Best Router for various things - XBOX 360, laptops, desktop computers

[Superstar]

My router that I use has 3 computers on it (2 desktops and 1 laptop) as well as my xbox 360, which I use for online playing. My game that I play on 360 the most has been lagging a lot the last few weeks when I'm in online play. I called xbox twice, and they tried two different things, but it's still happening very frequently. I also called my ISP, and they tested the modem on their end and there's no problems with that.
So, by process of elimination, I'm guessing that the router is the problem. I've had it for about 1.5 yrs or so, and it's been good until recently as I said, so I'm assuming it's time to replace it.
I was told by one of the guys that I talked to when I called xbox that the Linksys e2000 and e3000 was about the best one that I could get for the things that I said above that I need from the router.
Would you agree? If not, what one would you suggest for me?

[admin]

You didn't finish the process of elimination -- you didn't eliminate the XBOX itself.
How does the XBOX behave when it's directly plugged into the internet connection? No router.

Quote:

I also called my ISP, and they tested the modem on their end and there's no problems with that.

This also means nothing.
Read this related post: Charter Cable Internet going slow? Here's the fix! (No need to change ISP!)

I'm of the opinion that most ISP techs are inept. Or worse, tend to lie. You simply cannot trust their flimsy assurances that the connection is "fine" or buy into their typical response that "your router is bad". You have to eliminate the incoming connection yourself.

I'd hate to see you waste money on an unnecessary router.

[Superstar]

I did plug it into the modem directly and it seemed to work good.
The guy I talked to from xbox told me that my router isnt really designed for gaming like that, and then he suggested the 2 linksys routers...

[admin]

What is the current brand/model of your router?

[Superstar]

D-Link, WBR-1310

[Superstar]

I just went to the XBOX site, and looked at their list of compatible routers for xbox live, and mine isn't even listed there. It's just weird that I've been using it for about 1.5 yrs, and never had a problem until about 1-2 weeks ago.
So, I guess I should look into buying another one. As I said, the guy from xbox recommended those 2 linksys ones, they both look kinda pricey, but if they're the best for what I need, I'll get one.
Do you think I should go with one of those, or can you suggest another good one?
Thanks

[admin]

Give me a day to look for you.

[Superstar]

Ok thanks. I saw Office Max actually has the Linksys E2000 on sale this week, kinda ironic. I guess it's normally like 100 but it's 70 or so this week.
So, let me know what you think, thanks

[admin]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Superstar

I just went to the XBOX site, and looked at their list of compatible routers for xbox live, and mine isn't even listed there.

Give me a link to this list.

[Superstar]

http://support.xbox.com/en-us/Pages/...xbox-live.aspx

[admin]

I would get this one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...SIN=B00008SCFL
The Netgear WGR614 for $35 with free shipping.

Yes, there's a lot of bad reviews on Amazon, but looking over the actual comments being left, most of those people wouldn't know a router from a toaster. Note that at least half of the comments are good, while most of the bad ones would more likely be issues with the ISP, modem or computers/devices connected. In some cases, the bad review is complete nonsense. A number of them look to have been written by immature college kids, based on comments like "my roommate" and "my dorm" and tendency to use childish descriptions ("it sucks" -- wah!). Several more of the "my router died" comments are probably from not having it plugged into a UPS (best) or surge protector (better than directly into the wall outlet).

My current top preference is generally to Netgear for routers, D-Link for switches. The Cisco and Linksys products were excellent pre-wireless but I've lost confidence in their devices in the past 5 or so years -- lots of issues.

I do sometimes have other suggestions for good routers (example: Trendnet), but none are in that official MS XBOX list.

I use a Netgear wireless router here, thought I don't have an XBOX360.

[Superstar]

Why do you suggest this specific one? I did read the reviews, so I'm curious about it.
I can go get the linksys one today but I'd have to wait a few days to get this one in the mail.
So, do you think this one is the best one for what I'd need it for? I'd have 2 desktops, 1 laptop and the xbox connected to it, and I like to keep the computer online as I'm on the xbox.

[Superstar]

What do you think makes the Netgear one better than the Linksys e2000?
I've only had the one router that I have now, so I don't know much about them..

[admin]

It's my preference.
I've run into far too many issues with various Linksys routers in the past 5-6 years, but had no troubles from Netgear routers.

