Pick a wireless router for me

[Tino Standard]

My wireless router sucks ass. It has started whistling and disconnecting frequently. I want a new one, and I don't want to spend a lot of money.

Any brands/models you guys suggest?

 

[dx1997]

What's the price range to start off?

 

[Sabre]

Netgear is usually a nice cheap and cheerful option.

 

[Tino Standard]

Netgear is what got me into this predicament to start with. I'd prefer something under $50.

 

[Rendclaw]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linksys_WRT54G_series

Unless you have an 802.11n wireless card, its best to go with this. It has firmware that allows you to hack the thing for better performance. I bought one in 2003 I believe, and it lasted me until 2007, when constant downloading finally killed it. I would have replaced it with another WRT54G, but the Circuit City I went to did not have one, so I went in another direction.

Depending on how much you use them, routers will last about three to five years before they go flooey. Not much can be done when they do unless you can repair them, or know someone who can.

 

[AnonymousBroccoli]

The regular WRT54G series doesn't really allow custom firmware anymore. They reduced the amount of flash memory (or something like that) on the standard model a few years back. To appease the enthusiasts, they created a model called WRT54GL (L for Linux, I guess) with the same amount of flash memory as the old G series, for people who want to use custom firmware.

I don't know how much it costs in the US, but it's usually in the $55-60 range in Canada, maybe occasionally dipping down to $40 on sale.

I use a GL with Tomato firmware, and very rarely have any problems with my connection. If I do, it's probably the DSL cutting out.

http://www.polarcloud.com/tomato