Need a Router

[jwboyd]

Because of major hearing problems, I have ordered and received a captioned telephone. According to the instructions, I cannot use the captioning feature unless I install a router between the phone and my cable modem.

Since I need a router anyway, I might just as well go wireless. I am seriously considering the D-Link Wireless Router, DIR-601, N 150.

Is that a good choice?

Thanks in advance for your input.

Joe

[Xairbusdriver]

This is a phone system requiring Internet connections? Or simply an Internet connection to display the captions on the monitor, not the phone? Perhaps a simple, block-diagram could explain how things will be connected, at least for me, anyway. Hopefully, others will come along and explain everything so that even I can understand it!

[brain]--[fingers]--[keyboard]--[computer]--[interweb surfing]--[questionable facts]

Generally, a router is a router, is a router. Many feel the only difference is that many non-Apple routers have little to no customer service/understanding of Macs/etc. As long as you have good, understandable and well written instructions (not translations from third-world dialects!), there may be no problems, no matter what brand router you get. You can usually set these things up via any web-browser.

[Paddy]

Joe, as Jim has said, a router is a router...except some are better than others. Some offer better signal strength, some offer much easier configuration.

I'd plow through the reviews at newegg.com and at Amazon - get a clear idea of what people liked and didn't like and pay particular attention to the percentage of buyers who gave the router 1 star/egg and WHY they gave it that rating.

That D-Link is undoubtedly the cheapest wireless-n router I've ever seen ($22 at Amazon) - just not sure it's necessarily the best.

For ease of use, with good signal strength, the Apple Extreme base stations are definitely tops, but they are also considerably more expensive. However, after bashing my head on the wall over many years with various cheaper modems, I decided to bite the bullet a couple of years ago and bought the Extreme and haven't regretted it. However, we also typically have 4-5 networked Macs, a PS3, an iPod Touch etc. in the house, over 3 floors - so it was well worth it.

[dolphin]

Joe, Jim and Paddy have both said it...a router is a router. I have had both D-Link and Netgear. After switching from D-Link (because it started giving me a couple small problems), such as not linking to the upstairs computer. I bought a Netgear and have had NO problems. I think the Netgear is a bit faster also.

FWIW

[jwboyd]

Thanks for your input.

For better or worse, today I purchased a LinkSys WRT120N at Radio Shack for $39.99. Went to WalMart later and found the identical router priced at $49.95.

Will let you know how well it works for me.

Joe

[Paddy]

Joe, I sincerely hope you have better luck with it than the 42 out of 78 customers who gave it one star at Amazon!!!

http://www.amazon.com/Cisco-Linksys-WRT120...howViewpoints=1

Or the 40% who gave it one egg at newegg.com

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16833124344

As I said, a router is a router, except that some are actually better than others. So, let's hope it's not "for worse..." in your case!

[Al]

The last Dlink router I had had an overheating issue and disconnection failures.  It was a common occurrence with that model (don't ask which, I forget already).

My neighbor had signal strength problems with his Dlink and I switched him off to a Netgear router and he has had no issues.

Linksys, not so Mac friendly, but, they'll work.... I had one in the days of no wireless yet...

I have had two Buffalo routers as my last two, liked them both and only upgraded to take advantage of Wireless N technology.

Both the Netgear and Buffalo routers have great signal strength and imo are very reliable.

If you happen to find that your unhappy with your Linksys, possibly return it and look into a Netgear or Buffalo router, jmho.  But, my hopes is that you find it functional and works to your needs.