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Arg! Router died! Need a quick replacement [Update II - worried]

S

shikhan

Senior member
[Update II]
Okay, I'm having some second thoughts here. I got hte belkin router because it was the same price as the Microsoft one, but this one has the potential for 11g capabilities, which is something that my school will be supporting sometime soon, so I figured might as well get it since i'll be able to get faster speeds when i get myself a 11g card. However, I've been reading up on it and it seems to be a hit or miss for everyone. Not to mention the thing was a pain in the ass to set up, and has needed rebooting at times to get the DHCP running, which in turn forces all the lan computers to reboot to get the ip's configured again. The WLan has been working wonderfully, but the LAN part has been a pain in the ass. THe belkin for some odd reason decided to do soemthign last night around 2am and for somereason it made us loose our net connection until i did a firmware update, then a reset, a hard reset, and god knows how many changes/resets.

Furthermore, i mentioned that I had a discover cash back certificate. As i'm a college student, it was mailed home. When I went to staples, they said i could just bring the certificate in and the reciept and they will give me credit back, however my dad mentioned to me that the certificate mentions "not valid on prior purchases". Will staples give me crap about that?

I'm wondering if it will save me alot of trouble to just go monday (by when I should have recived the certificate in the mail from home) and return the belkin and get the microsoft one and use the certificate then (since its not a prior purchase anymore, it shouldn't be a problem.

Anyone with experience with the belkin router? Or suggestions on my course of action?

[Update I]
I ended up going to staples and buying a Belkin F5D7230 (802.11g) for $150 (after tax) - $40 rebate - $40 coupon for a total of $70.


[Original]
Okay, all of a sudden, my trusty Netgear RT 314 started giving me problems. It starts to reboot itself every 10-30 seconds if the WAN is connected. For now, my main system is hooked directly up to the cable modem. First off, has anyone heard of thsi problem before? (remember, the router was up and running on this lan for about .5 years now, and i've had it for around 2 years).

Otherwise, my current plan is to RMA it if its still under warrenty and drive out to Staples or BestBuy tomorrow and buy a router. I probably will pick up a wireless one since I was in the market for one anyways now that I have a laptop. The choices I found (online) were:

Staples:
Netgear MR814NA Cable/DSL Wireless Router w/ 4 Port Switch 802.11B $99.98 - $20 rebate
Belkin F5D6230-4 Wireless Cable/DSL Gateway Router $99.98
Microsoft L21-0001 Wireless Base Station w/ $20 Mail-in-Rebate $99.98 - $20 rebate

(I have a Discover Cash Back Bonus for $40 at home, does any one know if I can use it in store if i dont have it physically with me, but get all the info on it?)

BestBuy:
D-Link DI-614+ $79.99 - $10 -$20
Netgear 2.4GHz Wireless Cable/DSL Router with 4-Port Switch ? MR814 $99.99
Linksys 2.4GHz EtherFast WAP and Router ? BEFW11S4 $99.99


Any one know of any better deals? Any one have any reccomendations on any of these routers? I really need to do this tomorrow morning so all the help you can provide would be greatly appreciated!
 
I would buy the Microsoft WAP from Staples.

There's a $20 off $100 coupon you can use to lower your final cost to $80 🙂

I'm an idiot thought it was $100 BEFORE rebate, damn sneaky Staples!!!!
 
Originally posted by: Comp625
Originally posted by: RossMAN
I would buy the Microsoft WAP from Staples.

There's a $20 off $100 coupon you can use to lower your final cost to $60 🙂
Click to expand...

Just curious, what's so "special" about the Microsoft line of networking products?
Click to expand...

They work awesome, we use one to network our 3 PC's, 1 PC via USB adapter and 1 laptop via WiFi.

Speaking from personal experience I would buy either this or the Linksys.
 
Originally posted by: RossMAN
I would buy the Microsoft WAP from Staples.

There's a $20 off $100 coupon you can use to lower your final cost to $80 🙂

I'm an idiot thought it was $100 BEFORE rebate, damn sneaky Staples!!!!
Click to expand...

Bah, I just noticed this. I too thought it was 100 initally, then a 20 rebate.
 
Originally posted by: RossMAN
Originally posted by: Comp625
Originally posted by: RossMAN
I would buy the Microsoft WAP from Staples.

There's a $20 off $100 coupon you can use to lower your final cost to $60 🙂
Click to expand...

Just curious, what's so "special" about the Microsoft line of networking products?
Click to expand...

They work awesome, we use one to network our 3 PC's, 1 PC via USB adapter and 1 laptop via WiFi.

Speaking from personal experience I would buy either this or the Linksys.
Click to expand...

How's the WiFi connection on this? I've got a new IBM t23 and have been itching to get rid of the damm wired connection running to the living room. About 50 ft away, a door and a wall to go through.
 
yeah, I'd like to know about the quality of signal on these things.

