Should I return Netgear router and get an Asus or keep the Netgear

[aunick0308]

First off this is my first time posting.

I just recently replaced my D-link DIR 601 router with a Netgear WNDR4300 as the D-Link wasn't able to handle the addition of a Smart TV and a Smart Blu-Ray player. Also it only got a 5% signal to my daughter's room, which is where the Blu-Ray player is located and I wanted to see if I could increase it. I had done some research on it and was aware of the previous issues people have had with them, but decided to give it a chance anyways. I hooked it up last Sunday night, but by Wednesday it had dropped the internet connection twice. I had to call tech support twice on Wednesday due to it dropping the internet within a couple hours after the first call. The technician during the second call had me reload the firmware version .42, which is what my router came with. Well that seems to have worked as it hasn't dropped the connection since. However, I am afraid it may start doing it again, so I am thinking about taking it back to my Best Buy and exchanging it for the Asus RT-n66r. What would you do?

Thanks in advance!

A.B.

 

[sinshiva]

if you would like to receive better technical support from the people at this forum, the asus is probably the way to go. I waited a _long_ time before finally deciding on a SOHO device to act as my router (NOT to be used as an AP), and couldn't be happier with my N66R (BB equivalent of the N66U). To best use the N66 for wireless, you'd have to install the latest SDK5 build of the latest asuswrt-merlin firmware. Not difficult, but you'll have to do a factory reset after install. If that's not for you, sounds like you should just stick with what you have. Hopefully this helps you make a better informed decision, as my experience with Netgear is limited to an ancient G AP i once had and switches I had to work with at various restaurants, etc.

 

[aunick0308]

Thank you for your input!

The WNDR4300 is still working at the moment. However, from what I read, reinstalling the firmware may only work for so long. As far as the Asus goes, installing different firmware than what a router comes with, does make me a little nervous and something that I have never done before, but by doing some thorough preparation ahead of time it is something I should be able to do.

 

[aunick0308]

Well I got the Asus this evening and have already hooked it up. Right now it is running on the latest stock firmware as I don't have time at the moment to change it right now. My throughput is slower than what I was getting with the Netgear, but the Asus is getting a much better signal in my daughter's room, so I am happy about that. I am hoping that by either playing with the configuration or switching the firmware I will be able to increase the throughput.

 

[sfx2000]

New router isn't going to fix bad RF coverage...

Just saying... take time to sort things with placement of AP's and clients - site survey plays well here...

 

[aunick0308]

Thanks for your input. When I first hooked my daughter's Blu-Ray up I was still using my old D-Link and it was only getting a 5% signal to it. With the Netgear router the signal improved to 21%, but now with the Asus the signal strength is 51%. I have kept her Blu-Ray in the same spot and the only thing that has changed is the routers. I only wanted to increase the signal strength to her room and I am happy that I did.

The only thing I want to do now is to see if I could increase the wifi throughput closer to what I was getting with the Netgear. However, I am not expecting it to happen.

I will be taking my time on things as I am not in a rush and I don't want to get careless. Also I am still a novice when it comes to setting up a wireless network, especially on this level and I don't know all of the terminology. I am learning as I go.

 

[sinshiva]

hey, you may be surprised at wireless improvements from firmware updates. Lots of work has gone into that side of the firmwares lately. That said, you should probably wait a bit for Merlin to release his 38 build. It sounds like the changes we've been expecting in the SDK6 wireless drivers are on the way.

Currently, the SDK5 firmware variants are known to offer better wireless performance whereas the SDK6 has increased compatibility, iirc. It sounds like Asus reduced performance on the wireless while they were using a process of elimination to figure something else out, or that it just wasn't adequately ported for the older routers.

in other words, you can expect to see changes in your wifi throughput from the firmware upgrades

 

[aunick0308]

Thanks!
I will wait for the firmware release then. In the mean time, I may play with the settings some. I will make sure to take notes of what I do so that I can remember what I do.

I did have to power cycle the router last night, but I also had to do the same thing to my modem as I didn't have an internet connection. I don't know what caused me to loose the connection.