Boardband Sharing

[j4yang]

Hi,

I am looking to buy a router for our home network. We need at least 7-ports. The following are three products that I have research and pick out(and I am likely to choose one of them.) Is it possible for you to give me so recommendation on which one to get. Thank you in advance.

Company: Maxgate
Product: Ugate-3200 (7-port)
Part #: NETC-73009
Price at Buy.com: $180 USD
Web Site: www.maxgate.net

Company: Linksys
Product:Etherfast 8-port
Part #: BEFSR81
Price at Buy.com: $185 USD
Web Site: www.linksys.com

Company: SMC
Product: Barricade (8-port)
Part #: SMC7008BR
Price at Buy.com: $207 USD
Web Site: www.smc.com

 

[Yoshi]

Got the Linksys, had it for about 8 months, no major complaints.

 

[j4yang]

thanks Yoshi, but I have seen some horrible user comments for all three of them, such as gaming issues, hosting ftp or other type of servers, data crrouption, lockups, connections drop, bad support, buggy firmware, the list just goes on and on. Well, what do you guys say.

 

[nateholtrop]

Linksys.

Nate

 

[Wik]

If you want more features, better performance, build a Freesco router using an old computer and buy an eight port switch. I use it in a 5 computer network and my Netgear RT311 just sits in the corner collecting dust. Here are my 3 choices in order

1. Freesco
2. Windows ICS
3. Home Gateway Router (Netgear/Linksys/etc..)

 

[j4yang]

Wik,

We had been using the Freesco solution before, but the guy who owns the pc and the switch has moved out, and none of us would like to buy another pc. So, that why we are going with the hardware router.

 

[PJNeary]

I own the LinkSys 4-port as does a work colleague of mine. Neither of us has any problems to report. I made sure I d/l'ed the latest firmware rev. even before the thing was powered up. My son has no problems with AOL IM or Napster, but he does not play Internet games, so that may be a concern for you. Also, I'm not sure if NetMeeting will work, as I've not tried to do this yet.

Configuration is a breeze with a browser. Couldn't get their new LogViewer.exe stuff to install on Win2K. It's clear that LinkSys is not a software company! But the box has been in for two solid months with no probs.

HTH,
PJ

 

[chexi]

If you are looking to run a game server, do NOT buy the Linksys. It will corrupt packets and drop people. Also, the switch is not that good.

I have a Maxgate 3200 which I will be testing this weekend, but I hear it has problems with game servers too. I will report on Monday.

I've heard good things about the SMC, and will be getting that if the Maxgate does not work for running my game server. Check out practically networked's opinions on these products. Very helpful.

 

[Pnklytnyng]

i suggest getting a single port router (not the linksys, becuase the guy above is not the first to post that there are data corruption problems with the linksys), get a crossover cable, and connect this to some sort of 8-port hub . . .it would also save you a lot of beans, if thats an issue . . .