When to upgrade a router

[kmmcdonald]

I have been putting so much attention on what router I should upgrade to, from our existing WRT54GL (100Mbps ethernet ports), that I have ignored whether or not I even need to upgrade.

Currently, we have a 12Mbps connection to the internet via a DSL modem. This, in turn, is connected to our WRT54GL. Seeing that we have a 12Mbps internet connection, is there anything to be gained by upgrading to a newer router?

thanks

Keith

[thiggins]

If you have devices with 802.11n wireless, you might be able to get higher throughput when moving files locally.

You might also get better streaming of Netflix and other Internet video services with 802.11n wireless devices if you are currently experiencing problems.

[coolspot]

Originally Posted by kmmcdonald

Currently, we have a 12Mbps connection to the internet via a DSL modem. This, in turn, is connected to our WRT54GL. Seeing that we have a 12Mbps internet connection, is there anything to be gained by upgrading to a newer router?

There's no point in upgrading your router yet, the WRT54GL can do about 40-45mbps NAT, so you won't gain anything by upgrading your router. However, new routers are Wireless-N so if you use Wireless you'll gain speed there. (54G is maxes out at 4 - 8MB/s vs ~ <20MB/s for Wireless N).

If you feel your WRT54GL is unstable, you can always try DD-WRT firmware or Tomato firmware.