Would A New Router Give Me "Better" WiFi?

[Kai Y]

It is a dual band router. I did ask above and no one answered, should I disable 2.4 completely so it forces 5? But will that eliminate some devices on my network? And why does my Macbook not connect to the 5 Ghz channel? Is there something I need to do on it?

No, I don't think you need to disable 2.4GHz completely. If you disable 2.4GHz, you would prevent devices that do not support 5GHz from connecting to the network. What you can do, however, is to change the SSID of the 5GHz network (under the wireless settings page in your earlier screenshot) to something different (e.g. DLDigital5), then you connect your Macbook to this SSID instead of DLDigital. This way you can force your Macbook to connect only to the 5GHz network.

I'm guessing your Macbook supports 5GHz, because your screenshots earlier in WiFi Explorer show it picking up a 5GHz network.

[DirtyLarry Veteran]

Okay cool, thanks again all, I just renamed the 5Ghz channel to same name, just got real creative, and added +5 at the end of it. :laugh:

One last thing I think is worth mentioning. I forgot the main reason I really questioned if my router was the best it can be.

I am on Nvidia's mailing list, and they set up their website for Project SHEILD today.

I have already put the money aside from my bonus to purchase it. I am getting it 110% for the ability to stream games from my PC. So keep this in mind. I want the best wireless experience I can get so I know that Project SHIELD is running as good as it possibly can be. (Y)

[DirtyLarry Veteran]

Just wanted to say thanks again. You guys are geniuses. (Y)

I renamed the 5Ghz as suggested, connected to it no issues on my Macbook Pro.

Also I can leave the Mode "Up to 300 Mbps," and speeds are exactly the same as when I put it to "Up to 145 Mbps"

So I think we may have a winner here. :punk:

This should mean my transfer rates on my network are much faster now, which would be SWEET. Have to do some experimenting tomorrow, I am off to bed now.

And if one or two people chime in in favor of the Asus, I will order it tomorrow.

Thanks again everyone. Much appreciated. I feel like I have gotten some positive changes tonight for sure. :yes:

[remixedcat]

Glad to have helped :cat:

[The Evil Overlord]

Just remember to reset it from time to time, maybe once every couple or 3 months, I like netgears even though I'm using an e4200 (it came at the right price, was going to get the wndr4500) :)

[DirtyLarry Veteran]

So yeah, I ordered the ASUS RT-N66U

Main reason I did so, was this comparison chart.

i actually really thought my current router supported Gigabit speeds, but it does not. No wonder file transfers between my networked computers have been much slower since I changed ISP's :blush: As everything else in my home network, all switches etc., are definitely Gigabit. So my router should be as well.

So that was one motivation.

The other was the potential Data Range / Speed bump I should also hopefully achieve.

So for people who own this Asus router, is the Merlin firmware (suggested on Page 1 of this thread) the suggested route to go? Or is there Hyper DRT or whatever that firmware is called? Etc. Definitely open to hearing what the best firmware out there is, and or do I just stick to the stock firmware (which I am more then willing to do, considering I am not a power user by any means, but perhaps I will become one)

[xendrome]

So yeah, I ordered the ASUS RT-N66U

Main reason I did so, was this comparison chart.

i actually really thought my current router supported Gigabit speeds, but it does not. No wonder file transfers between my networked computers have been much slower since I changed ISP's :blush: As everything else in my home network, all switches etc., are definitely Gigabit. So my router should be as well.

So that was one motivation.

The other was the potential Data Range / Speed bump I should also hopefully achieve.

So for people who own this Asus router, is the Merlin firmware (suggested on Page 1 of this thread) the suggested route to go? Or is there Hyper DRT or whatever that firmware is called? Etc. Definitely open to hearing what the best firmware out there is, and or do I just stick to the stock firmware (which I am more then willing to do, considering I am not a power user by any means, but perhaps I will become one)

I'm using stock firmware and haven't had any issues, I went from a WNDR3700 to the RT-N66U and am totally happy. My signal is at least 2x better then it was with the Netgear. Also when you get it there is a new firmware just released from Asus, so go ahead and update.

[PGHammer]

I'm using stock firmware and haven't had any issues, I went from a WNDR3700 to the RT-N66U and am totally happy. My signal is at least 2x better then it was with the Netgear. Also when you get it there is a new firmware just released from Asus, so go ahead and update.

