Need router recomendation for my home network.

[grimreaper1014]

Hi everyone,
I stumbled on this site while searching for router reviews. I see that you guys are very familiar with networking products, so I decided to stop in to get some advice. This way I can be sure that I am getting the right info, and its going to be up to date information. First of all I would like to inform you that computer repair is my area of expertise. I am defiantly not up on networking. Okay, that information is out of the way. I will get into what it is I need help with plus what I am trying to accomplish.

I am a Verizon DSL customer subscribed to Mb/768kb. That is the fastest connection I can get through them. There is no FIOS where I live, and I doubt they will ever offer it here. Comcast is available, but is terrible. When I was with Comcast bought alot of good equipment like I am trying to do for the DSL connection now. When I had Comcast I had the Motorola 6100 Docsis 3 with the WNR3500v1. The problem is a bad line that runs pole to pole outside. Comcast will not fix it so everyone on my street is suffering from slow speeds and frequent disconnects. Thats why I am stuck with old Verizon DSL.

I have a Xbox 360 that I use to game plus to watch Netflix. I have a laptop and desktop that are mainly used for browsing the web. The laptop has a wireless g ethernet connection. The desktop has a onboard gigabit ethernet card or I can use the built in wireless N. I do some gaming on the desktop as well. The final device is a Dish Network DVR that I connect sometimes to order PPV. Is this to many devices for a Mb/768kb connection?

What router do you guys recommend for me? I had a Netgear DGN2200 modem/router, but it did not work so well. I was getting alot of disconnects as well as terrible lag. I went back to using my Verizon GT701C which I ended up getting another firmware for Actiontec so I could use bridge mode. The Verizon firmware doesn't have a real bridge mode. I got that hooked up to a WNR3500V1. This router is a pedicel of crap IMO, and from what I read about it. I called Netgear. I asked them to recommend me something better than the WNR3500V1. The lady said to get a WNR3500L or a WNR3700. I went to Staples, and purchased the WNR3500L. I called Netgear back to get them to help me set it up. This time the person I talked asked me why I got the WNR3500L when I already own the WNR3500V1. I told her that the girl I spoke to earlier told me to get it or the WNR3700. She said that the WNR3500s are all the same. Exactly all the same features etc. I then told the lady to recommend me something else then so I can return this. She advised me to get a WNR3700 or a WNR4000 I believe it was. I asked the lady for the processor speed, ram, and flash memory size of the WNR3500s - WNR4000. She said all those models use the same speed processors and ram. She said the only difference was the features and that some have 4mb flash and others have Mb flash. This sounds like a rip off to me because isn't it the processor speed and ram that makes one router faster than another? What should I do? Keep my WNR3500V1 with my Verizon modem. Use the WNR3500L I just purchased. Return the WNR3500L and get something else. If so, what should I get? Also, would buying a better ADSL modem make any difference, or is a modem pretty much a modem? Sorry for the long post fellas, but I really need some help. I also wanted to make sure everyone knows the exact situation.
Thanks,
Rocky

 

[thiggins]

You didn't say what you download speed is.

What problem do you have with the WNR3500?

 

[grimreaper1014]

Sorry it took a little while to get back to you. I have been having some problems with the internet lately. I have a Verizon 7mb/768kb connection. I used the WNR3500 with Comcast and it was a headace. It was constantly resetting and losing connection. The wireless was also problematic. I boxed it back up and its been in my closet for almost a year. I called Netgear and they said from the WNR3500 - the 4000 model they all use the same speed processor and ram. I found out this is not true. The WRN3500L they told me to get seams to be humming along nicely. It seams like it is working good with the devices I have. I am wondering if there is something better for around the same price range around $80? Should I maybe spend a little more and get the WNR3700? I am just concerned about the future. I know the 3500s came out a while back. I don't want to have to get something else in the future if I add more devices or switch connections.
Thanks for your help,
Rocky

 

[grimreaper1014]

I like the fact that the 3500L is open source. However, should I spend the extra money for the 3700? Will the 3500L be plenty for 1 desktop, 1 laptop, and a xbox 360 that we use to stream movies from Netflix? Also, like I said right now I have 7mb/768k DSL, but I may upgrade to something pretty fast from Comcast when my contract is up in a few months. So, stick with the 3500L or go with the 3700?

Thanks,
Rocky