Windows 7 compatible router suggestions

Okay, this isn't as easy as looking on the Windows 7 Compatibility list. First of all, I currently have 2 4-port wired routers on my network. Since getting Windows 7, it has been suggested that I invest in new routers. The problem is that Windows 7 only recommends wireless routers. Job well done 7. Since wireless routers seem to have wired ports also, I guess I could go that way.

Here is what I have on my current network. I have 6 systems to connect to my network. 3 XP SP3 systems, 1 Vista, 1 Windows 7, and 1 Xbox 360. Right now, everything is working fine, but I have trouble with file sharing on my Windows 7 system. That post is found here.

When I look for compatible routers, the wireless only have 4 ports and there is no mention on being able to daisy chain a couple of them together so that I can have 8 ports available. Basically, I want to keep this network wired. But, I need compatibility with Windows 7. I would also like to keep the cost low so that I don't have to take out a second mortgage. Does anyone have a suggestion on what I need to do here? Thanks.

Mike

 

Hi Guys,

I was told, "Lots of router problems with Win 7 lately. Old ones just aren't up to the task." So I went to the Windows 7 Hardware Compatibility List to see what new routers were available. I figured that if I was needing an upgrade, I might as well get something that Microsoft said was compatible.

So, what you are saying is that it doesn't matter what I use. New or old. Correct? The slow file transfer problem that I am having is in no way affected by the router that I have. That would definitely ease my search for a router, and decrease the amount of aspirin that I'm taking.

Mike

 

The land of Routers...

Mike,

The "MVP" geeks in this thread speak the truth and we are fortunate to have their respective presence Your selection of a new Router may infact cure your issues from the other thread but we need lots of details which I will explain:

Routers today basically come down to Wireless G or Wireless G plus N (N: the fastest in THEORY) AND for the wired clients to the fastest kid on the block which is 10/100/1000 Mbps. That 1000 Mbps number is the latest and fastest. HOWEVER, each computer on your Network must support the fastest speed or you drop back to the slower speed. You also need to decide if you need 1000 Mbps since you will pay more. Finally, the "switch" must support the faster 1000 Mbps. Since I have a very exspensive Linksys dual band g, n, and 10/100/1000 Mbps router model number wrt610N which is not readdy for prime time yet here are some examples:

One of my desktops only has a 10/100 card in it so I can't utalize the 1000 Mbps. My iPhone 3gs only supports Wireless G so I can't use Wireless N for this device. Finally, if you decide to pay more for a 10/100/1000 Mbps Router your cabling needs to be changed from the old Cat 5 to either Cat 5e or Cat 6. In my case, my primary box has a card which supports the fastest wired speed of 10/100/1000 Mbps and I'm about to install a WHS which also supports the fastest wired speed so I'm a happy camper.

Also, their is a trenmendous amount of what I will politely term "marketing hype" aka BS with new routers so do lots of reasearch. For example, my 5 year old Linksys router had a more reliable and stronger wireless G signal than my new Linksys. Critical for my iPhone since I can't plug a cable into it.

Take an inventory of what your machines have for cards

Research

HTH

 

Steve,

I have all the trust in the world for the MVP, and others, on this board. That is why I come here for my help. Although I may try other sites for different opinions, this is by far the best.

As far as my systems, all have 10/100 Mbps network cards. Except for my Windows 7 system which has the 10/100/1000 card. I also have CAT 5e cable running throughout my house. That being said, my file transfers to my new Windows 7 system is still much slower then between any other systems on my network. But, that is addressed in my other post.

As far as the marketing hype, I know it's out there and I think Windows 7 has some of that also.

Mike

 

Router land and the BS from the GEEK world...

Yep...plenty of BS in GEEK Land

I presume that a New Router is driven by the issue in the other thread and the slow transfer on your Win 7 box? Appears you are happy with 10/100 and don't need the gig as in 10/100/1000.

If so, around $60 for a 10/100 4 port job or a little more for 6-8 ports should do you fine since it appears you don't need the G/N wireless thing.

Huge choice but unfortunetly I can't help you with win 7.

Along with this great venue try:

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/forum-42.html

Then to the manufacturers site to see whats up. If you have a Frys then walk in or someplace else with a good return policy. This ain't rocket science and I would tend to be very cheap myself and pencil out the number of ports on the router vs the cost of a router plus a switch and any anticipated growth you might require.

In closing, I'm envious of you with all those Cat 5e drops. It's a royal pain for about 10 drops in my house. If I do it, I'm even going to place a drop in the master bath. lol

Let us know how you make out.

 

I'll just pick up an 8 port router and go from there. I'll just keep picking away at the other problem. I actually have a post on Tom's site and have received, basically, the same response as here.

Most of the cables run to the basement where some of the ceilings are not finished. It made it really easy to run the cable. The worst one was to the second floor. Up along side a heater vent and through a wall. Now that was fun!

Mike

 

The MVPs on this site don't speak with one voice so you will get different opinions here too - but not on this topic. Operating systems run on computers, not the routers so be assured, routers are OS independent. In fact, I typically recommend users AVOID using any "setup" disks that come with routers - they are not needed and may just slough junk on your system.

 

Hi Bill,

If I remember right, I didn't use the setup disks for my current routers. I also feel that they are not needed.

On a separate topic, GO BIG RED tonight!! It would be nice for Suh to finish his time at Nebraska with a win. Not to mention being a good thing for the program and all the other kids.

Mike

 

lol And I note a Lincoln HS band already there for some parade is stepping in for UNL's band, which could not make it due to the weather.

 

Yea, I heard about the band not making it. The storm didn't help anyone last week. Bad timing. Good thing they will have a high school band stepping for them.

Mike