DD-WRT has their issues with non-Broadcom dual-band N router chipsets (including the ASUS), which is why I'm actually somewhat glad that it doesn't support the Atheros chipset in my WNDR3700v4 yet.

And though I like DD-WRT, I would have to have a reason to switch to it - right now, the factory firmware of my WNDR supports everything DD-WRT does (including IPv6) and doesn't have the teething issues DD-WRT does with 5 GHz N. (In other words, Netgear's own firmware has stepped things up; amusingly, it is also open-source these days.)

Which version of the WNDR3700 did you have? I'm pleased as can be with my v4 (and the new Atheros chipset) - the V2 and v3 have different chipsets (the v2 used an older Atheros chipset, while the v3 used a Broadcom chipset).

[+Raze Subscriber²]

Here's a review for the Asus RT N66U - http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/wireless/wireless-reviews/31687-asus-rt-n66u-dark-knight-dual-band-wireless-n900-gigabit-router-reviewed

and a review of the Merlin firmware - http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/wireless/wireless-reviews/31963-asuswrt-merlin-reviewed

[eXtermia]

It's funny that you mention this specific problem. I'm in Westchester County, same ISP and same included router. Lately I've been noticing the exact same thing! We have about 5 devices on the wireless - 2 laptops, 2 smartphones, and a TV. Past few days I've been noticing a ton of dropped signals, major slowdowns, etc. I haven't tried it yet but I'm going to call Optimum pretending to be somewhat computer illiterate, complain, and see if they'll give me a better router. No idea if it will work but may be worth a shot before you buy a new one. ;) If that doesn't work, I'll likely be going the same route as you and picking up a new router.

I was streaming media to PS3 a few days ago (and xbox too) using universial media server over wifi. I have a dual band router and my source feed was on 5ghz the PS3 was on 2.4GHZ everything was working great till someone turned to microwave oven to cook popcorn adn the stream started stuttering and failing. Anyway why I am sayin gthis is there are factors that can interfere. Microwave Ovens, other WiFi, and even portabale (landline phones). My microwave wasn't even in the path of the router and the ps3 but is on the same floor as the PS3 but about 25 meters away diagional.

[Shadrack]

Gosh, DirtyLarry - Weren't you JUST having whole-house WiFi issues related to getting some iOS device? (Or am I mistaking you for someone else?)

All I can share is my own story regarding routers and this advice: get something that lets you install a custom firmware. I know that seems ridiculous but I've been through 3 Linksys routers and a Netgear router. My last Linksys router was dropping connections left and right and the wife and kids were also complaining about "invalid IP" messages (because the router would assign two different devices the same IP address). I thought that the router was just 'dead' and I needed a new one. Instead a guy at work convinced me to try DD-WRT on it. I installed it and haven't had a single problem yet. On top of that, I've been able to use the features of DD-WRT to block the kid's devices from porn while still giving me and the mrs. devices full access ;).

[Roger H. Veteran]

Glad you changed SSIDs as that's what I was gonna suggest. My Intel 6300 has an option in the drivers page (device manager) to prefer 5Ghz over 2.4Ghz so in my case I can use the same SSIDs for both frequencies but it's better to just seperate them. Glad that's working great now. I too have a E4200 and would recommend it as well (i have V1 but V2 is great other than no 3rd party firmware). They have the new EA6500 which is the AC chipset so that's the top dog now, the lowly E4200 can be had for $99 last I checked. I got mine in January 2011 and it's been rock solid since then.

As for the Asus, i'd also recommend it as i've installed them in other places. If I didn't have a working router i'd go for that one myself. My next upgrade though will be an .11AC router since the one I have now is already great, i can wait another 2yrs before jumping on that boat :)

Hope it all works out DL - i should come by your house next time i'm in NJ to enjoy all the sweet gear you have! :)

[Yusuf M. Veteran]

So yeah, I ordered the ASUS RT-N66U

Main reason I did so, was this comparison chart.

i actually really thought my current router supported Gigabit speeds, but it does not. No wonder file transfers between my networked computers have been much slower since I changed ISP's :blush: As everything else in my home network, all switches etc., are definitely Gigabit. So my router should be as well.

So that was one motivation.

The other was the potential Data Range / Speed bump I should also hopefully achieve.

