Tom's: Review Wireless Routers/Modems?

[josejones]

I'd like to see Tom's Hardware do some testing and comparing of some new wireless routers. I could use some help in making the right choice.

I'd like to be able to use Netflix, stream video live, play Xbox live via WiFi. And do a little bit of networking within a few computers for our small business. A modem/router that won't die in a year or two would be nice. Not really sure what I really need versus overkill.

I'm reading that the "built-in modem router has more overheating issues than you can shake a stick at" from PsychoTeddy. Are the modem router makers aware of this heat issue?

"I've been a network tech professionally for about 5 years now so I can tell you all of this from personal experience of working with these routers and seeing how they hold up to normal and heavy use. Belkin and Netgear simply do not cut it. I'd go for D-Link or Cisco/Linksys. Both make great networking equipment (albeit at a premium). However, let me say that just about any router under $80 is not going to be worth your time or money. Below that price point corners have to be cut and sacrifices have to be made. Again, you get what you pay for."

- PsychoTeddy
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/31481-43-wireless-modem-router-router-best

I've recently been looking at LINKSYS E3000
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833124388

Linksys E3000
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2370801,00.asp

Linksys E4200
http://homestore.cisco.com/en-us/Routers/Linksys-E4200-MaximumPerformance-Wirelessn-router_stcVVproductId122703236VVcatId551966VVviewprod.htm?icid=home_support_e4200&src2=home_support_e4200

Linksys E4200
"In my testing, however, it wasn't the speed demon I expected—in fact, the year-older E3000 beat the E4200."
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2375972,00.asp

Anything new coming around the corner?

 

[josejones]

I'm still trying to get caught up on the latest modem & router technology. It seems that the latest specification is version DOCSIS 3.0, which was released in August 2006.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DOCSIS

Maybe it's time for DOCSIS 4.0 ???

The Motorola seems to be a great modem too. The Motorola SB6120 is pretty good but the Motorola SBG6580 is better:

Motorola SURFboard Gateway SBG6580
http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-SURFboard-Gateway-SBG6580-Wireless/dp/B0040IUI46/ref=cm_cr_pr_sims_t

http://www.motorola.com/Consumers/US-EN/Consumer-Product-and-Services/Cable-Modems-and-Gateways/SBG6580-SURFboard-eXtreme-Wireless-Cable-Modem-Gateway-US-EN

It would be sweet if Tom's hardware did a review and testing of several of the latest modems.