[bmizar]

I have gone through 3 different Linksys cable gateways and just want to get something that works.
The most recent one has recently died. Everyone I have had so far either drops connection every 10 minutes that requires a restart of the router or will give such a weak signal that I cannot even surf even though it is in the same room.

I am using Comcast cable right now. I am only using Mac computers at home and just want a fast, reliable wireless signal.

Thanks

[Macola]

Have you tried using a separate wireless router, hooked to a standard cable modem?

[bmizar]

Originally Posted by Macola

Have you tried using a separate wireless router, hooked to a standard cable modem?

Only with a couple Linksys routers and the same thing would happen. Dropped connections all of the time plus it creates a huge clutter. I want an all in one solution if possible.

[ghporter]

Separate is better. What's probably happening for you is that the cable modem is screwing up-or the cable system is losing its mind, which happens from time to time as well.

In most cases it's not the router that loses a connection, it's the modem. Having lost your connection, you can find out what's causing the problem by restarting one item at a time. Start with the cable modem; turn it off for a TIMED two minutes, then let it restart by itself with the router disconnected (but still on). Once it comes back up, plug the router back in and see what happens. If that works, restart the router using the same procedure.

I've been using Linksys devices since 1997, and I've been very pleased with them. With the exception of a wired router that fell off a shelf, none have failed on me. BUT...I have a separate router and wireless access point because that way I can still operate without wireless if that part fails, and if the router fails, I have a spare (a SpeedStream wired router I got for just over $8 after rebate).

I can't argue that there isn't a clutter problem with more than one box, but I put the things up on a shelf and they're out of my way.

Give my tests a try before you decide it's your router that is causing the problem. With cable, it almost certainly isn't.

[f1000]

Just shell out the money and get a refurbished AirPort Express.

[Sosa]

Are there any recommendations for cable modems from users here? I am tired of paying the $3 rental fee and would like to set up my own wireless system at home. But the Motorola wireless cable modem is $140. The Linksys modem is $80.

I believe the AirPort Express still requires a modem.

[ghporter]

Yes, the AirPort Express DOES require a modem. And unfortunately the price of a DOCSIS cable modem is still higher than most of us would like. But think of it as a long term purchase, and in a relatively few months you can pay for a decent cable modem thinking of it as $3 payments.

Besides, here's a cable modem that's prety reasonably priced to start with and there's a rebate besides.

f1000's note is about handling the wireless portion of the equation, by the way. And he's right.

[Sosa]

Well its priced at $60, but you get $20 off if you can buy something else to make it $100. That doesn't sound bad. But what's the deal with cable modems, aren't they all the same? Are there different technologies at use here that somehow improve performance over, let's say, the Motorola cable modem Comcast is renting me?

Thanks for your responses!