So my old Netgear internet router seems to be taking a dump after more than 6 years of slinging bits. So I'm looking to upgrade and I just don't know about some things in the ways of networking. Was hoping someone on here could help me out.

1) My main PC has a gigabit connection, but the other 2 are 10/100 only (1 cannot be upgraded - Media MVP). Will this cause a gigbit router to only use 10/100 (should I bother with a gigbit router)?

2) I was looking at Wireless since I will most likely have a laptop floating around in the near future. The problem here is that I have no idea what kind of wireless connection it will have. Is Wireless N backward compatible with G and B? Is G compatible with B (for my Wii)?

3) I've been looking at the DLink DIR-655 or the DGL4300. Any one have an experience with/opinion of either of these?

4) Whats the longest a Cat5 cable can be for gigabit to work? My condo is wired, but I already know the wires are damn long. Its doing 100mpbs without problem now.

The cable should not be over 300ft

I use a Belkin Wireless G router, It does work with Wireless B on the wii, as well as with our notebook...(can't remember if its B or G) overall good strength however i am only in a 2 bedroom apartment,Wireless N will give you the best coverage if your in a house.

Dir-655 is what I own and im a connection fuckin freak.

1. Fuck Cat 5. you want cat5e or I recommend Cat6 for your gigabit network.

2. You wont reach gigabit network speeds inbetween cpus with wireless. It will always be pretty slow. Run cat6 if you do this.


3. Dir-655 If you use this make sure it's passworded. I can have people from 2 blocks from my concrete building get on... I just disabled it.


Overall Dir-655 is the way to go. Dlinks customer support is unsurpassed. And you get what you pay for.

I was going to get the new Belkin one which has fancy digital readings and shit. But Dlink has served me too well.



Just remember overall. You get what you pay for. This is defnitely for routers especially.

Cheap= Shit
Pay More= The good!


Good luck!

I picked up the DIR-655 last night. Pretty nice piece. I disabled the wireless immediately since I don't plan on using it for a while yet.

So far so good.. just got my DSL line working (hopefully) again this morning though. Been having problems for a few days now - I actually thought it was the router. Maybe it wasn't, but I may keep the new one anyways..

Side note: Best time to call Aliant tech support seems to be early mornings. I got someone right away.