new router

[Jakensama]

I need a new router, whats a good reliable brand/model for a normal household - don't need to get too cute with it.

[Diggles]

Linksys/cisco ones are no longer very good so I've switched over to Netgear almost exclusively. N600 is a pretty standard one. Stay away from Belkin ones, they have terrible UI

[Jakensama]

I know some people flash their routers with custom firmware - is this somethign that will increase performance in general or is it mostly so you can have more options tweaking it?

[Diggles]

Probably mainly for security reasons first...then yes to add features. I constantly see articles about backdoors and security flaws in the routers on slashdot.org

They've been kind of breaking the routers up into 3 tiers recently. Basic, advanced & premium. Any of the advanced and higher typically allow you to adjust a good amount of settings like channel & power levels. As long as you put router in a relatively central location in your house, any of these advanced routers should be fine.

[OrsunVZ]

Very good experience with this one, but somehow I don't think this is what you meant.

[Jakensama]

I can barely hammer in a nail, I will avoid the power tool collection. (Which is since I have 6 uncles who are carpenters/contractors).

[TinStar]

I can barely hammer in a nail, I will avoid the power tool collection. (Which is since I have 6 uncles who are carpenters/contractors).

Only manual labor you get involved in is laying wood right? right?