|
|
Post by alexham36 on Aug 5, 2010 14:18:56 GMT
In the past 3 years I have burned out 2 routers. The last one, a D-Link, lasted just over 18 months and the first one the same. Although the routers are provided by my ISP (Plus.Net) it is a great nuisance when they go down. Getting a replacement by 'phone takes ages in listening to music, so I had to give up and try my old computer with 56K modem and a dial up connection. That took ages too, but I managed to send them an email requesting a replacement router.
What do you experts think about the average life of a router? Is 18 months normal?
Many thanks,
Alex
|
|
|
|
Post by mikkh on Aug 5, 2010 14:39:19 GMT
I've had my Linksys for years and another Linksys I donated to my father he used for years (at least 3 in both cases) I had an unbranded one before which lasted at least 5 years and I got that second hand - so no, 18 months does sound a bit short. I can't remember having to fit a replacement router for anyone over the last decade, well not for it breaking on it's own anyway. I have replaced a few that have been dropped, stood on and smashed etc
I usually switch mine off every night though, so that may be a factor if you leave yours on 24/7, or you could just be unlucky.
My Linksys doesn't even get warm - just checked it and it's been on since early morning
|
|
|
|
Post by ken on Aug 5, 2010 14:41:09 GMT
D-Link are just about the worst routers in the world. Although I did have one last 5 years, but it was very iffy for a long time before it popped its clogs. Virgin gave me a D-Link a short while back, when I upgraded to 50 Mb connection. They claim they are the only ones in the UK to support 50 Mb, of course I believe everything they tell me. I asked the engineer if he had a spare one he could let me have and he just laughed. My Belkin still sits along side it, I know it wont give me more than about 20 Mb, but at least I can stay online until they replace the D-Link. Belkin give you a lifetime no questions asked guarantee. Mine has never broke, but someone I know got a new replacement online and Belkin didn't even want to see the old one. A lot of people have changed to Netgear and I think they carry a lifetime guarantee as well. I think the only people who dont give a lifetime guarantee, are the companies who know their products are crap.
|
|
|
|
Post by mikkh on Aug 5, 2010 14:45:48 GMT
I think I've managed to avoid D-Link routers, but I have used their wireless receivers and not been too impressed with them. Their network cards seem pretty solid though
|
|
|
|
Post by ken on Aug 5, 2010 14:52:40 GMT
My D-Link hasn't been shut down since Sunday and its barely warm. If I remember rightly, the old type did get hotter and this new one is a different breed all together. It even looks better made, although you cant see the bit that matters.
|
|
|
|
Post by ken on Aug 5, 2010 14:57:38 GMT
Virgin gave me a D-Link high speed wireless dongle for my laptop. I do get the full 50 Mb out of it, but only about 20 Mb if I use the built in Centrino. How long it will last for, remains to be seen.
|
|
|
|
Post by millwall on Aug 5, 2010 15:17:17 GMT
I've a Belkin Wireless G+ box and it has been on for 3yrs, nearly non stop
|
|
|
|
Post by alexham36 on Aug 5, 2010 21:18:41 GMT
Thank you for good advice folks. I have just bought on eBay a Belkin G Wireless, manufacturer refurbished, with lifetime guarantee for £9.97, so there will be no panic if and when the new Thomson packs up.
Thanks again,
Alex
|
|
|
|
Post by movieman36 on Aug 6, 2010 0:02:28 GMT
My last router, a Linksys, lasted over five years and was on 24/7.
|
|
|
|
Post by nike on Aug 6, 2010 1:58:52 GMT
Having used and installed over a hundred Routers in the last 7 or 8 years, I know well enough to give anything marked D-Link a wide berth. If you got 18 months from it, you did well.
My pick of routers currently has to be Linksys, even though I use a Netgear Wireless Modem Router myself at present. They are well constructed, work really well, last a long time, and look pretty sharp too.
I used to use Belkin quite a bit, before the supplier who had them in Brisbane started stuffing me around with little or no stock of what I was selling regularly. I then moved onto another supplier who had Linksys, and although they don't give you a lifetime warranty like Belkin do, they seem to last a good while. I did have a few problems with Belkin routers dying, but their lifetime warranty service was pretty good. I've NEVER had a Linksys give me any problems, at all!
Billion and TP-Link are other newcomers that I have started using in customers homes. They both have a great reputation and seem to set up extremely easily.
|
|
