I have been struggling with some issues with my very ancient D-link WBR-1310. Mainly, the device requires power-resets almost daily. Also, however, it's an early G-protocol router and devices like the Chromecast and many laptops have trouble maintaining connectivity and it also does not have any gigabit ethernet ports. I'm looking for a good replacement. I've been considering going with a gigabit switch + wireless router. I thought this might help keep the main PC online when/if the new router goes south. I also would like to get something with DD-WRT compatibility (mostly because I've heard it's worth having - not that I am ready to start tinkering with them at this moment). Does anybody have a router and/or switch that they would recommend? Are they any networking gurus who can comment on the proposed setup? This might be useful information: I have 1-2 PC's connected via ethernet at a time. Wireless devices: Nexus 7 (OG), ASUS laptop (802.11AC I believe), Lenovo Laptop (a/b/g/n I believe), and an incoming Macbook Pro Retina (work PC). There's also a spattering of cellphones. My place is pretty small (600 sq. ft.). I'm moving to a new, bigger, apartment soon but I doubt it will be larger than 1000 sq. ft.
Sorry, forgot my budget. $50-150. I don't necessarily need the fastest router, the current router is only 54Mbps I believe. Though I'd be interested in the options and opinions on the matter.
Try looking at the N56U or AC66U. I just bought the N56U as it's still got 'fast' n and a and AC prices haven't come down yet. I stupidly bought a 'cheap' .ac router recently (won't say brand) as I needed a replacement desperately only to find out after I got home it had 10/100 Ethernet and I couldn't even get a good connection in the same room! I spent ages trying to work out what was wrong with the cable assuming GigE wired was 'the minimum' these days. It's not. Very annoyed.
