Wired/Wireless Router Suggestions

[ducttape45]

Good evening fellow Freepers. It's time for me to ask another in the long line of IT related questions, this time about suggestions for a new router for my home network.

Currently I have a Netgear WNR3500Lv2 router. It's a combo wired and wireless router. It is hooked up to a DLink Modem, Model DCM-301.

However, last month lightning struck right behind my place and it killed one of the ethernet ports on the router. Thank God the entire thing wasn't fried. But now I need to replace it, and I'd like to find something of a similar build in that I require four (4) wired ports, the ability to utilize wireless, AND to also have the ability to plug a USB storage device to it. Heck, if I can find something I can install an internal SSD into that would be even better.

I liked Netgear early on but I feel their products are becoming too complicated to use. I'm almost 62 and would like to keep things simple. I like the DLink modem so if I can find a DLink router to hook up to it, that would be ideal. I preferred separate units in the past that way if one went on the blink, I could replace it without being hit with a huge cost, but I'm willing to explore a combo unit now.

All that being said, if someone can point me in the right direction I'd be most appreciative.

Thank you all for your time and efforts to help me.

[ducttape45]

I actually did see that when I was looking for a new router. The price tag gave me second thoughts and that’s why I went with the router you recommended. Maybe if the price comes down in the future I’ll reconsider it, but for now I’ll go with the router I ordered and see how well it interfaces with my current cable modem.

[TheCipher]

How’s the router working for you?

[ducttape45]

Hi there. Thanks for checking on me.

I eventually purchased two routers, a Netgear and an ASUS router. The Netgear, while older, works better than the ASUS router on the Comcast connection. I think that's because Comcast, at least in this region, interfaces better with it. I still have the ASUS router, and I may use that in the future when/if I make the switch to the fiber optic provider out here so I can run both side by side and see this one works the best, but so far I'm sticking with the Netgear router.

I also had to upgrade my cable modem because my old one was a DOCSYS 3.0 modem, and Comcast would no longer support it. So I had to upgrade to a DOCSYS 3.1 modem, another Netgear product.