I was previously using a Linksys router and just upgraded to the Netgear 3700N (thanks to people on this board that helped me out) and now I was reading all the reviews on the AirPort Extreme base station. What are you guys using and why? I'm wondering if I should return the Netgear and get the Airport? I'm currently running a few PCs and one iMac. I'm looking for best performance overall, but would focus mostly on file transfers since my external hard drive (which hold ALL my stuff) will be plugged into the router and be used as my main drive on all computers.
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Routers
- Thread starter Jnardis
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I have a pair of DLink DIR-635s, been very happy with them. Honestly, I think Apple router are overpriced. They are easy like all Apple stuff is but I paid 70 each for those DLinks like 3 years ago
Very happy with our Airport Extremes.
Easy disk/printer sharing with USB port, seamless integration into OSX and with apple devices.
Over the air disk access is seamless and fast (especially over 300mbps 802.11N 5GHZ)
There are of course cheaper solutions but we are happy with apple.
Easy disk/printer sharing with USB port, seamless integration into OSX and with apple devices.
Over the air disk access is seamless and fast (especially over 300mbps 802.11N 5GHZ)
There are of course cheaper solutions but we are happy with apple.
the belkin n1 vision is great. even has an lcd screen, which shows your upload and download speed, doubles up as a clock, and also shows what and who is connected to your network 
http://www.google.co.uk/products/ca...ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CCMQ8wIwAA#ps-sellers
i do have to reset it every week or so though, because it locks up, and seems to stop working heh
http://www.google.co.uk/products/ca...ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CCMQ8wIwAA#ps-sellers
i do have to reset it every week or so though, because it locks up, and seems to stop working heh
Sorry, but I'm not understanding why having a new iMac I wouldn't need a router? I have 6 PCs and 2 Macs. Only one computer out of the 8 are hard wired. I would like internet on all computers. Woudln't I need a router?
I'm using both an AirPort Extreme (AE) and Airport Express (AX). The reason I wanted the AE was for it's USB output, it's ease of use with Airport Utility and integration to my system. I use the USB output to connect one of my printers (I have 3 printers) you can also connect external USB HD's to it too. I use the AX for Airtunes, I have a nice home theater system and it seemed silly to play my iTunes library (about 60 GB) on my Mac when I had such a nice system. The AX allows me to do that. It was the most aesthetic and least expensive solution at the time.
Of course you'll need a router if you're using multiple computers on one home internet connection. I think one of the other contributors above was confused.
If you're happy with what you have, there's really no need to replace it.
Me personally, I have an Apple Time Capsule I use as a router. I like that it'll easily function as a Time Machine device for the laptops in the house (mine, wife's, kids'). My desktop machine has it's own separate drive for backups (it would fill the Time Capsule pretty quickly otherwise).
iMac (well, any Mac with AirPort) can be used as a "router" if you simply share the internet connection but it's not ideal as iMac isn't designed to be a router. Also, that requires you to have wired connection to your modem
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=Mac/10.5/en/8156.html
He could have meant that but even if he did, it's not what I would recommend. A router can be had for 30 bucks nowadays.
I use an Airport Extreme as my router, plus a Time Capsule for backup and to extend the wireless network. An element of pure luck in the layout of my house means that the router and the TC are opposite ends of the place, so my wifi coverage is strong everywhere.
I'm sure I could achieve something similar with non-Apple products, but the thought of trying to set up dual bands and guest access through IP address-based controls makes me shudder. The Airport Utility is worth the price of entry on its own.
I have a Linksys WRT120N router. Do not buy it. Mine is defective, and this router has had so many problems. Just do a quick search on the internet, and you will see. I bought this router for $50 at walmart. I guess you get what you pay for. However, after a call to their support, they are sending me a WRT160N in exchange for the WRT120N.
I have the Netgear WNDR3700 and it is great, but I do have a NAS device plugged into it. I know on the Netgear forums, some people have complained about the router acting up when you plug a NAS in.