how do i now what router is the best?

Question

what qualities make a router good?

Answer 1

Linksys for home use, Cisco for business use.

For home use, regardless of brand, if you want wireless, make sure it is "WiFi Certified" and supports WPA2 security, and the rest is mostly marketing hype. I would suggest Linksys, a division of Cisco, they generally win in terms of performance, ease of use, and support, according to PC Magazine and similar mags. So the extra 10 dollars for a Linksys is justified. This has been my experience as well. As for what makes a router a good one: ease of use, good web interface, complete feature set, good security options, good help available both online and if you need to call for tech support.

Again, if going wireless, consider getting one with a built-in 4-port 10/100 switch for example. I'll mention some specific models below. This just gives the extra flexibility of having both wired and wireless connections.

For WiFi routers, beware going with the new 802.11n and all the hype surrounding it about higher speeds and longer distances, it's not even a finalized standard yet. In some cases you'll get great results with a pre-N product but the final standard can and will change which might make it junk sometime next year.

The home user norm is a b/g router or access point such as the Linksys WRT54G, while the small business norm is an a/b/g such at the Linksys WRT55AG. I'd spend the extra few bucks and get the a/b/g model so you have more flexibility down the road in case you need to use 802.11a channels for certain reasons, like interference.

Grab a "Computer Shopper" or PC Magazine or similar mags and look up their wireless router product reviews, that'll give you a good idea and more details on what to look for and what NOT to fall for in terms of marketing hype. Finally, don't believe everything you read online in terms of product reviews from other users! One good (or bad) review/experience usually means very little regarding what you'll experience yourself. I recommend Linksys, as do thousands of others, but of course you'll also find people who've had bad luck with theirs.

Answer 2

If you want the best, you need to look at what companies use who can't afford any downtime. My personal preference is Linksys. They are built by Cisco. No other company knows networking like Cisco. They are top self equipment. Yes, they do costs more, but a Linksys router isn't going to cost double a Netgear. Maybe 25% more though. Netgear is good with D-Link being dead last. I've had nothing but problems from D-Link equipment.

Answer 3

"Broadband router" and "cable/dsl router" imply the identical factor, because cable and dsl are 2 (of many) broadband ways. d-Link makes well merchandise. I have two in their routers sitting proper subsequent to me (despite the fact that I pick Linksys, for causes that experience not anything to do with utilising their routers as routers). About the one alterations I'd make to the advice are one million) suppose approximately getting a wi-fi router. (You too can hook up with it through wires, however you have got the choice of utilising wi-fi.) and a pair of) save round. Circuit town is not dangerous, however anyone else can have the identical router for a cut back rate.

Answer 4

It really depends on prefrence. Some of the routers are exactly the same just manufactured under different names.

Answer 5

In my opinion if considering wireless connection, WPA encryption support is a must. Personally I prefer small companies over huge corporations (just less chances their tech support will be in India or other third world country).

Answer 6

Depends on what wireless card you have. if youo have a 802.1.b then you cant go for 802.1.g Latest routers support G. I recommend D-Link or Linksys

Answer 7

IT DEPENDS ON HOW MANY COMPUTERS YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE ON YOUR NETWORK. IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT BRAND THEY ARE ALL DECENT. I USE A NETGEAR MR814 BUT I ONLY HAVE A SMALL NETWORK. NETGEAR IS A GOOD SOLID UNIT AND DOESN'T COST AN ARM AND A LEG. YOUR SYSTEM SHOULD BE ABLE TO HANDLE 802.11 THAT IS WHAT MOST ALL INTERNET CONNECTIONS ARE SET ON.