Need a new router, looking for input

[Celeras]

I have a DIR-615, but it's on its last leg. It's always been somewhat flaky with dropping wireless connections (which I know it does even if I'm not there, as Ventrilo will no longer be minimized), but recently it seems like its getting worse. And whilst downloading my TERA patch I noticed it had slowed down.. figured it was just my ISP being shitty (primetime+freezing rain at the time). Nope, go into the router and switch the signal N->G and back to N, and tada! 5mbps back up to 20 per speedtest.net.

So I'm in the market for a new router, and are spreading my wings to get input from a multitude of e-sources. Priorities are obviously gaming, and right now wireless consistency. My apartment setup doesn't allow me to run a wire to my rigs, so I use wireless with a bridge. I'm ok with spending $100 on something that will last a long, long time. While I have an apartment right now, a house purchase is the not-too-distant future.. so that is taken into consideration as well. I've been looking at this:

http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/wirel...outer-reviewed

Seems like a lot of bells and whistles I don't currently need, but would be nice to have. I can see using dual-band in the future, though not really a purpose right now in my one bedroom apartment. This model generally gets reviewed as the best per my google-fu, and I noticed a newer model just came out so I figured this may be a good deal? Plus points for being sleek imo. I am open to all suggestions.

TLDR: Gaming router(lol), wireless consistency. Ok with spending $100ish on something that will last.

[Niya]

Just general tips since i'm not that much into recent router models (or at least none that are also available in the US, seems like the AVM Fritzbox series is only available in europe)
Routers with internal antennas may look nice, but they have the huge problem that the antennas are extremely direction dependant. As long as you only want to connect one device or several that are close together, no problem, but devices with external antennas are more flexible because you can adjust the antennas separate and don't have to turn and twist the router itself around.
Dual band routers are a good idea, especially when you live in a crowded region. The 2,4GHz band is completely overused and it's not only that WLANs disturb each other but also that other stuff like bluetooth, microwaves and other wireless protocols also uses the band. 5GHz is still quite unused, but range is smaller because walls and obstacles have a bigger influence.
Oh, and make sure that it's "true" dual band. Some routers support both bands, but you have to select which one you want to use. Real dual band routers have 2 WLAN modules and can run both bands at the same time.
Another aspect that might come in handy the next years is IPv6 support. Most router manufacturers are already working on integrating IPv6, but some either take ages or their implementation is still buggy.

[Kaisha]

Most router manufacturers are already working on integrating IPv6, but some either take ages or their implementation is still buggy.

All the more reason to get a compatible router that you can flash DD-WRT or one of the Tomato distributions to. Not much else I can add to what you've already stated though.

[Celeras]

The newer Asus N66U (pushing $200 now) is flashable, but not the model I listed. I am however fairly certain I would never bother with that kind of thing. As strong as my general hardware knowledge is, my networking is just as lacking. I had to google IPv6.

And Google image-search tells me the above is a Linksys WRT54GL, which is G-only single band? Definitely has to be at least N, and the more I think about it the more I want to have dual band for the future.

[Darus Grey]

Routers are up there with things like mattresses, recliners, office chairs, imho. It's something you use 8h+ a day and buying quality is never a bad move cause if there is a problem it will plague you...everyday.

I'd personally get the asus 56 or 66...they're pretty much the best you can buy in terms of sheer power and features at their price range.

[Celeras]

Pretty much the general consensus from other places I asked too, few Netgear suggestions as well. I think I'll end up going with the Asus 56 as linked in the OP. I'd never flash third party stuff to a router.

[Waraji]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833122016

http://www.compusa.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=506421&CatId=35

http://ebay.koala-tea.com/dh/CMD31T100NAS.jpg

Bought one of these refurbished (the wireless one, although I don't use wireless) at a CompUSA a year ago for like 12 bucks. Would buy again. I've had plenty of those blue WRTG Linksys routers, they have never lasted me over 8 months, besides looking/feeling clunky.

[Kenshiin]

How do I know when my router is going to shit? Lately my connection has been fluctuating pretty bad. When it's bad I usually just power off and on the router and it fixes it for a while. I'm using a WRT54G that is flashed with dd-wrt if it matters.

[chiyio]

How do I know when my router is going to shit? Lately my connection has been fluctuating pretty bad. When it's bad I usually just power off and on the router and it fixes it for a while. I'm using a WRT54G that is flashed with dd-wrt if it matters.

I'd be more suspect of whatever it is you're connecting to it being the problem. I've setup a TON of wrt54gls with tomato, and they're rock solid for years and years. I'd see if rebooting whatever the device you're using also fixes it, if so, I'd point to that rather than the router. (this has been the case for me every time somebody has had a problem)

[Tymon]

I use a Buffalo Airstation:

http://www.amazon.com/Buffalo-Techno...0712207&sr=8-1

* Gigabit LAN
* Comes with DD-WRT pre-flashed and Tomato flashable, no need to worry about bad firmware
* Small form factor, fits anywhere, comes with mount to mount on a wall or the side of a cabinet
* Works

Best router I've used, coming from a WRT54GL it's just as good, with the benefit of Wireless-N and Gigabit LAN. And it's under $100.