Just How Crappy Is My Router?

[Matt1990]

Hey guys I have an older router, Linksys WRT54G. How crappy is this? How much better speed/connection can I get from a new router? If you have any suggestions for routers under $100 that would be a big upgrade from this please post them 😀 Thank you!

 

[kaa0653]

That would depend on how you are using it and what speeds you are talking about. There are three different speeds that I can think of which you may be talking about. Your Internet/Broadband connection, wired LAN or wireless LAN.

Internet/Broadband:
This router exceeds the speed of any residential broadband connection that I am aware of. Upgrading would provide little if any difference in this area.

Wired LAN:
This router has a 4-port full-duplex 10/100 Switch built in. If your computers are wired and have 10/100/1000 NICs you could benefit by upgrading to a router that has 10/100/1000.

Wireless LAN:
This router supports 802.11b and g devices for up to 11 Mbps and 54 Mbps respectively. You could upgrade to 802.11n which most routers state up to 300 Mbps speeds. If you have a 802.11n NIC in your computer(s) then this would greatly increase your speeds for LAN traffic and if you happen to have a very fast residential internet, it could help there as well.

I haven't used any of them but there are plenty of routers out there now that provide both 10/100/1000 and 802.11n under your $100 budget. If you search your preferred online retailer you should see them there. Someone else here may be able to make a recommendation based on personal experience with a particular router.

 

[Matt1990]

Hmm ty, if anyone has any recommendations they would be appreciated. thanks.

 

[Matt1990]

Best answer selected by Matt1990.