So for people who own this Asus router, is the Merlin firmware (suggested on Page 1 of this thread) the suggested route to go? Or is there Hyper DRT or whatever that firmware is called? Etc. Definitely open to hearing what the best firmware out there is, and or do I just stick to the stock firmware (which I am more then willing to do, considering I am not a power user by any means, but perhaps I will become one)

You're going to love that router. I bought it to replace my D-Link DGL-4500 Gaming Router. I've had it since 2008 and it just couldn't handle the amount of devices in my house. The setup process is very easy and the signal strength on the 2.4 GHz band is superb. 5 GHz is better since it's less crowded which means you'll get better throughput. However, your signal strength might not be as good as the 2.4 GHz because lower frequencies have better penetration. I'm on the 5 GHz band in my room and my router is 2 floors down. I usually get 4 out of 5 bars compared to a full 5 bars all the time on 2.4 GHz. Since the difference in signal strength is minimal, I've opted to use 5 GHz.

The stock firmware will get the job done 99.9% of the time. The only time you should use custom firmware is if you know what you're doing and you want a specific feature that the stock firmware doesn't have like monthly bandwidth usage reports. Just like xendrome, I haven't had any issues with it. I'll probably use a custom firmware when ASUS stops updating it. With that said, I recommend that you stick with the stock firmware for now. It's a hassle to find the right custom firmware version for your router and it's even more of a hassle to get it setup properly.

[jerzdawg]

Im currently using the Asus 56U as my secondary router and love the stock firmware/gui. I use my fios router as my default G wireless and any of my N devices use the asus. Never have any issues with picking up all the networked devices and I think I have at least 18 devices hooked up either wired or wireless and never run into any connection issues. Be sure to post back on the results... im curious if the 3 antennas are worth my upgrading my 56u to the 66u

[+Raze Subscriber²]

New firmware - ASUS RT-N66U B1 Firmware Version 3.0.0.4.270 - installed no problems, working very well. I :heart: this router!

http://usa.asus.com/Networks/Wireless_Routers/RTN66U/#download

[DirtyLarry Veteran]

Gosh, DirtyLarry - Weren't you JUST having whole-house WiFi issues related to getting some iOS device? (Or am I mistaking you for someone else?)

All I can share is my own story regarding routers and this advice: get something that lets you install a custom firmware. I know that seems ridiculous but I've been through 3 Linksys routers and a Netgear router. My last Linksys router was dropping connections left and right and the wife and kids were also complaining about "invalid IP" messages (because the router would assign two different devices the same IP address). I thought that the router was just 'dead' and I needed a new one. Instead a guy at work convinced me to try DD-WRT on it. I installed it and haven't had a single problem yet. On top of that, I've been able to use the features of DD-WRT to block the kid's devices from porn while still giving me and the mrs. devices full access ;).

Yep that was me. :laugh: And I think those issues were because of this router I currently have and am about to replace. :punk:

New firmware - ASUS RT-N66U B1 Firmware Version 3.0.0.4.270 - installed no problems, working very well. I :heart: this router!

http://usa.asus.com/...TN66U/#download

Nice, thanks for making my life easy.

I am very happy with the fact I ordered this router. If it was not crap weather where I am I even would have sprung the extra money for Saturday delivery, but I knew there was no way in hell it would have made it to me. So Tuesday delivery it is.

Thanks again for all the comments, help, etc. I will post back once I have the Asus setup and have some impressions, etc. Naturally if I have questions as well.

[Xilo]

I LOVE my Netgear WNDR3400 but let's call a spade a spade. The thing is atrocious when it comes to wireless signals. I consistently have issues with it. The only reason I haven't replaced it yet is because I can't figure out which route I want to take (How I want to set things up). It's a fantastic little beast when wired, but wireless....yeah no.

How can you love something that doesn't even perform well for the other half of it's function?

[nekkidtruth]

How can you love something that doesn't even perform well for the other half of it's function?

Easy. I love the look of it. As I said, it also works like a beast wired. The software isn't bad either, easy to use etc. Why do people "love" their last car that crapped out on them?

[xendrome]

Easy. I love the look of it. As I said, it also works like a beast wired. The software isn't bad either, easy to use etc. Why do people "love" their last car that crapped out on them?

To love a functional piece of technology that isn't an antique based upon it's looks is the least reason why anyone should love it. People love their cars because they worked great before they crapped out. The car didn't half-work or have half of it's functionality disabled while it was working.

