Help me shop for a new wifi router!

[Arsinek]

So I'm 36 years old and never bought a wireless router. I've never needed one. But that has changed and I now need one. I've noticed wireless routers are pretty complicated with many things to take into consideration.

I would like something that could support 3-5 devices. And able to support gaming and streaming video. And of course with the best signal strength and range possible. And I would prefer to spend around $100.00.

Any routers you would suggest to meet these needs?

What things should I be looking at?

Thanks.

 

[JackMDS]

Small space, modest use, and inexpensive.

Modest means No heavy concurrent Streaming and downloading by multiple Wireless Devices.

http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-Dual-Band-Wireless-N-Router-RT-N56U/dp/B0049YQVHE/ref=pd_sim_pc_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=1SVRKNXSKDFQ5CYA8E2Q

Normal use, Best price point.

Normal means space of mufti rooms the does not exceeding more then 2-3 walls or similar obstructions. Multiple concurrent devices, only one with heavy Bandwidth use.

http://www.amazon.com/RT-N66U-Dual-B.../dp/B006QB1RPY

Stretch to max one Wireless device.

Few Wireless devices work at the same time and more than one is doing Heavy streaming and downloads.

http://www.amazon.com/RT-AC68U-Wirel...3W6YKNRZCHG262

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YMMV according to the actual environment in many cases one Wireless source would not be enough to satisfy the needs, additional AP would have to be installed. ( Using Wireless Routers (or Modem/Wireless Router) as a Switch with an Access Point - http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html ).

 

[Yuriman]

I have an RT-N66U and it's the first router I've had since 2001 that hasn't given me problems. I'm a fan.

There's also the RT-AC66U, which doesn't have the extra hardware of the *68 but has AC functionality = more reliable and faster if all of your hardware supports it.

You'll probably see recommendations of TP-Link routers too, for cheaper than the Asus models with given hardware and functionality, but I haven't owned one and can't speak for them personally.

 

[smitbret]

I second JackMDS on the Asus RT-N56U. Good, solid router with an interface that isn't confusing. The TP-Links are great for the money but I don't know if I'd recommend one for a first time user. They just haven't put the spit shine on the GUI like the Asus.

 

[Arsinek]

Hmm, so a lot of support for the Asus routers?

I dont really need a lot of devices to be connected wirelessly after thinking about it. My main PC will be connected through a hardline so Ill either be using that or 1 wireless device.