Router for home network with large number of wireless devices?

Question

Hi, recently it has become apparent that the number of wireless devices is overwhelming my current wireless router (DGL-4300 Wireless 108G Gaming Router) (it even may have fried it) and I was looking to install a new network setup. Currently I have 3 wired computers (likely to add 2-3 more wired devices) and around 6-8 wireless devices. Given this I think I need to go with a switch and a high end wireless router. I'm okay picking out a switch but my question was what should I be looking at to support both gigabit ethernet and that number of wireless devices?

Answer 1

This is not a great load for a wireless router, they can handle up to about 20 wireless connections, and a switch can be added to increase the number of wired machines. You may need to increase the dhcp address pool range to cover all the machines. Alternatively a wired router connected to a switch and then a wireless access point would separate the wired and wireless groups. You still need to ensure enough addresses are available from the router. Load should never fry a router, it will just slow down. Make sure you always have them in a very well ventilated location, even a tablecloth or carpet underneath them will cause heat problems.

Answer 2

Before you do anything else, verify that your existing hardware is not defective. Your DGL-4300 router isn't the problem. Up to 12 PCs simultaneously trying to play games and / or using P2P is!!! I've had the same issues and discovered that my pipe choked.

Then, I would talk to your ISP. 12 devices, regardless of connection type, may be consuming all the available bandwidth from your ISP. If so, you need to upgrade your Cable / DSL service.

TIP: Gigabit Ethernet is only usable within your home network, unless your ISP offers it as a service($$$).

Answer 3

Unless you are looking to spend a lot of money with an enterprise router, i would suggest buying a separate router for wireless and a separate one for Ethernet.