Need a new wireless router..

[Realityshift]

This is probubly touched on ALOT but im getting very sick of our current network setup and its all getting ripped out. Im running an old Blitzz BWA721 wireless router, my father bought this at costco like 7 years ago and has since handed it off to me... This company has since gone bankrupt and the router is no longer supported and I have had nothing but issues with it. Also running ADSL through telus and a D-Link DSL-300G modem.

My issues have been the obvious, wireless and wired connections randomly disconnecting, trouble keeping even a single PC online while downloading torrents, and the weirdest thing is while playing games like CS and BF2142 it takes me upwards of 10 server updates to see anywhere near a decent amount of game servers to play on, real PITA...

So I am FINALLY looking at dropping telus as they only offer their 1.5mbps service in our area and its the same price as going with Shaws 7.5mbps service... GF signed a 3 year contract for some lame dell 19" monitor 6 months before she met me and ive been stuck with telus ever since >.< Now that the contract is up telus is out the window along with the blitzz router.

So for routers my budget is under $80, im on EI right now and I have to conserve some cash. Ill most likely be buying from futureshop as I am not paying shipping on a $50-$70 item... and futureshop has a decent selection. I am currently looking at 2 models, a D-link DIR-615 which is draft N (only usefull with the GFs netbook) and is only $59.99 right now, or the Linksys WRT54G2-CA which is going for $79.99 and is G only. Normally I stick with Linksys, but Im not sure that the extra $20 is worth the brand loyalty here.

Anyone have any experience with either of the routers? Ill be connecting to it wired and most of the wide bandwidth downloading will be done from my PC, but I need the wireless to be decently reliable as well. I know these are basically the entry level routers of both companies but I dont think im asking for alot here, range is deffinetly not an issue as the house is only 1000 sq/ft and the router is smack dab in the middle of it, most wireless usage is within 20' and wireless acsess is pretty much limited to web browsing.

[bojangles]

I've been using the D-Link DIR-615 and it's been great. It doesn't have necessarily the "N" reception you'd think, but it does actually go quite farther than "G". In terms of networking, well, I'm not exactly a power user of it, but it can save quite a few settings in terms of Virtual Servers, Port Forwarding and QoS (there's plenty of other settings, and includes all kinds of security). I bought it at the $60 price as well and I've been very happy with it. It hasn't been acting up since I first bought it a few months ago.

[Realityshift]

Well I figured id check NCIX for prices anyways last night... found the WRT54G2 in its refirb form for $19.99... could not resist that price... the extra I saved pays for the first 2 months of shaw internet =D So instead of paying $65+ I just paid $34 total including tax and express shipping =) Score one more for NCIX.

[bojangles]

Nice deal. Have fun with your new router! If you live in a smaller home or are in close proximity to the router, then there is no reason to own an N router.

[Arinoth]

Don't forget to set it up correctly, aka securely, aka put it on higher then WEP since its an encryption that can still be easily cracked (ergo someone only needs about 15ish mins to do it, maybe less)

[Realityshift]

Security isnt an issue, I live in a pretty rural settings and prince george isnt known for its technically knowledgable hackers ;) Besides that theres nothing being shared across my networks that are eyes only so im not to worried. Ill more then likely be setting it up on wep.

[geokilla]

Load DD-WRT on it if you can.

[Realityshift]

I was reading a few reviews that said the DD_WRT didnt make much difference with this router? I have yet to try custom firmware on a router, what are the benefits geo?

[geokilla]

Well for one, it's over 9000 times better than the Linksys firmware that my WRT54GSv7 came with. =P

DD-WRT is highly recommended. The custom firmware is much better than the stock firmware, and you get better QoS and Port Forwarding options. You also get many, many more features.

I'm not good with the technical stuff of DD-WRT, but you can go to www.dd-wrt.com for more info.

[Realityshift]

Awesome ill check it out, router should be here tomorrow I hope.