Something else to consider - is the channel that your wireless router broadcasts on shared by a bunch of other wireless networks too (neighbors)?  If so, you might get increased wireless performance by switching to a less used channel.

 

More reading:

 

http://features.techworld.com/mobile-wireless/3357521/10-reasons-your-wi-fi-speed-stinks-and-what-you-can-do-about-it/

Something else to consider - is the channel that your wireless router broadcasts on shared by a bunch of other wireless networks too (neighbors)?  If so, you might get increased wireless performance by switching to a less used channel.

 

More reading:

 

http://features.techworld.com/mobile-wireless/3357521/10-reasons-your-wi-fi-speed-stinks-and-what-you-can-do-about-it/

 

 

This is huge.  My school's library had this issue, all 15 Access Points were permanently broadcasting on the same channel making the internet almost useless

Something else to consider - is the channel that your wireless router broadcasts on shared by a bunch of other wireless networks too (neighbors)?  If so, you might get increased wireless performance by switching to a less used channel.

 

More reading:

 

http://features.techworld.com/mobile-wireless/3357521/10-reasons-your-wi-fi-speed-stinks-and-what-you-can-do-about-it/

That is a good question, how do I tell what channel other units might be on?  I am in a residential area with fairly large homes and back onto country woods, so I don't think there are too many others that would even be within range, but worth a look.

I agree, if you have a lot of space around your home then it's not likely you have congested channels.

 

Anyway:

 

I use "wifi analyzer" on an android phone:

 

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.farproc.wifi.analyzer

 

here's a similar PC application:

 

http://www.metageek.net/products/inssider/

Thanks, I could only see two others and they have very weak signals and are on different channels with no overlap.  I am on channel 1 and they are on channels 6 and 11.

I see what you mean, that is very sneaky.  Do I really need the latest and greatest (and probably most expensive) or would that TL-WR1043ND do what I need?

 

You can probably get by for now with the TL-WR1043ND. However, at some point down the road you will have to upgrade.

Bandwidth and computing demands only go up. I believe it was Bill Gates who said: 'no one will ever need more than 640k of memory'

 

An AC router will set you back around $200 but it should be good for the next 2-3 years.

OK after lots of searching I think I am going to get the Netgear WNDR4500 (N900) for $129  - someone tell me if this would be a bad choice please.

I just picked up an Netgear r6300 for the house and the thing is a beast...

I just picked up an Netgear r6300 for the house and the thing is a beast...

I spent time in BestBuy looking them over, and looked in Costco.  Then spent a bunch more time online, and just got more and more confused.  So I decided to go with the 6300 too.  It is "only" $199 at Staples and they just sent me a coupon for $25 off anything over $100 and you get 5% back if you are their rewards club.  But then I searched online and found a new (non-refurbished) one from a networking outfit with 100% feedback on ebay and just ordered it for $139 +$5.99 shipping.  Seemed like the best deal around, till they drop in price by 50% as soon as I get it