Upgrade Router - Worth it?

[AnthonyG]

I was just wanting to see what peoples opinions would be on this.

But for a while I have been considering upgrading my router. I currently have the Netgear DG934G.

I also have the V2 DG834G boxed up which I replaced with the DG934 as it came free with my Broadband subscription from Sky.

I do a lot of gaming on my internet connection, via wired ethernet, and you often see routers advertised as "gaming routers".

I was just wondering if it would be of any benefit to do an upgrade for one of these gaming routers.

I do occasionally use Wifi but its not of paramount importance I will be mostly using the Ethernet connection to the net.

Would it be worth the upgrade. And if so are there any model suggestions.

thanks in advance for any replies

[Spiral123]

I would say "gaming routers" are probably a marketing ploy, but there is a difference in performance for different interfaces and chipsets in routers. I would focus more on the specification details than on wordings "gaming".

[Sully]

I bought the original Dlink "Gamers Lounge" years ago. Part of the purchase was for the gig ports, the other for the gaming aspect. Others might disagree, but for me, with what I was using prior, the gaming router was much better. The results were noticable and evident. Whether your current router is as "poor" as mine were before the gaming router is another question.

I think they are only part gimmick. They should be called a faster than average router, or more firmware options that average. I think the better routers probably don't see any difference than gaming routers. But a gaming vs. a cheapo standard, I think it is different. This is of course only based on what I have personally witnessed.

If you have an old machine laying around, maybe a 500mhz or better with 256mb ram, you might try some of the Linux firewall/router distros. I am convinced now after using one that it is much better than my normal Dlink router. Using a linux box for a router is not for everyone, but if you are a gamer, it might be. I have been averaging 20ms less ping times in games I have played for years. Don't know if that is average or not, but I sure like it! As a matter of fact, last night I was testing with a few friends, and compared the Dlink to the linux box, and found it to be true in most every game I have, the ping times on my connection with the linux box is lower than the dlink.

Just some ideas for you

Sul.