My router has been acting up and I think I need a new one. Is there any one brand that's better than the others? Are there any features or specs I need to look for?

I live out in the country and don't have any neighbors close enough to steal my internet connection from a wireless router so security isn't a big concern.

Thanks for any advice.

 

I have a netgear wireless router, got it from walmart. Take it out of the box and put the cd in and follow prompts. Works great! I had a linksys before and it was a nightmare to set up. I HATED THAT THING!

 

The only real choice is do you want Wireless G or N??

They are all basically the same.. I have dealt with noname brands as well as Netgear, linksys, belkin and never had any issues with either one..

Go for the best deal and you should be fine..

Personnally I prefer Linksys, because they have been th easiest to configure.

I would not recommend going to the wireless N routers, unless your current router has had issues with dropping the signal when far from the router..

Wireless N offers a greater distance over the G routers..

Hope this helps..

 

Always run a secure connection no matter where you live. I can drive through the country with my laptop on running Netstumbler and find an unsecure connection in 10 - 15 minutes. I've never hijacked one nor do I ever intend to (I usually do it as a way to amuse myself checking out the number of wireless connections popping up if I'm in the passenger seat on a trip with my wife driving) but someone with less than honest motives can hop onto an unsecure and open connection in literally 30 seconds.

Do you want the local police knocking on your door with a search warrant because some unknown person used your connection to download kiddie ****? Its happened before so don't think it can't happen to you!

Or worse, if someone doesn't go through the simple 5 minute steps to secure their wireless connection odds are they haven't secured their computer either. They hop onto your network, probe your computer for vunerabilities, install a root kit and now they have access to everything on your system.

The user manual supplied with all routers detail the simple step by step procedure to secure the connection. Please take the time to do it so you're not here later on asking how to stop a black hat hacker.

 

Thanks Don. I didn't know the difference in the 2. I've had no issues with signal strength so I'll stick with the G based on your advice.

Yes Ken, I know I should get a secure connection and will with the new router. I've lost the manual for my current router and can't figure out how to set up the secure connection on it. The good news is the signal from the current router will not reach the road. To steal my connection you have to pull in my driveway and park near my house, but I understand where you're coming from and will set the new router up properly (hopefully). If I get stuck I'll come back and ask for help.