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Best Router under 100

K

kd2777

Golden Member
I am looking a t picking up a new router. my budget is 100, but can seems to find many reviews since wireless is getting so much attention. I like Linksys and Netgear, but I don't own stock in either so if there is a better one out there let me know. The only think it has to have is a 4 port switch and a firewall. I am liking the NETGEAR Model DG834 and the LINKSYS Model BEFSX41.

Let me know what you think.

KD
 
If you don't need fast wireless, the Netgear MR814v2 is an excellent router. It has 802.11b wireless, and the wired ports are standard 10/100. I like mine. It's an older model, but works well. They sell these days for $20ish if you watch the Hot Deals forum.

EDIT: If you want a really good firewall, why not build your own? check out the Smoothwall and IPCop firewall linux distros. I currently run a Smoothwall firewall, and use my MR814v2 for wireless only. IPCop is supposed to be working on adding wireless to their next release.
 
The netgear model you picked is an combination router and ADSL modem. Do you need it to be a ADSL modem? If you do, make sure it'll work with your DSL provider. If you don't want it to be a modem, netgear has the RP614NA, $30 after rebate at amazon. If you're having problems locating a wired router, you could get a cheap wireless B router, which costs about the same, and turn off the radio.
 
Go on ebay and look for someone with great feedback. VERY cheap. I've seen routers for like 40 including shipping.
 
Don't need the Modem just thought if it was combined it would get rid of a box.


Which model of the SMC do you have?

Thanks
 
As far as Wired Router.

The main difference between the Entry level Cable/DSL Routers is the Firewall "Filtering" system, and number, range etc. of ports that can be opened through the Hardware Firewall.

If you are a gamer, and or use applications that need ports opening, it is an issue you have to look at.

If you need special ports opening for Server, VPN, etc. You have each targeted Router to make sure that it can keep these ports Open.

Link to: Cable/DSL Routers - NAT & Ports.

If you want a more elaborate Router with better VPN, and SPI capacities you have to look at the Top Models of SMC, Linksys, and Netgear. Each Brand has a higher level hardware for about $100.

Otherwise I would go with the lowest price, and the decor:

If you need Cobalt Blue, get Linksys.

Dark Blue get, Netgear.

Nice Gray Silver, get D-Link.

Futuristic look, get Belkin.

Stylish, get Microsoft.

Battleship Gray, get SMC.

Humble look, get Siemens SpeedStream, or Hawking.

In other words there are no real differences between the above.

:sun:
 
If you don't mind getting wireless, by all means by the Linksys WRT54G or WRT54GS models. There is a free, linux based firmware developed by www.sveasoft.com. There are a large number of great features they have incorporated into the base Linksys firmware including a pptp vpn server, traffic shaping, an ssh server, etc. I think depending on the model you'll pay between $65-85 through places like Fry's or amazon. I have a pair of them now (one for test/fun, one for day to day use) and have never had any problems with the units.

Gaidin
 
I've used a Cisco 806, the first linksys ethernet firewall and am using some MS wireless/switch firewall.

If you don't need VPN or more than 10 server ports opened from the internet to the inside (likely you wont), any cheapo that does a stateful firewall for TCP, UDP and ICMP should adeqautely secure you from outside portscans.

Keyword: Stateful.
 
Oh, those cheapos (Like the ones I use) make no fan noise, are easy to manage, low power consumers. And, if you don't know Linux/Unix, those Linux firewalls are for very serious people and experimenting types.
 
Almost all the "cheapo" routers (Linksys, SMC, Netgear, Dlink, Belkin) are the same. It comes down to what features you need. Plus, key factor is you can get one for $20 easily.
If you want something serious, get a linux book or two and setup your own router/firewall. 🙂
 
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