I need opinions/suggestions on a new N router

[shivanandrs]

Currently I'm running a Linksys WRT54G2 router for my home network. Over the past couple months I've noticed that my connection started dropping as well as my computer (even though it's wired) and other wireless devices failing to obtain an IP address.

After two days of searching, the Linksys E2500 looks like the best buy to me. The price is reasonable and the spec seems adequate for my needs. Any opinions on this thing?

Things to note:
All frequently used devices are N ready (not 100% sure about the Kindle Fire or the xbox 360).
There is usually a minimum of 2 wireless devices active on the network at any time, normally 3-5 (excluding cell phones, iPods, Kindle).
My gaming PC is the only wired connection.
Must be capable of streaming HD content over the network.

[TriniXaeno]

after exhaustive research on this exact topic (and for the exact reason), I came up with two clear winners.

The Asus RT N16 and its little brother the RT N12

http://www.cnet.com.au/asus-rt-n16-wireless-router-339298697.htm

Both support opensource firmware in case you have "special needs". As these give you a ton of flexibility and features that you may not have straight out of the box.

[Fkacn_tt]

I can attest to the Asus RT N16, it is a great piece of harware that has paid for it self in functionality. It is my NAS/Print/FTP server and wl-router(duh) thanks to tomato firmware.

[shivanandrs]

That Asus RT-N16 looks like a winner, I'm seriously considering getting it. Just one question, is it capable of creating a separate SSID for guest access?

[Spazosaurus]

That Asus RT-N16 looks like a winner, I'm seriously considering getting it. Just one question, is it capable creating a separate SSID for guest access?

No. One of its disadvantages. Ive had to resort to setting up and old Linksys for this purpose.

[shivanandrs]

Hmm. That is the biggest problem I have with my home network at the moment, close friends and family is okay but I don't like giving any and everyone access to my stuff. That's the reason I currently have file/media sharing disabled on my all but one of my PC's.

I guess i could keep my dying WRT54G2 for guest access.

[abdalla2169]

why not try DD-WRT on your existing router, more than likely the asus router may already be running that firmware, might save ya self a lil cash, if you do buy me a beer

[Arcmanov]

That Asus RT-N16 looks like a winner, I'm seriously considering getting it. Just one question, is it capable of creating a separate SSID for guest access?

I can also attest to the reliability and prowess of this router and got it based solely on Awesome and Redfish's recommendations.

I'll have to check through the DD-WRT settings to see if it supports this.




SwiftKeyed from my Samsung Galaxy Note 2 with Tapatalk 2

[TriniXaeno]

I currently run Tomato 1.28 on one of these. It has virtual wireless interfaces.

They list the feature as highly experimental though so your mileage may vary.

[Arcmanov]

OK, you can very easily do it with DD-WRT using this guide.
I tried it, and it works like a charm...and using the 'iptables' scripts, you can disallow access to certain interfaces on the router.
This means that someone on the virtual WLAN can't get access to your network shares. (Tested this as well)

I'm pretty sure there are scripts to change QoS values for the virtual WLAN as well so that any users on it can't bog down the connection when you're using it.
Your data on the wired connection will always have priority.

...but it means you have to flash the router with the DD-WRT firmware first.

It works WAY better with the DD-WRT firmware installed, and I've even used it to create a wireless bridge
to another router running DD-WRT where a cable run wasn't possible.


tl;dr - Asus RT-N16 ftw.