Tips for Choosing the Fastest Wireless N Router

If you're a serious gamer, you already know how important it is to choose the best equipment. When selecting a router, you want to stick with companies like Lanskys, Netgear, or D-Link which have built reputations for offering the most robust units you can buy. Maybe you think you can't afford one of these devices made by a top company, but have you ever considered buying your router secondhand? Plenty of people who are updating to newer models sell their old ones for nominal prices, and most of the ones offered for sale are still in like-new condition. There's no reason for you to have to accept some second-rate machine instead of the best.

Knowing what you're looking for in a router will help you make informed choices. A router basically connects two local area networks enabling you to access games on that network and allowing you to play against their best players. Decide on what requirements you want for your router. What kind of speed do you need? How many USB ports will you require to hook up your extras? What distance capabilities do you want? Once you've decided what you are looking for, you'll be able to check online to see which brands and models meet your qualifications. Then, if you don't like the price you're seeing, you can start looking for the same model used.

You will find that there are two basic types of wireless routers - a wireless G and a wireless N. The N models are considerably more expensive than the G models, because the N denotes extended signal range and strength. If you need these extensions, then you'll want to buy a router model denoted N. If you don't need them, you'll be able to save money buy purchasing a wireless G. Models that are considered the best in the N range include:

* Linkskys Wireless Gigabit N Router with Storage Link (WRT600N): This router is great for heavy networking usage as it has two antennas instead of one. This unit contains high-quality audio and video transfers, supports VoIP, and extends bandwidth by having double radio bands. Ports are also included which will allow you to connect it to hard disks or external flash drives.

* D-Link Wireless N router (DIR-615): You will find that D-Link offers reasonably-priced routers that have received many awards for excellence. The model referenced here costs about $40, has a 1-year warranty, up to 300 Mbps, and a signal strength up to an area of 1200 feet.

* Netgear Rangemax WNDR3700 Dual Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router: This router is touted as having superior speed and performance with a speed of 600 Mbps. It includes USB ports for external storage and is an excellent choice for use with the Xbox 360 or for small business use. It costs around $150.

Are you looking for consumer based reviews and comparisons of the fastest wireless router? Check out our reviews on the best wireless routers to get tips and advice on how to find the best gaming router.

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Choosing the Best Wireless Router for Your Bucks

Wireless routers are a great invention. They give you all of the power and capabilities of a wired router without a lot of the hassle. Chances are that if you're a serious gamer, you either have one already or are in the market to buy one. If you're ready to replace the one you have or buy your very first wireless router, what exactly should you be looking for?

1. Speed - a higher speed means that the router is better for the network. Router speeds are measured in megabits per second.

2. Number of antennas - the best connections are made with multiple antennas. A higher number of antennas translates into more transreceivers.

3. Coverage Range - the higher the range, the better it is for your network. This is one of the most important features for you to consider in your router.

4. Networking standard - the two most popular choices are the Wi-Fi networking standards 802.11N and 802.11G. For higher speed select the newer 802.11N.

5. Wired access points - wired access points enhance the use of a wireless router. In this case, more is better.

6. Dual band/single band - although single band may be adequate for your needs, a dual band allows more speed and two frequenices of transmission.

7. Firewall and network security - security features including a firewall and a secure data encryption standard is important. The best security standard to buy is a WPA2.

Preferred brands of routers that carry these features include Linskys, Belkin, D-link, and Netgear. Ideally you will choose one with the easiest setup, a minimum of maintenance problems, and long-life performance. Some models you might consider include:

* Linskys WRT610N - this is a fast, reliable router. Some of its features include 4 gigabit ethernet ports, external hard drive sharing, WPA2 security, 802.11a/b/g/n compatibility, 6 internal antennas, and excellent range. This is one of the best and most maintenance-free routers you can buy. It costs around $165.

* Apple AirPort Extreme - this model is one of the best available. It has Windows/Mac compatibility, a simultaneous dual band with both a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHZ frequency range, and a variety of excellent security features. It is a great choice for Mac centric users and comes with a one year guarantee, all for about $175.

* Linskys WRT400N - if you're looking for a wireless router that is a bit more economical, the WRT400N is a great deal at $115. It features great speed and range as well as simultaneous dual band connectivity.

Are you looking for consumer based reviews and comparisons of the wireless routers? Check out our reviews on the best wireless router to get tips and additional advice on how to find wireless routers reviews.

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