EggXpert

So we have the Time Warner digital 3 pack deal (internet, TV, phone) and I have been having terrible connection problems when it comes to online gaming. With the next generation of MMOs around the corner and me and my girlfriend wanting to play together (using same modem and router), we figured it is time to get this problem fixed.

 I  know the computer hardware pretty well, network stuff isnt my strong point though.

 Time Warner gave us a NetGear CG814WGv2 router/modem in one kinda thing. What should we buy without spending an arm, a leg, and first born? $200 total would be ideal.

 I am sitting on a $400 graphics card, i dont want to waste it by turning down my graphics to reduce lag until the inevitable crash.

 Thanks for the time and help.

I own a D-link DGL-4100 router it works great.  I can now download and play game at the same time.  There is the wireless version of this router is call DGL-4500 also made by D-link, you can check out the reviews if you search for the model I input.

While I am not an expert I have had significant contact with multiple routers.

Unless you plan to transfer large files I wouldn't worry too much about a new MIMO router and wireless N (especially if you already have decent wireless G cards).  The amount of bandwidth used for gaming isn't enough that you are having a bottleneck with Wireless G.

Therefore, my advice would be to go with a router that is proven and stable.  Maybe the WRT54GL and put DD-WRT on it so you can boost its range.  I wouldn't break the bank if your only concern is gaming.

Just my $.02. 

 I will suggest the D-Link DSL-2540B 24Mbps Downstream, which has 4-port Ethernet router. It is easy to set up and works quite stably with the reasonable price.

this one also looks nice.

I would recommend linksys brand and d-link brand routers. I have used linksys up until recently and I have not really had an issue. The same with Dlink routers. You may want to stick with Wireless G until Wireless N is out of the draft stage. I have encountered some wireless cards that have had issues with it but that was a while back.

Firstly, ignore Hyacinth's recommendation. The D-Link DSL-2540B is a DSL modem.  This is cable Internet service.  You won't be using a DSL modem/router with cable.  Not trying to insult Hyacinth.  I'm not trying to be mean.  It's just not the right recommendation to make.

Secondly, you should not need to invest in any new devices.  All you should need to do is forward the ports on the Netgear router for the games that you play.  If that doesn't solve the problem, see if Time Warner will let you update the firmware on the router.  Or have them replace the device.

The only other thing I could recommend is having Time Warner replace the device with a single port non-routing device such as a Motorola Surfboard modem, and then getting a D-Link DGL-4300, or a 4100.  Plug the D-Link into the cable modem.  Then enable Gamefuel on the D-Link router, and forward any ports you need to on the D-link router.

I've had Time Warner for quite some time, they should be able to offer you a single port device without routing.

One last thing....before you go ahead and do any of this, make completely sure that it's network lag that's causing your problems, and not game lag from having your settings to high, or not enough CPU, etc, etc.