Going to get a Dell Axim and want to surf the internet/listen to mp3s outside. Need a router with a strong signal.
 
Circuit City has a wired SpeedStream router for $30 if you change your mind about wireless.

Even though I already have a router, I bought one to use as a print server.
 
SMC7004ABR Barricade 4-Port Broadband Router
  • The Barricade is an ideal all-in-one networking solution for home and small business users. This platform independent multi-functional broadband router combines a 4-port 10/100 Mbps dual-speed switch, a built-in print server, an RS232 COM port for fail-over dial-up or modem connections, and an Internet firewall for security against hackers and other unauthorized users.

    Lifetime warranty, awesome tech support
Microcenter may have a lower B&M price than on the web

SMC Barricade Broadband Router/Switch
  • The feature that distinguishes the SMC Barricade from the other router/switch solutions is the inclusion of a print server. For people who have a small network of computers but only have one printer, this feature is extremely important. It is possible to use one of the computers as a print server; however, this means that the computer must always stay on. With the print server, however, the printer can be accessed by any computer on the network without worrying about a print server computer being on or about setting up the proper network permissions.
Aware Magazine Review
  • I think SMC really has something here. A router/firewall with a 4-port switch and a print server?! I just don't see how students and families with networked computers can pass this one up! Not only will you be able to use your computers off of one IP address but you'll be able to protect those computers as well! I can't say enough about the print serving capabilities either! This will really help you if you have some serious printing needs! The performance of the SMC Barricade was on par with other switches I've tested and the firewall capabilities and performance proved to be right in line, if not better than those in this price category. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the SMC Barricade to anyone who is looking for an all-in-one solution or those of you that are looking for an upgrade to your existing network. The Barricade has a nice set of features and performs well at a middle of the road price! What more could the consumer/enthusiast ask for! SMC has deals on the Barricade from time-to-time so check on their web page and your favorite shopping forums for the latest deal information! I have to say bravo to SMC for creating a product that really answers the call and fills the gap in this developing market area! I hope to see similar, equally as excellent products coming from SMC in the future.
Wireless SMC7004AWBR
 
Originally posted by: RossMAN
Originally posted by: Comp625
Originally posted by: RossMAN
I would buy the Microsoft WAP from Staples.

There's a $20 off $100 coupon you can use to lower your final cost to $60 🙂
Click to expand...

Just curious, what's so "special" about the Microsoft line of networking products?
Click to expand...

They work awesome, we use one to network our 3 PC's, 1 PC via USB adapter and 1 laptop via WiFi.

Speaking from personal experience I would buy either this or the Linksys.
Click to expand...
MS line = Linksys w/ different casing.

 
I have the Netgear MR814 and it's awesome. I bought the D-Link 2.4Ghz wireless previously and during heavy network transfers, the router would reboot itself. I counted at least 20 reboots in one hour while streaming video over my network. what a POS.
 
As much as I'd prefer to get a better deal over the web, I need this now, so i guess i'm stuck wit hteh B&M stuff here in Urbana Champaign
 
Originally posted by: Linux23
I have the Netgear MR814 and it's awesome. I bought the D-Link 2.4Ghz wireless previously and during heavy network transfers, the router would reboot itself. I counted at least 20 reboots in one hour while streaming video over my network. what a POS.
Click to expand...

you update the BIOS?
 
Go with Linksys. Cheap and reliable. I have a normal router and an 802.11b running at my apartment and my parents house.
 
Originally posted by: Sid59
Originally posted by: Linux23
I have the Netgear MR814 and it's awesome. I bought the D-Link 2.4Ghz wireless previously and during heavy network transfers, the router would reboot itself. I counted at least 20 reboots in one hour while streaming video over my network. what a POS.
Click to expand...

you update the BIOS?
Click to expand...

yep, still rebooted when i streamed media over my LAN. i though i was going crazy until i looked back and saw the router going through POST. bought the Netgear and it has been up for 56 days without a reboot, over 54 million packets transmitted over my LAN.

oh, and i have never had great luck with Linksys either so YMMV.😉
 
Originally posted by: shikhan
As much as I'd prefer to get a better deal over the web, I need this now, so i guess i'm stuck wit hteh B&M stuff here in Urbana Champaign
Click to expand...

Even if you have to buy *gasp* retail they sell the Microsoft and Linksys WAP's at OM, OD, Staples, BB, CC, they're everywhere.
 
Well... I ended up getting the Belkin f5d7230 due to the fact it is an 802.11g and it was the same price as the Microsoft on. It seems to be functioning well so far, although every time i try mac filtering, it locks out all systems. And the wlan seems to have enough range for me so far 🙂

Thanks everyone for their help!
 
My vote is for the "Linksys 2.4GHz EtherFast WAP and Router ? BEFW11S4 $99.99"
I have the V2 version and I've been pretty dammned happy with it.
 
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