Wireless router

[WDE91]

Well I guess I am growing up.
Its time for me to purchase my first wireless router.

I know little about them other than they transform signal into wireless.

Ive seen prices range from $20-$200.
This is for personal use with a Macbook Pro.
I am on a college budget but at the same time if performance takes a huge jump at an obtainable level no sense buying the bottom.

Any suggestions on routers and price levels that would fit my needs?

Thanks for the help.

[WDE91]

Also, I am going to need an ethernet cord correct?

Sorry for the newb questions
First time setting this up.

[tommyboy619]

Routers usually come with an ethernet cord so as long as you already have your modem, you'll be able to just plug it right in. You'll probably have to do to some minimal set up with the router plugged directly into the computer (via ethernet.) There will be an install disk included to help guide you through this process. I just purchased this little guy, and for my needs (condo) it works just fine.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/TP-Link-150Mbps-Wireless-N-Router-TL-WR720N/21553790

[Barbarossa]

Just upgraded when I got my Apple TV. This streams HD with no issues.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/dual-band-wireless-ac-gigabit-router-with-4-port-ethernet-switch/8723078.p;jsessionid=A21A1300A53CE6908D78E69A5BAA4921.bbolsp-app04-138?id=1218888211869&skuId=8723078&st=Cisco%20router&cp=1&lp=1

[black_pacer_56]

I would buy a either a ASUS RT-AC66U Netgear R6100, Netgear Nighthawk R7000 router for Fry's Electronics with a 3 year extended warranty for $20-$30. After about 2.5 years while under warranty, take it back, and get a new router. You going to want the warranty because they are on 24 hours per day / 7 days per week and around 3 years the wireless signal with degraded and you will have problems with your devices staying connected. I know that two of the three routers are above price range, however with buying the extended warranty you will be able to extend your $$$ and get a total of +5 years for no problems.

http://www.frys.com/product/7696537?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

http://www.frys.com/product/7829349?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

http://www.frys.com/product/7180902?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

[the86d]

Make sure to use WPA encryption at least, WPA2 if you can.
DO NOT USE WEP, as WEP encryption can be cracked by anyone booting to a CD/DVD in minutes.

Use UpperAndLower&$pecialCharactersw/$0m3Numbers for the key...

[noob_tube]

Once you get the router and are configuring it, choose a channel with less congestion. You can see which channels are overlapping in your immediate area with freely available software. http://www.metageek.net/products/inssider/

[catmman]

Just get one. Don't plan on returning it. Make sure it has 802.11 n and stay away from Apple (it will drive you nuts configuring and upgrading it) Depends what you want to do. If you just want a simple router go get one. If you want to play look at http://www.dd-wrt.com/site/index and find one that meets this criteria. It lets you increase the power levels/range and all sorts of other cool things like repeating and bridging.

[spamsucker]

Linksys/Cisco E4200.

[blazeaglory]

Linksys/Cisco E4200.

I have the 3500 and it hasnt let me down yet. 2 Xbox's, 3 laptops, printers, phones, etc. Never one dropped connection. I can watch HBO and game of thrones from season 1 -3 with no interruptions. The only problem is it was expensive and runs HOT.

If you dont want to spend $100, this is a very decent inexpensive router. Most routers In know usually come with the additional Ethernet cord.

Medialink Wireless-N Broadband Router

http://www.amazon.com/Medialink-Wireless-N-Broadband-Internal-Antennas/dp/B00A3YN0Z0/ref=lp_300189_1_2?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1386439832&sr=1-2