when is it time to get a new router

[WoodPeckr]

If you're doing a camshow, hardwire it, as opposed to wireless.
Less B.S. than wireless.

Hardwire is definitely better.
My Belkin is pretty reliable only dropped out about once a week.
That Linksys that I returned would drop out a couple times a day and it was only about 20' from the PC.

 

[l69norm]

..I have a laptop hooked up to a usb video capture device. I already have a lot of cords running around my apartment I am trying to keep the cord traffic level down.

Also, make sure it's not your ISP . Sit beside the router and hard connect into it using a short ethernet cable and make sure the ISP connection is solid. Hi-speed ISPs are notorious for having intermittent drop outs.

 

[Garrett]

The Linksys WRT54GL with custom firmware (DD-WRT) and a high gain antenna (single antenna) is, in my opinion, the best deal going.

You can get the router for like 60 bucks. 30 bucks for the high gain antenna (only use one).

Encrypt. Do not broadcast your SSID. You will be good to go.

 

[Harry_Z]

Even if they did, most likely they ship via UPS so add $35+ for brokerage, taxes, etc. Also you can get factorydirect and tigerdirect type prices at most local computer outlets (not futureshop, staples, bestbuy, etc).

Most u.S. border towns have a service that will receive packages for you and let you pick them up. I pay three bucks .U.S. per package at a place in Ogdensburg , NY and bring it across myself. Under $50 they will often wave you through, and if not you just pay PST and GST. which is only 14 percent.

Just be sure to bring printouts of the online receipts with you and you won't have any problem. The Ogdensburg place is http://www.corp-center.com/

If you're doing it for commercial purposes be sure to tell US customs, as there is a $5 charge for coming across the border for that. Don't lie, if you get caught there's a big fine, and they sometimes stop folks on the way out just to check.

 

[LurkerDave]

The $11.75 60 ft cable I bought continues to work fine. Now, when my other laptop arrives (as a replacement for two deceased ones), I'll have to use a router when both are on at the same time. Since I have had trouble with a few D-Links and a Linksys in the past, I might well give Belkin a shot.

 

[SpaClient]

Router Suggestion

The $11.75 60 ft cable I bought continues to work fine. Now, when my other laptop arrives (as a replacement for two deceased ones), I'll have to use a router when both are on at the same time. Since I have had trouble with a few D-Links and a Linksys in the past, I might well give Belkin a shot.

Recently purchased a Buffalo Technologies A/G wireless router combo. Very easy to use with lots of flexability. Can use both the A and G/b wireless connections at the same time if desired.