I need a new modem..or router.. or both!?

Z A C K

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Sep 11, 2013
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I have Time Warner Cable as my ISP and I'm using the Ubee modem they gave me and a Netgear router. This is the WiFi card I have in my computer:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0034CL2ZI/ref=oh_details_o00_s01_i05?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Problem is, my internet connection drops very often, and it's not just on my computer it's on my phone too and any wireless devices I have. When the connection drops I have to turn off my router and turn it back on. Then sometimes I have to turn my computer off and turn it back on. Needless to say, this is very annoying.

I'm looking for suggestions. I'm thinking the problem is with the modem, but my router probably isn't the best either. I'm looking for modems on Amazon but it seems just about all of them have a fair share of negative reviews. What do you use? I'm willing to spend a little bit if it fixes my problems.
 
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I have Time Warner Cable as my ISP and I'm using the Ubee modem they gave me and a Netgear router. This is the WiFi card I have in my computer:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0034CL2ZI/ref=oh_details_o00_s01_i05?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Problem is, my internet connection drops very often, and it's not just on my computer it's on my phone too and any wireless devices I have. When the connection drops I have to turn off my router and turn it back on. Then sometimes I have to turn my computer off and turn it back on. Needless to say, this is very annoying.

I'm looking for suggestions. I'm thinking the problem is with the modem, but my router probably isn't the best either. I'm looking for modems on Amazon but it seems just about all of them have a fair share of negative reviews. What do you use? I'm willing to spend a little bit if it fixes my problems.
I used to use a D-Link DIR-625 and would drop every day or so, switched to the Asus and things have been great, however I think that is mostly to do with rooting into my ISP's modem and switching it to bridge mode as previously I was suffereing double NAT issues.
 
Sorry, don't know much about either of those. I use VDSL2, and only use a small number of different brands of router. Is there an issue with your current modem?
 
Sorry, don't know much about either of those. I use VDSL2, and only use a small number of different brands of router. Is there an issue with your current modem?
I'm not 100% sure what the problem is, but my internet drops a lot. Like, if I'm watching a show on Amazon instant video for example, I'll have to restart my router and possibly computer after just about every episode of whatever I'm watching. So I don't know if it's a modem problem or a router problem, but I'm just assuming the Ubee modem TWC set me up with probably isn't all that good.
 
I'm not 100% sure what the problem is, but my internet drops a lot. Like, if I'm watching a show on Amazon instant video for example, I'll have to restart my router and possibly computer after just about every episode of whatever I'm watching. So I don't know if it's a modem problem or a router problem, but I'm just assuming the Ubee modem TWC set me up with probably isn't all that good.
Is it just a modem? or is it a modem/router combo? If wifi is dropping that much it seems it might be the router. You could try plugging in your pc via ethernet cord, and next time wifi drops if the PC still has net access then I would say it would rule out any modem issues. Depending on the model/revision of your netgear router you might be able to throw Tomato or DD-WRT on it and see if that helps your issues..if not probably just a new router.
 
Ok I can try that. You're probably right, most likely I just need a new router.
 
I have Time Warner Cable as my ISP and I'm using the Ubee modem they gave me and a Netgear router. This is the WiFi card I have in my computer:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0034CL2ZI/ref=oh_details_o00_s01_i05?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Problem is, my internet connection drops very often, and it's not just on my computer it's on my phone too and any wireless devices I have. When the connection drops I have to turn off my router and turn it back on. Then sometimes I have to turn my computer off and turn it back on. Needless to say, this is very annoying.

I'm looking for suggestions. I'm thinking the problem is with the modem, but my router probably isn't the best either. I'm looking for modems on Amazon but it seems just about all of them have a fair share of negative reviews. What do you use? I'm willing to spend a little bit if it fixes my problems.
before you go buy any other hardware check with your cable provider. Sometime the technician can install way to tight on the cables causing it to send interrupted package on the line. Also check your router to make sure they are no settings that control your bandwith.

But if anything it sound like you have a very weak wireless router, go to best buy or radio shack and get a killer wireless router that can send a range, it might cost you around $70-$90 but it will be strong enough where people from the next block can pick it up. Be sure to hide your broadcast and remember it was well to keep it private.

One more thing, also change the user and password on your router so it will be harder to people to login and get access.
 
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Anyone have any experience with Buffalo routers? I'm considering this one:
http://www.amazon.com/BUFFALO-AirSt...1380670149&sr=1-1&keywords=buffalo+airstation

It's so tough to pick out a router though. Literally every single one has people complaining about it on Amazon. I know for the ones that I'm looking at there's more good reviews than bad, but at the same time I have to ask what is happening to these people who give them bad reviews.
 
Worth a try Flashing Firmware. I put Tomato on a Buffalo Router and it really opened up more functions.
I use Toastman's Tomato on my Asus RT-N16 and it really is awesome..the stock firmware on routers is almost useless for anything other than basic networking functionality
 
Worth a try Flashing Firmware. I put Tomato on a Buffalo Router and it really opened up more functions.
Honestly, I don't even know what Tomato is. I'm just looking for a router that is going to last more than 2 hours at a time without me having to restart it and my computer. However, based on what you guys are saying and what I'm seeing through researching online, that might not exist.

So if I want to put Tomato on my router do I need to put dd-wrt on it first? Not really sure how it works...
 
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Anyone have any experience with Buffalo routers? I'm considering this one:
http://www.amazon.com/BUFFALO-AirStation-HighPower-Wireless-WZR-600DHP/dp/B0096239G0/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1380670149&sr=1-1&keywords=buffalo airstation

It's so tough to pick out a router though. Literally every single one has people complaining about it on Amazon. I know for the ones that I'm looking at there's more good reviews than bad, but at the same time I have to ask what is happening to these people who give them bad reviews.
Did you confirm that it is the router?
This device is pretty good for homes.
 
Did you confirm that it is the router?
This device is pretty good for homes.
Yeah I did everything I could besides updating the firmware. Fairly certain now that it is the router that is the problem.
 
How often do you guys upgrade modems and routers? I've heard some suggest getting a new one every 12 to 18 months, as some think performance quality degrades on both over tme, because they're both typically always on. I haven't upgraded mine in 2 or 3 years, wondering if it's time to.
 
How often do you guys upgrade modems and routers? I've heard some suggest getting a new one every 12 to 18 months, as some think performance quality degrades on both over tme, because they're both typically always on. I haven't upgraded mine in 2 or 3 years, wondering if it's time to.
I upgrade mine every 4 or 5 years, its usually when the hardware starts feeling dated (G,or draft N), or when a majority of my devices are moving towards a newer band. I haven't really had any have quality degradation over time, just crappy firmware updates.