dropping connections on recommended routers

[dor_13]

I'm looking for a decent & reliable router: one that keeps persistent connections.

Speed isn't a major factor.

I've seen in the article "Best Wi-Fi Routers 2018" (link) the following two routers:

• 
  ■ Linksys WRT1900ACS (review)
  ■ Netgear R6220 (amazon)

But both have reports of connection dropping or rebooting.

I don't get it - how come such a recommended routers are reported negatively by users?

How then should I choose a router?

 

[bill001g]

The problem is you can't. The problem is user are actually reviewing their house and maybe their end devices. There are small difference in the transmission power on better routers but most are pretty close to the legal maximum. When tested in controlled environments...like the ones the FCC requires for certification...you do not see much difference in transmission power from routers using similar radio chipsets.

Why some routers work better in some houses is one of those impossible questions. WiFi is affected by massive number of things. Someone just walking through a room affects the pattern of the radio waves.

One of the key reasons you see so many people complaining is they expect a router to magically solve a problem that is actually their end device. Things like cell phones are designed to be small and portable. This means very small antenna and low output power to conserve battery. So the router may be able to send its signal through the wall to phone but the phone may not be powerful enough to send the signal back.

The best way to pick a router is based on software features. Only you can say if parental controls or vpn or nas has value. Be careful about getting sucked into the bigger number is better trap. To get those really high rated speeds they use stuff like 4 antenna feeds. Most end devices only have 2 antenna so you an not actually use the highest speeds.

More or less you will see similar performance from the better brands of routers. What is key is how good their support is. The better companies will put out software patches faster if there is a issue. Part of the reason you pay more for asus or netgear compared to say buffalo or belkin.

 

[Phillip Corcoran]

Since I switched to a Billion router I've had a rock-solid connection, not cheap but worth every penny.

Tried Netgear & Linksys - - had problems with both of them. Only Billion for me from now on.

The only reliable piece of Linksys kit I've got is a pair of powerline adapters, so they do make good stuff, just not routers.