TrendNet TEW-691GR (AKA 3 stream) Advice?

[test878]

So I need to purchase a wireless router for a small apartment, My laptop has the new intel 6300 ultimate wifi card, which has three antenna. I found that the TEW-691GR supports 3 streams, and seemed to have good down speeds, and I can get a new one for $100. My laptop is the only device I'll be using wifi for, so should I buy it or look for something else?

Thanks

 

[jdabbs]

If the laptop WLAN card is accessible, I suggest inspecting the card to verify that three antenna leads are connected.

 

[test878]

They are, its a sager, aka a built to order laptop. I've opened it before and have checked.

I really dont follow the networking side of computers though, so I'm curious if taking this route would be better than going for a router that did dual band and using 5ghz.

 

[jdabbs]

2.4 GHz vs 5 boils down to the need to escape interference from neighboring 2.4 GHz networks vs the pitfall of decreased signal (attenuation) that comes with today's 5 GHz devices.

Given that you live in an apartment, 5 GHz may yield better performance.

 

[overdrive31]

With 2.4GHz wireless N, always disable 40MHz channel bonding and you will have almost no problems. Top speed for 3 stream MIMO only is 225Mbps, which is still very impressive.