The Cisco Linksys E2000 is a wireless N router. Do you need N?

I'd much rather get the Netgear N router: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...SIN=B0019TBSBQ
It's $107 + free shipping, and no tax, but you get what you pay for, when it comes to wireless N routers.

Note that you'll need a XBOX wireless N adapter to get N range and speeds.
For example: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...SIN=B002RS7NB2

If you want N, and you want spend less, then go ahead and get that Cisco/Linksys.
It's $70 + free shipping (no tax) at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...SIN=B003B20F54
Remember to calculate your tax costs, when comparing price to a local store like OfficeMax. Also consider their return policies (or lack thereof) when buying a router locally -- allowed time limit to return, any restocking fees, etc. Looking at the online sale ad, the Officemax is $70 + tax (probably $75+ in most places). So maybe not the best deal.

[Superstar]

Honestly, I don't know what "N" is. What is it?
Is that what the Netgear WGR614 is?

[admin]

"N" is the speed/range of the router.

Skipping the old/intermediate versions, you have three basic types of router.

1. B - limited range, decent speed
2. G - good range, good speed
3. N - good range + stronger (go through brick walls, etc), better speed

Almost all of my laptops, desktops, devices, etc use G, so I use G routers. I'm not complaining. It's worked fine for a few years now. Even a lot of new devices still come with G -- like many (most?) laptops.

The XBOX 360's original wifi was a G, too. You have to upgrade to get N.

Netgear WGR614 is a "G" router.

Buy what you feel is best here -- any of them probably work okay, although it's always hard to say which one is "best" because of all the variables (ISP, the device, the router itself). I just know what my preferences would be, so I give them when asked. Realize this is also based off experiences in dealing with both my own setup and the setups of many others (online and offline) -- I'm not one of those keyboard warriors who has installed two routers and is now an expert. In my experience, it's the Netgear that proves to be "best" more often than a Linksys.

At some point, you have to take all the available information and advice, and make your own decision. I've never been a fan of making a decision for somebody -- especially since most people have a knee-jerk reaction of blaming others for their own decisions.

So if you think the Linksys is the best use of your funds, balanced with the speed router it buys, then go for it.

It might be fine.

[Superstar]

Well, you know I always trust your instincts, the laptop, the AG-1980 VCR, all the DVD advice, so I'll take your advice on this one too and get the Netgear that you recommended.
I had to call XBOX for a 3rd time a few days ago because the lag was terrible, and the guy I talked to this time says he uses a Netgear WNR1000, and it works great for him. So, obviously NetGear works good for this too, so I'll buy the WGR614. I'll have to wait a few days for it to get here, however I do like that I'm saving like $35 or so over the Linksys e2000.

I've never heard of the XBOX wireless N adapter before. I just looked at the link you sent, do you think I could just buy that, and use it in conjunction with the router that I currently have? It works a lot of the time, but lags sometimes too, which is why I'm thinking of getting a new one. Or, would I need an "N" router to be able to use the XBOX N adapter?

I have another q actually. How do I charge a laptop battery? Ever since I got the laptop last week, I've just been plugging it in when I use it, and I tried to put the battery on 2 nights ago, for the first time, and it said something like, there's only 1% battery life left on it, and that shocked me. I remember in the item description for the laptop, it said something about how long the battery life can go, I think I said like, 3.5 hrs maybe? What can I do about that?

[admin]

Quote:

I have another q actually. How do I charge a laptop battery? Ever since I got the laptop last week, I've just been plugging it in when I use it, and I tried to put the battery on 2 nights ago, for the first time, and it said something like, there's only 1% battery life left on it, and that shocked me. I remember in the item description for the laptop, it said something about how long the battery life can go, I think I said like, 3.5 hrs maybe? What can I do about that?

Could you start a new post for that?

[Superstar]

I found the Netgear WNR3500 RangeMax Wireless N Router on ebay, brand new, unopened for $79.90, do you think that's a good deal? I saw that you said you get what you pay for with N routers...what did you mean by that? Do you mean they're great buys or they can be iffy?

Or, could I just buy the XBOX wireless adapter, and use that with the Router that I currently have? Or would I have to buy the Netgear WNR3500 AND the Xbox adapter?

And yes, I started a new thread for the battery question.

[admin]

I would never buy a router from eBay.