NetGear WNDR3800 N600 Wireless Dual-Band Gigabit Router (Premium Edition)

Pros: Looks nice.

Cons: The internet drops out daily. Any updates made to router configuration will completely eject wifi connection. Very slow re-boot.

Summary: I have very simple requirements for a wireless router. I attach it, and I expect to have wireless signal to accommodate the minimal needs of a household that has only two users. All it needs to do is handle streaming from an Apple TV that sits 4 feet from it, and handle wireless internet for a single story house under 2000 sf. Not world changing, right?

Should be a no brainer. I plug it in, and it works. No mussing. No fussing. No firmware updates. No manual channel switching. No daily re-booting.

So why is it that seemingly every N router available can't keep a signal for even a day? According to user reviews (not CNET reviews, as their testing parameters apparently have all the rigor of a pre-school class), the Apple Airport Extreme is the only router that is capable of providing a consistent signal.

The CNET glorified Netgear N600 is no exception. Despite a hefty $130 price tag, this router consistently drops wireless signal on a daily basis requiring re-boot. The re-boot itself can take 5 to 10 minutes. The range is strictly average, less than should be expected of a router at this price. You can make (and chances are will need to make) manual changes to the router configuration. Any changes drops all existing connections, and you need to re-connect once the network re-appears to confirm that your changes in fact have taken place.

In my humble opinion, if a router does not consistently connect to the internet without constant maintenance, it is not acceptable product. And I don't want to spend a agonizing hour phone call to Mumbai to correct its faults. A router should be easy enough to your mom to use.

In short, this router is being returned to be replaced with the only router (CNET - THE ONLY ROUTER!!!) that user reviews have flagged for consistent internet signal.

To the other manufacturers - your output is pitiful.