MyNet N900 2TB Central HD Storage Router

I replaced my aging D-Link DIR-655 Extreme-N Gigabit Wireless Router with this unit. Figured we could centralize all of our pictures and videos, and if it made Netflix, Skype and other streaming media software faster, even better. The installation was not complicated, though a little awkward. I followed the instructions, for once, as I had read it was a bit different than older routers. The router generates two SSIDs, one for the 5Ghz band and another one for the 2.4Ghz band. I haven't done much with the internet portal, because I have no need at the moment, but I do have to explain to my wife in more detail how to transfer all data to the centralized HDD. Pros: - When it works, it's very good. Can provide streaming to several machines at the same time without an issue. - Sending files to router and being able to open from a different computer was effortless. - SPEED SPEED SPEED: Amazed that on my 30mbps internet connection the speedtests reached over 50mbps in the bedroom, where I used to barely get any signal. The connection does have a 50mbps speed on turboboost (whatever that really means) Cons: - Skype is unusable with the router We were excited about the skype improvements since my family lives overseas and they like seeing our daughters through the webcam. Since we installed the router we can no longer use Skype. We have a 30mbps internet connection, with 50mbps boost, and even when there's no streaming going on we cannot have a reliable video session with any family member, even those who live just a few miles away. Can't even use the skype phone call (the one that costs money). I have had to rely on Google talk's webcam app to be able to chat. - Internet signal drops ramdomly and takes work to get back up The worst of all caveats is how unreliable the router is. I kept blaming my cable company for the internet being off some mornings, nights past 9pm, and sometimes all day. However, when I disconnect the router and plug the modem directly to my laptop or computer, the internet works just fine. Therefore, the culprit was the router, at least in this one event, and a few others that happened after I bothered double-checking. Resetting the internet connection once it's lost is hard as well, having you plugging and unplugging once and again, then the modem, until it finally starts getting signal again. - One of the bands shuts off randomly The 2.4Ghz band sometimes shuts down and those electronics using that band all of the sudden fail to either connect or have internet at all. For example, the other day my son's desktop (n150 adapter) had no internet. I went to check the internet LED on the router and it was lit. I checked the bedroom TV, and sure enough, no internet. However, laptops and phones did have wifi internet, and so did the bluray player in the living room. But they were all connected to the 5Ghz band - How long will HDD last? I'm afraid of the reliability of the internal HDD (which was one of the main purchase points), because of how often the unit has to be unplugged to reset the internet once it's lost. I'd hate losing all my music, videos, and family pictures because it got corrupted or some such. Verdict: The router has a lot of potential. It's quite compact (for having a 2tb HDD inside and no visible antennae), and stylish. The speeds are amazing on speedtest, and I can mow the lawn around the house and have enough signal to stream HD spotify without a hitch. Streaming videos do not lag or skip, and latency is pretty good. However, my unit seems to be buggy, or have some real issues. My main form of communication is through Skype, and I simply cannot use it through this router. I need a reliable router that doesn't cause me downtime, and that caters to my simple streaming, and communication needs. This router, as much as it tries, can't perform on par with what was advertised. The Media streaming boosts seem more of a buzzword than a real capability, though I haven't had any issues streaming media (but I didn't have them before either). Side-note: from my experience with routers and specifically with this one, I'm inclined to believe my unit is bad, and that other units may work much more reliably than mine. However, from my perspective, I'd have to throw a "buyers beware" statement. I'd love to have realized that the problem was the router and not Charter for the internet issues, so that I could have gotten the router replaced. I'd still have gotten the my net n900, because I firmly believe I simply got a bad unit.