[Detection]

DD-WRT thread for your free ISP WNDR3400 router

http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=706843

[nekkidtruth]

To love a functional piece of technology that isn't an antique based upon it's looks is the least reason why anyone should love it. People love their cars because they worked great before they crapped out. The car didn't half-work or have half of it's functionality disabled while it was working.

Plenty of people love their non-fully functional car. You're being ridiculous. I also clearly explained it was more than it's "looks".

[DirtyLarry Veteran]

Plenty of people love their non-fully functional car. You're being ridiculous. I also clearly explained it was more than it's "looks".

Yeah I have to agree, seem to be making something out of nothing. I get what you were saying, I love my Macbook, but I do not love my Macbook.

[DirtyLarry Veteran]

So my new router arrived today, and simply put... It rocks. :punk:

Out the box, default settings, set up SSID with password, BOOM, defaults to the fastest speeds possible (450 Mbit/sec), 5 GHz signal, my signal strength is BY FAR the best it has ever been. Just everything is so nice.

Just some quick screens...

So, a couple of questions for those that have this router, just wondering about a few settings.

First off after thinking about it, I will be sticking to the default stock firmware for now (I did update it right away, so on the latest version, 3.0.0.4.270). I thought Anaron said it best, custom firmware is really for power users, and I am not that. I just want to set up a few settings, and let it work. Sure, I may not be getting everything out of the router I can, but for now (I may definitely revisit this in the near future), just want to leave things as simple as possible.)

1. So first off, should I enable QoS? If so, what should I put for the Upload and Download Bandwidth if I do enable it? (I get 50 down and 8 up from my ISP if that even matters).
   
2. I honestly am not familiar with what IPv6 is, but see it mentioned frequently. Should I enable it (can I even enable it?)? And if so, what is it exactly? :blush:
   
3. Under Firewall settings, there is an option to "Enable DOS protection" that by default is off. Should I turn it on? (just kind of sounds like something that should maybe be on :laugh: )
   
4. I used to forward ports for services like Live, PSN, Apple TV, and I have a txt document of all the ports I did forward for each service. I guess I should just try each service and take it from there instead of automatically forwarding the port for each one? (each device also has a static IP)
   

That is it for now, I really just set it up 10 minutes ago, as I said, already so much better so hoping it stays this way, just curious about the above.

TIA for anyone who can answer, and again, thanks to everyone for the help in getting this router. I am so far very, very pleased. (Y)

[nekkidtruth]

I used to forward ports for services like Live, PSN, Apple TV, and I have a txt document of all the ports I did forward for each service. I guess I should just try each service and take it from there instead of automatically forwarding the port for each one? (each device also has a static IP)

That is it for now, I really just set it up 10 minutes ago, as I said, already so much better so hoping it stays this way, just curious about the above.

I'll leave the other questions for the others but I wanted to touch base with this one.

Realistically, you don't need to forward ports unless a specific application/service/software is experiencing difficulties. I used to port everything to specific ports and point to specific machines all the time. I wasted so much time doing that, thinking it was doing me good when all it was really doing was wasting my time.

My machines all get static IP addresses regardless, it keeps things simple as I need to know which machine is where at all times. Drive mappings etc among other things. So I just forward ports to specific machines as they become an issue or I come across something that specifically requires it. It's mainly server software or very specific applications that need a port pointed to it :) For good measure, I'd maybe assign a port for torrent traffic to each machine that requires it, but above that...you really don't need it :)

[DirtyLarry Veteran]

I'll leave the other questions for the others but I wanted to touch base with this one.

Realistically, you don't need to forward ports unless a specific application/service/software is experiencing difficulties. I used to port everything to specific ports and point to specific machines all the time. I wasted so much time doing that, thinking it was doing me good when all it was really doing was wasting my time.

My machines all get static IP addresses regardless, it keeps things simple as I need to know which machine is where at all times. Drive mappings etc among other things. So I just forward ports to specific machines as they become an issue or I come across something that specifically requires it. It's mainly server software or very specific applications that need a port pointed to it :) For good measure, I'd maybe assign a port for torrent traffic to each machine that requires it, but above that...you really don't need it :)

Awesome thanks, this is exactly what I thought may be the case, so thanks for confirming it. Very much appreciated. :yes:

And I agree, I like Static IP's simply for the fact I know what is what. Enable them whenever I can. Actually, no clue why I have yet to do it on any of my PC's. Have to look into that.