[Tech Buying advice] Better router and hdmi cables?

This thread is tinman approved

 

Try doing a complete erase/re-install of the router you currently have.... you can do it through the IP page on an internet browser.

The same thing happened with my netgear, but as soon as I did that... and set it all up again... it worked just like it did when I first got it.

 

It's a little technical, but there is a Firmware update for select routers that enables you to boost the power your wireless router puts out. The firmware is called DD-WRT


Here's a List of supported Routers. I would get the Linksys WRT54GS/GL.

I have the GL. I also have a 120 year old house that is built like a tank. I could barely get a signal two rooms away with my old router, but with the GL and the DD-WRT firmware with the signal boosted, I can go across the street and get a signal.

The setup is VERY straightforward and the site above has screenshots, etc. If you can overcome technophobia, it's really very easy. Once you get it set up, you just bump up your MW to 70-100 from the factory default of 37. Anything higher will burn out your router. I've been running 100 for months with no issues at all.

DD-WRT does tons of other neat tricks, but you really don't need them. The signal boosting is the best feature, IMO.

Good luck!

 

www.monoprice.com for all your cable needs. Their prices are so low, I placed three orders in one week.

 

There are two things, hardware-wise, that you can do to boost the signal of your wireless router. One is to buy a powered antenna. Your model may or may not support this sort of upgrade. Another is to buy a wireless access point that acts as a repeater, and place it somewhere else in the house to boost the signal in that part of the house.