N Range fast VOIP wireless router help ?

AlphaVita

Im looking to replace my Netgear WGR613VAL router which I got from Blueface a number of years ago . Ideally Im looking for a fast great range that has a telephone adapter for my phone. Can anyone recommend one for around EUR150-200 is my budget. I heard N range is the best but Im willing to be corrected on this .

Mr. G

I see there is a Linksys WRP400 wireless ATA/Router for €117 in the Blueface online shop. I would recommend you go with this if your current solution isn't working for you. What exactly is wrong with your current router? I'm aware that you are probably sick of the firmware which is from your supplier, which is what I gather.

What do you want to do exactly?

If your only looking for an ATA than I suggest you go for the Linksys PAP2T, this allows you to have 2 Voip lines connected to your router. Personally, I think your better off buying Cisco/Linksys for a number of reasons. They come with a warrentee, they are extremely helpful over the phone, they have offices in Ireland (in Galway, and Dublin for sure) , and I have never had any issues.I got the PAP2T 2 years ago, even after a year they assisted me.

A wireless router's antenna technology generally determines its Wi-Fi signal strength and hence its range. Generally speaking, 802.11g wireless routers offer better Wi-Fi range than comparable 802.11b units due to improved antennas.

802.11n and Wi-Fi Router Range

In general, wireless routers currently offering the best Wi-Fi signal range, however, are
802.11n (sometimes called "wireless N") units. Where standard 802.11b and 802.11g routers contain just one Wi-Fi radio and antenna, wireless N routers contain two or three radios specifically designed to maximize Wi-Fi range. Note that the actual range and performance of any wireless router varies substantially depending on conditions of the environment such as obstructions and radio interference.

Increasing Wi-Fi Range - Do It Yourself

The standard antennas shipped wih wireless routers work omnidirectionally. Omnidirectional antennas
distribute their signal equally in all directions. These antennas provide more uniform coverage in a radius, but they also limit the signal's reach in any particular direction.

Some routers support replacement of their standard antennas with upgraded "aftermarket" ones. Many aftermarket Wi-Fi antennas work directionally, meaning their radio signals can be focused in a specific direction. All other things being equal, replacing the omnidirectional antenna on a wireless router with a directional one will increase its range.

Router Wi-Fi Range Only One Factor to Consider

Wi-Fi range is just one of several factors to consider when choosing a wireless router. For example, the reach of a wireless network can also be increased by installing
wireless range extender products, or by upgrading a Wi-Fi client instead of the router.

Finally, even those routers with lesser range may service your residence quite well. If your Wi-Fi devices are located near to each other, with few walls and other obstructions in the vicinity, you likely need not seek out a router with the best Wi-Fi range.

http://compnetworking.about.com/od/wirelessrouters/f/bestwifirange.htm

http://compnetworking.about.com/od/wireless/ss/wirelessgear_7.htm

AlphaVita

Many thanks for the detailed reply. My current one is dropping signal and also the connections at the back are faulty. If you move the router and it disturbs the cables you have to un plug them and plug them back in again. Also I have a Vodafone Sure Signal and it keeps dropping that connection also. A friend of mine got the same Netgear router and had the same issues. He got a new router and its working fine now. Also I find the Netgear range is not good. In a small 3 bedroom bungalow you only get a few bars of signal in the bedroom and the Netgear is in the living room. The distance is not far at all. I just feel the current Netgear router is weak in performance and range. I want something that can also handle HD Youtube and gaming.

I believe the router you suggest is not Wireless N ? I really want the best product as I will be looking to keep it for 3-4 years and dont mind paying for something decent.

Mr. G

AlphaVita wrote: »

Many thanks for the detailed reply. My current one is dropping signal and also the connections at the back are faulty. If you move the router and it disturbs the cables you have to un plug them and plug them back in again. Also I have a Vodafone Sure Signal and it keeps dropping that connection also. A friend of mine got the same Netgear router and had the same issues. He got a new router and its working fine now. Also I find the Netgear range is not good. In a small 3 bedroom bungalow you only get a few bars of signal in the bedroom and the Netgear is in the living room. The distance is not far at all. I just feel the current Netgear router is weak in performance and range. I want something that can also handle HD Youtube and gaming.

I believe the router you suggest is not Wireless N ? I really want the best product as I will be looking to keep it for 3-4 years and dont mind paying for something decent.

The blueface roiter I mentioned above is actually a G wifi router. It is also a cable router, not for DSL, unless you have a modem for the dsl to the router, than this isn't suitable.

Most of the cisco stuff is good.

http://homestore.cisco.com/en-us/products/linksys_stcVVcatId551966VVviewcat.htm

I'm sure they have an N router with an ATA built in there. Take a look on ebay also.

I suggest you replace the router you have as its faulty and will eventually just stop working and you will have no internet.

I have ta netiopa dsl router and I have had no issues.

Most routers come with warrentees anyways.

PogMoThoin

AlphaVita wrote: »

Many thanks for the detailed reply. My current one is dropping signal and also the connections at the back are faulty. If you move the router and it disturbs the cables you have to un plug them and plug them back in again. Also I have a Vodafone Sure Signal and it keeps dropping that connection also. A friend of mine got the same Netgear router and had the same issues. He got a new router and its working fine now. Also I find the Netgear range is not good. In a small 3 bedroom bungalow you only get a few bars of signal in the bedroom and the Netgear is in the living room. The distance is not far at all. I just feel the current Netgear router is weak in performance and range. I want something that can also handle HD Youtube and gaming.

I believe the router you suggest is not Wireless N ? I really want the best product as I will be looking to keep it for 3-4 years and dont mind paying for something decent.

The dropouts could be caused by interference, try changing channel on your existing router. Install inssider on a laptop and see what channels are in use nearby as your neighbours wireless router on the same or nearby channel will interfere. Note that not all devices will show up in a scan, video senders, baby monitors and wireless cameras etc can use the same frequencies and not show up. Move your wireless channel to one well away from the channel it's on to see if it makes a difference.

Any router can handle HD Youtube and gaming, a new "n" router will not do it any better. To improve your Youtube experience you need more bandwidth, sign up to a better broadband service with a higher speed. To improve your gaming experience you need low latency, therefore it's better not to use wireless but to cable to gaming devices. Wireless should be just for mobility, any static devices should be cabled.
"N" will allow for faster device to device speeds inside your local network and if every single device isn't "n" then the network will fall back to "g" speeds. It will not make a difference to your service to the internet.

What you really need is a decent router that does QOS so your VoIP traffic gets priority over other traffic passing through it. This way you can have Youtube or a torrent using all your bandwidth, but still be able to use the phone as it's traffic gets priority.

AlphaVita

Thanks guys for the further information and I will take that onboard. The QOS is a benefit Id like to give phone calls priority.

Certainly going to have a new router in the next two weeks so will just shop around taking into account your feedback.

Johnboy1951

Have a look at the Draytek Vigor range ....... VOIP ports, QOS and lots of other niceties built in ....