I think our router (some Netgear product) - at least the WiFi portion of it - is on the fritz. WiFi is pretty inconsistent on all devices (and we have a fair amount of them): when it works, it's great, but when it's not working, it doesn't work at all. I tried switching everyone over to the 5G band from the 2.4 band, and that worked for a few weeks, but now it's acting up again.

So... barring any suggestions about how to fix it (I'm open to them and halfway capable, but you'll lose me when you start talking acronyms), I'm in the market for a new router.

First: any recommendations? Looking for strong, reliable WiFi and XBL compatible.
Second: does the Apple AirPort Extreme work well with XBL? I ask because all my other devices are Apple products, so I was leaning that route.

Other information that may or may not be pertinent: We have 6 devices that are hardwired (four via a four-port switch) to the router. Everything else is WiFi. Hardwired devices do not seem to have problems at the moment.

Thanks!

First: any recommendations? Looking for strong, reliable WiFi and XBL compatible.
Second: does the Apple AirPort Extreme work well with XBL? I ask because all my other devices are Apple products, so I was leaning that route.

Used an AirPort Extreme for 7+ years, never had any issues with XBL. When I did replace it, ended up replacing it with this: http://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-AC1900-Gigabit-Router/dp/B00F0DD0I6/

Which I love. Fantastic speed, great configuration options, and you can even turn off all but the power light on the top of the router!

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/asus-wirelessac1900-dual-band-gigabit-wireless-router-black/8448381.p?id=1219334566012&am...

I just picked this one up a few months ago and have had great luck with so far. It's pretty much the same as the Netgear one that Xenos listed. Both had great reviews but I just went with the Asus version instead.

The Apple AirPort Extreme is a very solid piece of hardware and you’d probably be just fine with it (I use a previous-gen AEBS and it’s just fine for XBL/PSN), but I might be concerned about the age of the current model. The last update to the AEBS was in June of 2013, so it’s going to be slower on Wi-Fi than more modern routers that have the benefit of more recent Wi-Fi specs. If absolute throughput isn’t an issue, though, it’s a solid choice.

Xenos’ router, on the other hand, is very nice, although you can find yourself in the weeds when it comes to configuration options if you start digging too much. Also, note that it’s huge and not overly attractive, in a Stealth Fighter kind of way (although Junior might dig it just because of that). :)

Yeah, I'm running on a several versions old Airport Extreme A/B/G router. If my internet were any faster I'd have to upgrade, but it seems to handle everything I throw at it even today. For whatever weird reason the Apple routers have always seemed bulletproof... you just don't get infinite configuration options like you do with most other routers.

I really appreciate the input. I didn't realize the AirPort was that old. I'm guessing they will come out with a new model as soon as I purchase my new router.

I really appreciate the input. I didn't realize the AirPort was that old. I'm guessing they will come out with a new model as soon as I purchase my new router.

No doubt. For the record, I have one and it works fine for me.