Router = slower speeds/worse ping? - Page 2

In my experience it depends on the brand. Usually a cheapo router will have issues, a good one won't. I'm replacing a Netgear with a Linksys mainly for this reason.

He's wrong. How much does he know about networking?

If so... why did you agree mrsmoke when he is wrong?

Naw. Most routers use the same hardware anyways. Basic needs can be fulfilled by cheapo routers (as long as it isn't faulty).

You know that the Blizzard servers are probably ALL behind "routers". And Firewall devices. And there's a bunch of ISP routers between your home (and your friend's home) and the WoW servers. It's not like getting rid of the router is going to magically connect the computer to the Blizzard game servers (or any other server for that matter).

Finally, the connection from your computer to the router is probably one of the faster, most stable connections - it's a LAN (assuming you're not on WLAN). And the connection out from the router to the ISP - well, that's the part that's guaranteed in the ISP-contract-fine-print, so it's not necessarily a shoddy connection; unless you're paying for a shoddy connection.

As has already been stated, most routers use hardware that's at the same level. Just that every so often a consumer might get a lemon that's slipped past quality control or what not.

Also, with regards to your friend swearing by a direct-connected computer. Well, he's probably going to be running SOME sort of software firewall, like I mentioned. Or he could be running a wide-open computer on the internet; though if he did, I'd be questioning his intelligence and sanity. Anyways, if he is running a software firewall, this puts load on his computer, and the software is inherently less-efficient than a hardware solution. Having a router offloads this particular security and port-forwarding process to a dedicated hardware device. As a result, the gaming system isn't processing additional network functions at the same time you're gaming.

Granted that current-gen systems probably have more than enough power to spare, but having that extra piece of software running, the software firewall, that's another variable in the mix. Generally always better to offload to a hardware solution.

If you really care about your speeds then stop worrying about routers and buy an "aftermarket" modem.

ur friend is misinformed or been using a router from 20th century. either way' keep yo router

If you want a faster connection buy a better modem. I just did this over the weekend. I went from a linksys router (terrible router) and a standard RR motorola modem to a Buffalo router and a Motorola SURFboard modem. BIG step up in connection.

Connection with original Road Runner Modem & Linksys Wireless Router:


Connection with Motorola SURFboard modem & Buffalo router:



Now I actually get what I'm paying for
Edited by Dankebudz - 8/2/10 at 4:59pm

Tell your friend to keep killing night elves and not worrying about the technical stuff, leave that to to pro's at OCN! ROFL

Fact i bought a WGR614 and resently a newer router i cracked them both open. Only difference was the manufacture of the chips. Same stats..




If you are yusing all 4 LAN ports and connecting multiple computer via wireless dont just get the cheapo router. You will over load it. I killed a router with 5 computers and alot of stress.