I don't think there is any real "best" router for Ubuntu - any brand should
work fine. I've used Netgear, Linksys and no-name cheapies from China with
success.

Linux generally has enough smarts built into its kernel to handle any
standard hardware, with some exceptions in printers and video cards.

Any router of the same frequency band - 2.4GHz or 5GHz - will do the
job. No reason why you can't replace the Cisco one with the same model
as they are still available - unless it hasn't been that reliable ?

Now that was funny ... I'm still chuckling. First time I bottom post on a Linux
list and I discover that this is a "Top Post Only" list, I guess that will end
the flame wars over that subject.

I actually prefer top posting so I'm glad to see the change.