topic Re: NEED A NEW ROUTER - SUGGESTIONS?? in Electronics

NEED A NEW ROUTER - SUGGESTIONS??

tends2dogs — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 13:03:59 GMT

We just hooked up an updated Modem from the cable company. We are still having problems with not being able to open up sites, going back and forth to sites......It keeps saying to reload, this site can't be reached. After speaking with the tech rep at Charter, she said that we need a new router. I have to admit that ours is VERY old.

What should we look for in purchasing one or should we just rent it from the cable company? We do not game or stream movies. We are just old people checking email, ordering stuff, and looking up stuff LOL.

Can anyone help us out? Oh, is it hard to hook up?

TIA

Re: NEED A NEW ROUTER - SUGGESTIONS??

software — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 13:20:08 GMT

I haven't needed one in a while but I would never "rent" one, it's not that expensive. Try to buy where you can return, in case it doesn't solve your problem.

The return policy for electronics is often not as generous as the store return policy.

@tends2dogs wrote:
We just hooked up an updated Modem from the cable company. We are still having problems with not being able to open up sites, going back and forth to sites......It keeps saying to reload, this site can't be reached. After speaking with the tech rep at Charter, she said that we need a new router. I have to admit that ours is VERY old.

What should we look for in purchasing one or should we just rent it from the cable company? We do not game or stream movies. We are just old people checking email, ordering stuff, and looking up stuff LOL.

Can anyone help us out? Oh, is it hard to hook up?

TIA

Re: NEED A NEW ROUTER - SUGGESTIONS??

Still Raining — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 13:54:10 GMT

These things do die or become outdated.

For me, renting one never made sense. Like throwing away money.

Somewhere on the cable site there should be a section for compatible ones.

You two can hook it up. I could.

Re: NEED A NEW ROUTER - SUGGESTIONS??

jackthebear — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 13:55:19 GMT

@tends2dogs wrote:
We just hooked up an updated Modem from the cable company. We are still having problems with not being able to open up sites, going back and forth to sites......It keeps saying to reload, this site can't be reached. After speaking with the tech rep at Charter, she said that we need a new router. I have to admit that ours is VERY old.

What should we look for in purchasing one or should we just rent it from the cable company? We do not game or stream movies. We are just old people checking email, ordering stuff, and looking up stuff LOL.

Can anyone help us out? Oh, is it hard to hook up?

TIA

routers have a lifetime, we have been thru several

I would start by searching for "how to choose a router"

Re: NEED A NEW ROUTER - SUGGESTIONS??

Mnmomof3boys — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 13:56:08 GMT

We updated our router last year. Went with google WiFi. Very simple set-up and if you already have a gmail account it's extra easy. You need need to decide how many points you need. We bought a 3 pack, because we have a 3 story 3,000 sq ft house. Speed is excellent all through the house now.

Re: NEED A NEW ROUTER - SUGGESTIONS??

jackthebear — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 13:57:44 GMT

@Mnmomof3boys wrote:
We updated our router last year. Went with google WiFi. Very simple set-up and if you already have a gmail account it's extra easy. You need need to decide how many points you need. We bought a 3 pack, because we have a 3 story 3,000 sq ft house. Speed is excellent all through the house now.

that might be more than the OP needs though,

Re: NEED A NEW ROUTER - SUGGESTIONS??

jlkz — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 14:16:27 GMT

@tends2dogs

last year we finally had to replace our Verizon router. Rather than buy the latest version, we went with the one prior. It was a lot less money and works very well.

DH set it up in no time !

Re: NEED A NEW ROUTER - SUGGESTIONS??

Nuttmeg — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 14:38:56 GMT

@software

LOL, If you want phone service today, you have to rent equipment. Cable companies will not allow you to buy a Voip device.

Re: NEED A NEW ROUTER - SUGGESTIONS??

BklynKinsey — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 15:00:35 GMT

Last year I purchased the Netgear R6700 — Nighthawk AC1750 Smart WiFi Dual Band Gigabit Router. It was supposed to be an easy setup, but I had a lot of problems getting it set up. I did call Netgear for support and they were wonderful and walked me thru the setup. Afterward, I knew I could never have done the setup by myself, so, luckily, they did have good support.

Just a year later, I am having trouble with the router -- keeps dropping me from the Internet. I have to keep resetting the router and modem to get/keep a connection.

Re: NEED A NEW ROUTER - SUGGESTIONS??

Mindy D — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 15:10:28 GMT

Hands down, Netgear. I have one that's two years old. The range is outstanding. I had to disconnect it because my new internet, from ATT, Internet25 comes with a router and modem combination.

