New router for ATT service?

Question

So I'm a little pissed that my router gave out and has to be replaced after a year and a half. ATT says the warranty is out and for a new one it will be $100, which is more than what I paid for it the first time. I refuse to pay $100 for the exact same modem, so will the cheaper modems available at best buy or wal mart work with my service?

And any suggestions on a quality router that wont crap out in less than 2 years will be nice too!

pender2112 · Accepted Answer

It really depends on your budget and wireless needs/coverage.  The "best" router to buy is the Netgear WNDR3700, but it is expensive at $160-$190.  It has the best wireless (802.11n) coverage in 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz modes than any other router.  It also performs great with many wireless clients and does not crash when using P2P clients like Linksys routers do.
http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/wireless/wireless-reviews/30925-start-your-buying-netgear-wndr3700-reviewed

Most would recommend the Dlink DIR-655.  It is a good performing plug and play router that has great automatic QoS (so does that Netgear, but based off Atheros HTB and not Ubicom).  I have it and it is so far the best router I've used and has great standard features.
http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/content/view/30726/96/

If you only have two or three LAN clients, The DIR-625 or DIR-628 is also a solid performing router that is easy to use and has great features like Static DCHP by MAC and Ubicom Auto QoS.
http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/content/view/30387/96/


So if you need wireless coverage, I think the Netgear is worth it because it would be a router that will last you more than a couple of years and still offers acceptable speeds at the extremities of the coverage zone.

If you live in a Condo or an Apartment, get a 5Ghz router like the Netgear because the 2.4Ghz band is crowded with interference from Microwaves, Cordless phones and other neighboring 2.4Ghz 802.11 networks.  The DIR-628 is only selectable Dual Band (meaning only 2.4Ghz or 5Ghz but not both at the same time).  The DIR-825 is a great performing router but has had firmware issues and does not work with the Xbox 360 wireless adapter - this could be fixed with a firmware update.  Only buy the 825 from a retail store that has a good return/exchange policy.

So, get the Netgear if you have cash, or the DIR-628/625 if you only have $60 to spend.

TrapAve · Answer

Wow...well, from the start I wouldn't have purchased a router from the company that supplies my IS in the 1st place. DLink is more user-friendly, Linksys are more secure. Depends on what your connecting, how big your enviroment is and other factors (obstruction, etc.). 

BTW...the ? was about a router, yet you start implying about a modem?... 
and for the record....cheaper is never better. Sometimes, you have to pay to play.

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New router for ATT service?

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