What happens when good routers go bad?

[Eurobabe]

Do they gradually give up the ghost, or do they usually die all at once.

Reason I ask is because I have SlingBox Pro in the US. All of a sudden since T'giving, no one can view remotely. The Sling tech people can't even ping the box. My forum tells me that I need to go in to the router and reset the port 5001 (?) to allow the Sling to have access through the network. I am wondering if I shouldn't just buy a new router, this one is old and we've had other issues with it at times.

What is the normal life expectancy of a router?

Thanks!

[Shardik]

1. I recently had one die a slow death.

I suspect that it was caused by a small surge through the cable because I ended up having to replace the cable modem at the same time. Gave me fits figuring it out because both would work for a time after powering down for a while but then each would go intermittent.

I replaced my old Belkin with a new Netgear and found the speed increased on both wireless and hardwired printers and computers.

[Eurobabe]

2. Oh thanks for the info!

We need this for wireless access, and I use it to watch TV remotely. I think it's time to put the Linksys puppy to sleep. Now which model to choose? I need something non-complicated because my daughter isn't a techie and she freaks when she can't get on the internet. I am relying on her to put it all together for me.

What's the difference between an 'N' and a 'G' router? Anyone?

[Shardik]

3. The N is faster.

802.11g
In 2002 and 2003, WLAN products supporting a newer standard called 802.11g emerged on the market. 802.11g attempts to combine the best of both 802.11a and 802.11b. 802.11g supports bandwidth up to 54 Mbps, and it uses the 2.4 Ghz frequency for greater range. 802.11g is backwards compatible with 802.11b, meaning that 802.11g access points will work with 802.11b wireless network adapters and vice versa.

* Pros of 802.11g - fast maximum speed; signal range is good and not easily obstructed
* Cons of 802.11g - costs more than 802.11b; appliances may interfere on the unregulated signal frequency

802.11n
The newest IEEE standard in the Wi-Fi category is 802.11n. It was designed to improve on 802.11g in the amount of bandwidth supported by utilizing multiple wireless signals and antennas (called MIMO technology) instead of one.

When this standard is finalized, 802.11n connections should support data rates of over 100 Mbps. 802.11n also offers somewhat better range over earlier Wi-Fi standards due to its increased signal intensity. 802.11n equipment will be backward compatible with 802.11g gear.

* Pros of 802.11n - fastest maximum speed and best signal range; more resistant to signal interference from outside sources
* Cons of 802.11n - standard is not yet finalized; costs more than 802.11g; the use of multiple signals may greatly interfere with nearby 802.11b/g based networks.

Most of the n standard routers I have seen will also work with g standard equipment.

[Eurobabe]

4. Oh, I think I will stick with the G

it's cheaper anyhow. I don't need the speed or all the bells and whistles. :hi:

[RC]

5. It runs far greater band width than whatever you are using for your internet provider

That is more than most people need anyway.

[Eurobabe]

6. Thanks I appreciate all the tips

I am by no means a techie, but I put together a TivO + SlingBox + router combo and actually got it to work. That was one of my crowning achievements. :D

I am hoping that I can coach my kid through all this!! She has patience to a point. :eyes: Me, I would sit there all day until I figured it out. Oh well.