I’ve been having the worst luck with wireless routers. After 3 failed Linksys units I tried the SMC SMCD3GN that Rogers provides to their High Speed Extreme Plus customers. This is a combined wireless router and cable modem unit. I had no problems with the cable modem and LAN connections – I’ve seen speeds as high as 32MBps as advertised by Rogers. However, the wireless access leaves a lot to be desired. First of all, the SMCD3GN refuses to connect via Wireless-N. No changing of settings, no tech support from Rogers and no replacement unit could get it working – so today I just abandoned it and use it strictly as a cable modem. I hooked up a new Asus RT-N56U today and saw wireless speeds ten times faster, as below:

iPad 2 Speedtest using SMC SMCD3GN

iPad 2 Speedtest using Asus RT-N56U

For years, Rogers has allowed users of their cable internet service to check their usage. Even more recently, they gave alerts to people as they neared their usage cap and about to be charged more.

Well, tracking your wireless data has now become easier. Rogers added this functionality to their website this week. If you have a data plan, definitely check this service out because it could save you a lot of money.

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