So we've had the same router for about 3-4 years now, Our internet speed is supposed to be 30Mbps down and 4Mbps up but I only get 14Mbps down and 2.5Mbps up, I was wondering if buying a better router would make any difference. We have alot of devices on the wifi such as 2 Computers, 2 Xbox 360s, 3-5 Phones at one time. Our router is: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Cisco-Linksys-Wireless-N-Router-WRT120N/12538152. Any suggestions on a new router if it will increase speeds. I get around 1.0-1.5Mbps download speed on steam.
I would try to diagnose the problem before any money is spent on a new router. Kick everyone off or do it while no one is using the internet. Plug the ethernet cable into your laptop then do a speedtest. If your speeds are bad get a new router. If NOT test your wireless. Start from 5-10 feet away. Test. If results are GOOD move farther away. If results are BAD get the new router. Repeat as necessary.
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=internet+speedtest
If you do decide on getting a new router check this out:
http://reviews.cnet.com/best-wireless-routers/
Is everything you've listed pulling off the WLAN, or are there some systems (PC/XBoxs) pulling off the LAN?
1 computer is pulling off of LAN evrything else is WLAN.
Well, I would say that with everything ya got going on, you are asking a bit much of a router of this type. I can't find the processor or ram rating, but looking at the price, I am gonna say is probably not that powerful. And with the amount of things you have on your network, you most likely need a proper network setup. So, your bottleneck is your router, and you are also asking it to do a heck of a lot of work, which basically is a dogs-breakfast for effectiveness, and an outright shame considering what you should be getting from your ISP.
Are you running cable or dsl from your ISP?
This router here get quite good reviews with regard to both range and stability. This might be a cheap option for you.