What router would you buy if you were going to get one at this time? I'd like both 802.11n wireless and gigabit ethernet, and I've been looking at the D-Link DIR-655, but I'm open to suggestions. Any tips anyone can give me on networking in general would be cool. I've always done the plug-and-play with networking products, never really tinkering with settings unless I've had to. My network is composed entirely of D-Link products at the moment simply because I've had the best luck with them. I've had Linksys and Netgear in the past, both with problems that I never resolved, but it's been too long for me to remember what they were. What's your ideal network setup? From cable/DSL modem to router to switches, etc. I have CAT6 throughout most of the house, with plans to add even more jacks at some point. The wireless would simply be a convenience for other people, or if I get a handheld device at some point that uses Wi-Fi.

I know, my request for advice beyond a router suggestion is pretty vague. I'm kind of curious what you're all running, though, especially the networking gurus. One thing I'm wondering about is jumbo frames. My main switch supports it, but the couple of smaller switches--like the one at my entertainment center--do not. Does it really impact performance that much?

Anyway, now you can brag about your home networks so I can take notes. Thanks!

All consumer network equipment is equally junkie. I too have D-Link router because they were the least expensive of the junk. And Netgear gigabit switches because that's what Staples had the day I was there.

Don't fret over this gear. As long as it moves bits, and doesn't need to be rebooted more than once a month, it's good.

Oh, the commercial gear is waaay too expensive. Even at work, only the core of our network has high-end managed switches (because we needed some of the functions, mostly VLAN tagging). The rest is from the same line as the Netgear stuff I have at home, the bluish-purple rectangular boxes.

Well, it's good to know that my options in the consumer realm are on equal footing. That's a relief.

I'm using the D-Link 655 and am pretty happy with it.

I work in this domain and routinely use over 60 wi-fi access points from many vendors. The particular D-link you posted is pretty good (the one I have at home, actually) and one of the few at work that was very nearly never rebooted (all others have to be once or twice a week except for hotel-grade access points).

Using a cheap ActionTec that came from my DSL provider, Qwest.

That's great to hear about the rebooting. I was reading that it runs hot, but that probably wouldn't dissuade me.

Another vote for the DIR-655. Very easy to set up, trouble free for me for a few months now. Plus it has 802.11n which provides excellent speed.

I had a horrible experience with D-Link many years ago, but their products sound like they've improved since then.

I've been running linksys routers for a number of years and was an early adopter of wireless N and have never had any trouble.

Be a Mensch and drag wires across your floor. Wireless is for wimps.

I run all Apple gear, including 2 Airpot Extremes and a Time Capsule. I'll use an Airport Express when I need a temporary connection to my stereo setup for iTunes.

I like it because it's very easy to setup w/ Apple's Airport Utility.

Apple, DLink, Netgear and Linksys all use similar Wifi chips (there's pretty much 3 companies) so they'll be very similar in terms of actual use, it's the GUI and extra features that might tip the favor to one or the other.

The new Apple ones (and some of the other vendors) now have simultaneous dual band. That means you can run 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz at the same time. That's cool because you can have one as your main wifi and another as a 'guest' link for people that want to use your wifi but keeps them off your internal network.

I went ahead and ordered the DIR-655. I'm glad some of you had experience with it already. Thanks, guys.

The 6<i>55</i>? I meant the <b>566</b>! Nah! Just kidding!