of how many times I've had to reboot it.

Oops too late for me, the only issue I've had with it is it not connecting to the lappy unless I do it manually, apart from that its been rock solid

17-12-2009, 17:15

Moldova, I had momentarily forgoten you worked for VirginMedia.

Have finally gone with the Linksys WRT160N.

Got it for Â£49 with free p&p from Dixons.co.uk (it's Â£69 at PCWorld.co.uk even though they are same group of companies).

No problem with the inernet connection, works fine between floors (so far).

Have a networking issue between the 2 PCs, but that seems to be Windows 7 related (and possibly ZoneAlarm). Need to look at that another day.

Peter_ · 18-12-2009, 20:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by jingleman

Moldova, I had momentarily forgoten you worked for VirginMedia.

Have finally gone with the Linksys WRT160N.

Got it for Â£49 with free p&p from Dixons.co.uk (it's Â£69 at PCWorld.co.uk even though they are same group of companies).

No problem with the inernet connection, works fine between floors (so far).

Have a networking issue between the 2 PCs, but that seems to be Windows 7 related (and possibly ZoneAlarm). Need to look at that another day.

I use an Edimax BR650N that I got for Â£35 including postage and has since gone up in price, does what I need it to do.