Network noob needs a recommendation.

[xByakko]

Hey guys, I'm a complete noob when it comes to networking stuff. So I can really use some help. So recently my random N300 modem/router (sub $80 USD when I checked the price at the time of contract) that came with the contract is starting to give me random DCes a lot (It's almost 3years old?). Which reminds me of my old one that started showing these signs before dying. So I thought it might be time to get a replacement as it's unlikely I will sign another contract any time soon. (I'm in New Zealand, my address is not getting Fibre network until at least after June next year (Specifically no plans made for my address before 16 June 2015, could be years for all I know). So my address is only getting a 10MBps connection. Will be switching to the Fibre 100MBps as soon its available.)

 

Anyways here's my situation. 

Normally the maximum connected device is as follows

3 desktop via Ethernet connection.

3 phones via wifi

a laptop via wifi/ethernet

 

When I get visitors can expect up to an additional (looking at like once a month or less)

2 laptops

6-7 phones via wifi

 

My budget is ~$160 USD (make it a bit easier). MSRP prices are preferable. Amazon/discount prices is unlikely to work for me, many Amazon sellers don't ship here, and shipping is costly. 

 

Any help is appreciated. Cheers.

[Guest leroyjkl]

So i had a similar problem with my Router/Modem turns out it was the ISP'S fault (they had noise on the line that was throttling the connection it was fixed by a couple booster's down the line to increase the signal strength) now this dosnt sound like your problem but i would check just incase. If it is dieing it should show some signal strength loss or something similar. Does it only Dc devices on wifi connections? or wired ones to? ill leave you with that qustion and here is a link to a good Wifi integrated  Modem/Router and keep in mind that if your ISP gives you a modem/router you may not be able to change it out as some ISP's will make you use there own instead of one you can go buy off a shelve.

 

P.S Asus didn't give me a MSRP price for this and it is a bit out of your price rage but it retails everywhere for about the same price.

 

Asus RT-AC68U

 

http://www.frys.com/product/7879149?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

http://www.amazon.com/RT-AC68U-Wireless-AC1900-Dual-Band-Gigabit-Router/dp/B00FB45SI4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1402333687&sr=8-1&keywords=rt-ac68u

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/asus-dual-band-wireless-ac1900-gigabit-router/1309266258.p?id=mp1309266258&skuId=1309266258&st=rt-ac68u&cp=1&lp=1#tab=buyingOptions

http://www.microcenter.com/product/421741/RT-AC68U_Wireless-AC1900_Dual_Band_Gigabit_Router

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833320174&cm_re=rt-ac68u-_-33-320-174-_-Product

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=8564786&CatId=373

 

 

 

 

[xByakko]

The connection is unlocked so I can use anything. 
 

My problem is that it would just suddenly drop connection for everything. Desktops connected via ethernet, phones connected via wifi. There's no way to restore the connection without a hard reboot on the modem/router (I can't even access the controls via the browser since it would just say no connection) . These were the same signs as my old dying one.

 

Thanks for the recommendation, looks nice but yeah its out of my range. From a quick search, local prices here is about double my budget.