best (or better) 802.11g router brands

palswim

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Nov 23, 2003
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Well, I kinda just gave away what this message would be in the title, but, I'm considering between buying two brands of wireless 802.11g router: a Netgear or a Belkin (both $70 after rebates). I'm thinking since Linksys is a bit more expensive, it's a bit better, but which brand is the best (or which is better)? (I already made a topic about how Microsoft 802.11g routers are no good, so don't say Microsoft =P).

Ryan
 

sswingle

Diamond Member
Mar 2, 2000
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We got a D-Link super G. We haven't noticed much performance gain from normal G to super G mode, but it still is a very fast, very stable unit.

I wouldn't recommend Belkin at all for networking products.
 

WTT0001

Golden Member
Jan 2, 2001
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No Problems with any belkin products here :D Anyway, when I did research on wireless routers a while back D-Link was the best. Personally I would go with D-Link over netgear:D

Have fun and good luck,

WTT
 

tc17

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Nov 25, 2002
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I had wondered this too, about which G routers are best. However after reading messages on DSLreports.com in the hardware forums for each manufacturer, its depressing. Tons of complaints for every brand of G router.

 

JackMDS

Elite Member
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Oct 25, 1999
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Originally posted by: tc17
I had wondered this too, about which G routers are best. However after reading messages on DSLreports.com in the hardware forums for each manufacturer, its depressing. Tons of complaints for every brand of G router.
Yeah. Yeah, Mega Tons of complains when people started to buy Wired (what considered today simple) Routers (24 month ago).

GigaTons of complains when 802.11b appeared in the market (12 months ago, and still going).

Yeah some units are defective because of low QA, and some need one or two firmware upgrade. However most of the problems stems from our Educational System. I.e. people do not read ahead and ignore the instructions.

Basically when they get the hardware they treat it like it is delivered Pizza, you open the box and you "Eat" (you do not even need plates and silver).
 

tc17

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Nov 25, 2002
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Originally posted by: pwddesign
We got a D-Link super G. We haven't noticed much performance gain from normal G to super G mode, but it still is a very fast, very stable unit.

I wouldn't recommend Belkin at all for networking products.

I was wondering if your Dlink 624 router makes a high pitched noise? I've read several complaints on dslreports from people complaining about the high pitched noise that is annoying. Only on the latest C models. Others say they can't hear it. Some say it only happens when its hooked up to a wired connection and the computer is off and isn't supplying any power to the cable.

I was going to get this router until I read that, but still not sure yet.

Here is one thread on it.


http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,8111848~mode=flat
 

sswingle

Diamond Member
Mar 2, 2000
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Originally posted by: tc17
Originally posted by: pwddesign
We got a D-Link super G. We haven't noticed much performance gain from normal G to super G mode, but it still is a very fast, very stable unit.

I wouldn't recommend Belkin at all for networking products.

I was wondering if your Dlink 624 router makes a high pitched noise? I've read several complaints on dslreports from people complaining about the high pitched noise that is annoying. Only on the latest C models. Others say they can't hear it. Some say it only happens when its hooked up to a wired connection and the computer is off and isn't supplying any power to the cable.

I was going to get this router until I read that, but still not sure yet.

Here is one thread on it.


http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,8111848~mode=flat


Actually, now that you mention it, that explains where that noise is coming from :) I don't mind it though 1) its downstairs by my dads computer and 2) he can't hear it
 

DaCurryman

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Jun 20, 2001
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i dont see stores or even eBay that has the super G...can someone point me in the right direction.
 

tc17

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Nov 25, 2002
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Originally posted by: DaCurryman
i dont see stores or even eBay that has the super G...can someone point me in the right direction.

Depends which brand you are looking for :)

Dlink has several revisions of the same model of router. And you have to download a firmware update to get the superG mode, because it isn't advertised on the box. The Dlink 624 has 3 revisions of the same model router, but their latest 1 antenna version is the one that supports SuperG (the older models have 2 antennas and don't support SuperG). Its referred to as the Dlink 624 RevC. and has a faster processor.

However I just recently had to return mine because the router kept rebooting several times per day. Others have experienced this same problem, some people haven't.

(You probably know it already, but the PCI card also has to support SuperG mode to get that speed).


 

dmcowen674

No Lifer
Oct 13, 1999
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Originally posted by: tc17
Originally posted by: DaCurryman
i dont see stores or even eBay that has the super G...can someone point me in the right direction.

Depends which brand you are looking for :)

Dlink has several revisions of the same model of router. And you have to download a firmware update to get the superG mode, because it isn't advertised on the box. The Dlink 624 has 3 revisions of the same model router, but their latest 1 antenna version is the one that supports SuperG (the older models have 2 antennas and don't support SuperG). Its referred to as the Dlink 624 RevC. and has a faster processor.

However I just recently had to return mine because the router kept rebooting several times per day. Others have experienced this same problem, some people haven't.

I have a 624 rev c, probably very close to first ones off the line. I don't hear the high pitch and it never re-boots. Sounds like they may have run into a part that changed in their power supply or something. I'm sure they will have it worked out though, their stuff has been very good in performance.
 

DaCurryman

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Jun 20, 2001
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Also, let me get this straight. The box will just say 54mbps on it, but I have to get a firmware update to get it to 108mbps...correct?
 

tc17

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Nov 25, 2002
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If its the one antenna version, then it supports 108 with a firmware update.

As for the PCI card, if you buy it at a local store, I'm not certain if all versions support 108, but they might. I know that the latest version of the Dlink PCI card is labeled "H/W:B1" on the box (B1 being the version).

As for buying online, usually if they advertise the item supporting 108mbps then I would assume it has to be a newer model. Even though the box will still show 54mbps.

I have no idea about any of the USB adapters though. I don't think the USB adapters support WPA encryption yet.
 

DaCurryman

Golden Member
Jun 20, 2001
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Thanx....I don't think they make a USB adapter for Extreme G now that I've looked.

Also, how do PCI adapters compare with USB adapters. I feel like they would be worse since they're hiding behind your case, especially if you tuck your case in some desk or cabinet. My current USB adapter sits on my desk so nothing gets in the way of it's transmission. Thanks in Advance.
 

Tennoh

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Jan 30, 2000
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My vote is Netgear and their 108mbps 11g implementation. They use 2 channels to achieve their speed boost over normal 11g. That seems much more effective than other manufacturers' frame size boosting for questionable speed gains.