Router selection help?

Barf

Hey guys,

So, our router at home is disconnecting quite frequently. We tried updating firmware and contacting provider to figure out if it was the modem and what not. We figured it's probably the router since the wired connection is working fine. We are using Cisco E2000 and this was from quite  few years ago. We live in a house with 2 floors, and the modem is located downstairs. My sister's room is on the edge of our house and she usually get 1-2 bars if it wasn't for our wi-fi extender. We are currently with Shaw's 30Mbps plan. We are looking to buy a new router for our house and I'm not too familiar with networking and what to look for in a router that fit our specs. I'm also a bit skeptical that the Best Buy guy is just gonna pick an expensive router that is just too much for our needs. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

TalkUBC

You could actually purchase a router in addition to the one you have and use your old one as an access point (AP) for your sister. And if it is truly the range, then you can purchase nowadays what is called a Smart Plug that you can emulate a wired connection by utilizing the electrical wiring in your house by simply plugging it in a three-prong plug since your modem is downstairs and you can bring it upstairs.

In terms of router though, probably don't need an expensive one, just $30-60/70 range is good. Make sure it is at least 802.11n standard which most devices use nowadays, but if you want even faster speeds you can get 802.11ac standard. Linksys and NetGear are good brands from personal experience. That's all I can contribute about routers.

BigBrother

If your looking at just improving range, I suggest that you use a third party firmware for your E2000 router and make that router a wireless repeater.  Then all you need is to buy a cheap router that supports 2.4 Ghz.  Of course, internet speeds will get cut in half with this setup unless you buy another router and have it hooked together with the E2000 to operate as the wireless repeater.

I seriously do not suggest you to get a router designed for 802.11ac because they operate on 5 Ghz and some devices may not support 802.11ac or 5 Ghz.  Not to mention, 5 Ghz frequency is poor at penetration which means you get a shorter range than 2.4 Ghz.  So, stick with buying a 2.4 Ghz router, maybe even two routers since 802.11n routers are pretty cheap to buy nowadays.

TalkUBC

^Right, I forgot the decreased wall penetration capabilities of higher band frequencies. Good call.