Router help

Magus`

So after moving into my new place, I discovered my router basically doesn't work on things outside the room it's in. I'm typing this on my phone, about 15 feet away and I'm getting sub 1Mbps speeds.

I've tried several things but can only assume it's the router itself. Thus I need suggestions on a new one. I'm currently using a Linksys WRT54GL with Tomato firmware. What would be a good replacement?

Mugsley

Is there a new version of Tomato? Maybe try DD-WRT?

Sounds almost like only a few of the antennas are turned on; or you could be getting interference on the channel.you're using.

LD50

If you want something new, I've had the best luck with Asus routers lately; routers with good DD-WRT support are the best. I haven't bought a new router for a number of years now. I don't know what's the best bang for your buck right now, but I can do some research on it if you want.

What are you doing on your network and what kind of speeds are you looking to get? Are you using the wireless heavily?

Magus`

Installed DD-WRT and am currently getting 0.01Mbps (though it started at 4.5Mbps before diving) on my phone from 4 feet away.

I'm on Channel 6 which has only one other person on it. As for general use, I tend to have my PS4, phone and tablet connected, though not being heavily used at any time. Unless there is some setting in DD-WRT that can fix this, I assume I need to get a new router?

Gaslight

TP-Link Archer C7.

Magus`

Turned out it was massive congestion on the 2.4 channel. I got a new router and switched to 5ghz and bam, 60Mbps speed. Unfortunately the PS4 doesn't support 5ghz, but a 25 foot Ethernet cord fixes that.

So, solved! Thanks for all the help!

Mugsley

Yeah; usually you can get away with switching channels to get around congestion. Just keep in mind that 5GHz has much shorter range than 2.4 GHz; so don't be surprised if you get steep drop-offs when you get X distance away from the router.

SeñorAmor

If distance becomes an issue, consider picking up one of these. I have a standard one (the one I linked is the long range version) and it reaches out into my yard and I get great speeds with two phones, two tablets and two Chromecasts all going at the same time.

Magus`

I'm never more than 10-15 feet from the router. Seems to not have an issue so far!

Mugsley

Excellent!