[Mark_20]

I'm looking to buy a new router for my home and I've never done any networking before. I'm trying to decide which wireless broadband router would be most suitable. I've gone on the net and read reviews, read forum posts and am still confused and undecided. From my readings I would presume the following would be required.

1. 802.11n 2.0
2. Dual Band (simultaneous 2.4 GHz & 5GHz)
3. NAS capability/printer sharing
4. Security.
5. Good speeds (home area 2000sq ft)
6. Media streaming.
7. Gaming.
8. Internet sharing.

I have two PCs, 3 laptops, 2 printers and 4 external drives which I would, ideally and if possible, like to share.

My main problem is transfering and synching files between all my systems. Major headache. A NAS attached to the router would solve my problem I feel and I would like to share one printer.

Thanks

[ozziebeanie]

I take it you already have a Modem, I don’t know where you are from but where I come from standard modems for ADSL I think in the USA they call it DSL, they have a router included even though it does not say so on the box but read the manual and you find out that it does, well here that is so, now since you are on line i am assuming you already have a Modem (check to see if it is also including a router) if it does may I suggest a switch/splitter they are cheaper than routers and if two routers (if modem has a router in it) on the same line i would imagine cause conflicts but you will still connect.

They are also cheaper than routers you can also get them with wireless thing on them also so you can wonder around the house with your laptop if you have one.

But best advice i can give you is to look at what you want to connect first e.g. how many computers? Any to link wireless? Is your connection speed you have now able to cope with how ever many computers on the same connection? << (if you are on the slowest ADSL that might be a consideration,)
TL-SG1005D or TL-SG1008D on this link if no wireless is required and router already in modem, - http://www.tp-link.com/products/switch.asp

Just a couple of ideas to knock about with, then again I will be following what others suggest am always up for learning.

[JohnWill]

Actually, a broadband router is normally cheaper than a WAP, since there is much more volume for them.

Truthfully, I wouldn't really limit your choices so much, you're trying to make the router do everything.

The NAS, for instance. I have a D-Link DNS-323, which has a print server function. I have two 1.5TB disks in a RAID-1 configuration in that, and the community printer connected to it as well. This is probably higher performance than any router based solution you'll find.

If you split the functions, then you can consider something like the the D-Link DIR-655 to do the routing function. Another good choice for less money if the gigabit ports are not an issue is the D-Link DIR-625.

[ozziebeanie]

Wow just come back to this post as i got an email saying someone posted in this one, and a lot more of the original post is showing unless someone has edited it since I saw it a lot more info or maybe the page was playing up but it was a lot shorter and a lot less info there before.

Disregard what i said

[Mark_20]

Thanks people. The idea about the D-Link DNS-323 sounds good and the DIR-655 seems to have good reviews. Let me run this by you. If I connect my ADSL modem to the router and a USB drive then I can access both the net as well as the drive remotely right? I can also connect the router to the PC by cable and my laptops can access the net remotely. At least thats what I'm planning to do.

[JohnWill]

That's how it's supposed to work. Obviously, some configuration will have to be done to allow remote access to resources behind the router, that's what we're here for.

We should know the exact make/model of that ADSL modem, since many of them are modem/router combinations. If so, there will have to be some configuration adjustments made to the ADSL modem to allow full access remotely.

[Mark_20]

Ok but first off I have to decide what make of router to buy. I need your help here as I 've got to decide between Dlink, Netgear and Linksys and which model.

[JohnWill]

Well, I'd personally lean to D-Link or Linksys, but that's just from my personal experience. The only Netgear router I had gave me problems, so they dropped down the list. That could have been a fluke.

I'd pick from one that sounds good specification wise, then do a search for reviews or problems with it.

[Mark_20]

Thanks John Will. I will do that and get back to you.

[Mark_20]

Finally took the plunge and went in for the Linksys WRT610N. Can't wait for it to come.