What wireless router has the best coverage area?

Answer 1

As a previous answer points out, there is no one vendor that makes a wireless router that clearly has a better coverage area. This is because the output power is limited by the FCC and they all use a standard dipole antenna design. That said, coverage area will not really be the top decision making factor, but instead consider ease of use, support, features and reliability. Most of the time, Linksys wins, you can confirm by reading the product reviews in PC Magazine and similar mags.

You can also purchase high gain antenna kits for many access points, but beware of their limitations. They flatten out the RF energy more like a pancake and less like a donut, so if you have your wireless router in the basement and put on high gain antennas, you might actually get a WORSE signal in a 2nd floor bedroom for example. But if you live in a 1-story home and want to get the signal way out in yourt back yard, the high gain would work great.

Also, beware of the new 802.11n stuff for now... These cost more and supposedly give much better range and much higher throughput, but real world tests on Pre-N gear have been disappointing, and when the standard is finalized sometime next year, it may become useless, because the standard is a moving target right now.

Answer 2

I've used and installed just about every brand wireless router there is, there is no one clear "better\farther" router.

The main thing to keep in mind is to place the Router as HIGH and CLEAR from any obstructions such as walls, furniture, etc for longest range.

You can also purchase wireless "extenders\amplifiers".

Answer 3

i'm not sure about others, i use the AZTECH ADSL wireless G router, good coverage for 100ft radius.

Answer 4

Linksys WRT54GL with DD-WRT loaded on it.
D-Link DGL-4300

Get either one, than put high gain antennas on it.

Answer 5

SDK