text: In general, if you don't really need a wireless router, then don't get one.   The old fashioned wire is more reliable, less costly to buy, less costly to maintain and more secure from intrusion. You grow fond of the wires that run all over your house. If you do use a wireless router, Use the Security Features, and Write Down the Passwords.\n\nOpen the Command Prompt from the Accessories folder, found in the Programs section of your Start Menu \nType this IPCONFIG command, followed by the ENTER key to display your computer's IP configuration.\n\nC:&#92;>ipconfig\n\nUse the PING commend to PING the gateway address 1,000 times, using the following command:\n\nC:&#92;>ping 192.168.0.1 /n 1000\n\nThis simple test will tell you how many times your router did not answer.  This 15 minute test will give you a good handle on if your router is reliable.  (other than simply signal strength).