My latest router (a Netgear WNR3500Lv2) has, like its predecessor, succumbed to the enemy of all ...

[G+_David Adams]

My latest router (a Netgear WNR3500Lv2) has, like its predecessor, succumbed to the enemy of all computers. Heat. Before I trudge around the interwebs to get another one, I have two questions:

 

(1) What router(s) do people recommend? I'm on a budget (sub-$100) and don't keep up with the latest and greatest, only recently having purchased a Wii U. I do transfer files between computers, but don't stream video over wireless. While I would prefer having one AP for two wireless networks, it's not required since the other is for family visiting on holiday.

 

(2) Would an external laptop cooling fan do much to help prevent future heat deaths for home routers w/o an internal fan?

 

Thanks in advance!

[G+_610GARAGE]

The router I would recommend a pfsense computer with a good cpu fan and thermal shutdowns. :)

 

But if you don't want to bother with setting that up, I would recommend setting your new router the way it was intended. So if it was meant to sit flat, have it sit flat and not on a wall. This way the natural convection can work at its optimal. And obviously have it sit by itself, nothing above or below that produces heat .

 

I however would not recommend a fan. There is too much of a risk that a fan could create static air around hot components (since the case is meant for low velocity air movement produce by convection). However, what you could do is open up the router (yes, voiding your warranty) and put a couple of heatsinks on the hot chips. This would probably be the best solution.

 

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002BWXW6E/ref=sr_1_5?

[G+_Ben Reese]

Buffalo has a few routers that come pre-installed with DD-WRT and are less than $100. Here's the one that I've purchased and have had good success with, but there are others too: http://goo.gl/cSJt6e