Which router? Really need expert guidance

[morland]

I recently did a fresh XP Pro SP3 fresh installation on my Laptop and since then have been running into ALL kinds of problems. Each is unique but frustrating. This one is related to the slow web browsing and download performance I have been observing since the fresh install... So the essence of this request/post is to

• Trouble problems with my settings (if any)
• End up using the best router (please see details below)

There are 2 parts (which in my opinion are directly linked) to this posts and I will e very grateful for expert help from people in the Networking/Wifi related areas.

Problem #1:
Amongst the following routers, which one is better? I have tried to follow posts and did use Google to understand what really too look for but everything pretty much went over my head and thus I am requesting help. What are the things which a simple home user should look for when selecting amongst the following? Will appreciate if your reply will kindly keep in consideration the fact that my knowledge about these things is pretty much nil and so I am not aware of the many terminologies/abbreviations which the experts have at their finger tips.

I find it important to mention that I paid quite an amount about 2 years back for the 1st router (D-Link) while the 2nd one (TP-LinK) was purchased recently and the price was rather affordable.

Router #1: DIR-635 RangeBooster N 650 Router http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=487
Router #2: TP-Link TL-WR740N http://www.tp-link.com/products/productDetails.asp?pmodel=TL-WR740N

Problem #2:
The additional information that you may find useful is that

1. I am only using Wireless Zero Configuration (not using the complete features which the driver offers). Should I instead use the full features rather than simply using the WZC? Read somewhere that simple use of WZC is strongly recommended
2. The screen shots at the following link show all the screen shots that I took of my network card configuration. Don't know if these are of any use but maybe these will play an important role in trouble shooting the problem URL here screen shots are available: http://tinypic.com/m/a3h8wx/3

Many thanks for your help and guidance.
P.S
1) Just trying to learn and hope I am not ending up comparing apples and oranges.
2) My Laptop (Sony VGN-FZ140E) claims to offer N-Series Wifi compatibility

 

[tipstir]

I would go with the Belkin N+ don't get these N 150 (not fully N just enhanced G) Did you buy the two listed above?

 

[morland]

Hi tipstir. Thanks for the recommendation. Actually yes I bought both because could not resist the offer; got both of them at an amazing bargain. Am going to live with them for now but will keep your recommendation in mind when purchasing my next router.

Regards.

 

[DelJo63]

More interesting questions are still unanswered:

1. How many devices (ie systems and networked attached printers) do you need to support?
2. can you wire all systems or do you need some wifi connections?
3. describe the layout of the building from the router to the most distant device (wired OR wifi)
   eg: how many floors or rooms between them and what kind of materials

 

[morland]

Hi jobeard,

Answers:

1. Since it is for home use so i would say maximum of 5 (currently 2 computers, 1 iPod, and keeping provision for 2 more for future)

2. I prefer the wifi option rather than wiring

3. 2 floor and the distance between the rooms and where the router is and will be place is no more than 35 feet (maximum). Few rooms have brick walls while 2 have wooden walls though i prefer to use the word partition for them