Re: NEED A NEW ROUTER - SUGGESTIONS??

Nuttmeg — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 15:54:56 GMT

@tends2dogs

I brought my last router in 2018. It was an Netgear R7800,and It is still $200. This product was easy to install and I used an app to

finish the job.

You may want to consider Asus AC2900.

You can find install instructions on the Amazon product page near these items.

I only buy electronics directly from Amazon.

Re: NEED A NEW ROUTER - SUGGESTIONS??

tends2dogs — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 16:26:23 GMT

That is what we have to keep doing, @BklynKinsey . ...turn the router off and on. Ours is an old Linksys. It is real pain.

Re: NEED A NEW ROUTER - SUGGESTIONS??

Buster43 — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 17:08:45 GMT

After several years of poor internet service (slow, dropped signal) I purchased a new Motorola modem and hooked it up to my 3 year old D-Link router. I had tried 2 other routers and they were unsatisfactory. I have Comcast internet (only thing available to me) and was using a recommended modem...after having to restart the modem and router on a weekly basis, I finally changed the modem and have not had to reset since November...when I lost power last month, everything reset automatically.

The modem is Motorola MB7621 (can be used with your service, I think) ...from Amazon for $78. I am very pleased with it. It is simple to operate...plug in, wait for green light, turn on router, wait for green light and surf away for months of uninterrupted service.

Please report back with update on whatever you choose. Your choices may be helpful to many others! Thanks!

Re: NEED A NEW ROUTER - SUGGESTIONS??

Caffeina — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 17:18:43 GMT

@tends2dogs

I recommend one of these from Walmart. You don't have to spend a lot.

I'm 66 and don't think they're hard to connect and set up. My younger sister would disagree though. I had to connect and set up her new Linksys recently.

Re: NEED A NEW ROUTER - SUGGESTIONS??

Nuttmeg — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 22:33:22 GMT

@Buster43

I have been a member of Dslreports.com for 20 years.

The site has a Comcast forum. This is where I look for a cable modem. I usually replace a modem about every two YEARS, because, of a speed increase.

I look for a router at this forum and at smart net builders.

Re: NEED A NEW ROUTER - SUGGESTIONS??

Nuttmeg — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 22:31:22 GMT

@Caffeina

These two routers are good products. I did not check out the specs. My largest concern, will they support all of the OP devices.

Re: NEED A NEW ROUTER - SUGGESTIONS??

Venezia — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 22:45:54 GMT

We're waiting to get new internet service from Spectrum and I googled which routers worked best with their modem (provided free).

I just ordered a Linksys tri-band (Max Stream AC2150) from Sam's Club. From what I've read, the installation is done via an app. No idea yet when we'll get Spectrum (their construction department has to extend their line to our home first).

I'm hoping setting up the router will be relatively easy.

Re: NEED A NEW ROUTER - SUGGESTIONS??

tends2dogs — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 00:13:48 GMT

I was just looking at the install sheet from Charter for our modem. The section about the router said that a 5G device provides a better experience for streaming and video gaming. We do neither of those things. The 2G network is recommended for devices that require a longer range.

We have a two story over 4,000 square feet home. I am thinking that 2G is what I want, right?

The only devices we are using this for are our two laptops. I am not sure, but are our landline phones also wirefree? The base is plugged in to a phone line and the modem. (this is how stupid I am about this) Those are the only devices that we need WiFi for. Our security is by satellite.

@Nuttmeg @Caffeina @Buster43 @Mindy D @Venezia

Re: NEED A NEW ROUTER - SUGGESTIONS??

Nuttmeg — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 02:02:09 GMT

@tends2dogs wrote:
I was just looking at the install sheet from Charter for our modem. The section about the router said that a 5G device provides a better experience for streaming and video gaming. We do neither of those things. The 2G network is recommended for devices that require a longer range.

We have a two story over 4,000 square feet home. I am thinking that 2G is what I want, right?

The only devices we are using this for are our two laptops. I am not sure, but are our landline phones also wirefree? The base is plugged in to a phone line and the modem. (this is how stupid I am about this) Those are the only devices that we need WiFi for. Our security is by satellite.

@tends2dogs

You have a large home, and this is not a DIY project. Please call your cable provider and have a technician install your equipment.

I would rent the equipment. Ask about the cost of install.

Re: NEED A NEW ROUTER - SUGGESTIONS??

Nuttmeg — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 03:47:43 GMT

@Venezia

If I were having a new install, i would use company hardware. What happens if you have a problem? The company will say it is your router, not the Spectrum cable modem.

You can use your equipment when things are running well.

You can have the tech install your router when he comes to your home.

I check router quality at Smartnet Builders.