Cable/DSL router, whats the best

[Rifter]

Well what are the differnces if any between the wide variety that are out there, i have seen some from Netgear, SMC, D-Link, and almost any other network company you can think of. Im looking for a single port version, as i will be hooking it up to a 8 port switch anyways. BTW i can Get a SmartLink one from work for 132$(Canadian) and was going to get that one, but wanted to know if there are any differnces first, thanks!

 

[Rifter]

Well someone has to know the differnces, oh and do they all use the same chipset, if so what chipset and who makes it?

 

[konichiwa]

Linksys and Netgear make the best home use Routers IMO.

 

[E36M3]

I agree konichiwa...I have a linksys w. 4port switch built in and it is an excellent router.

 

[Rifter]

what makes the linksys and netgear better?

 

[erub]

bigger name and recognition, and better support probably - the linksys guy was cool when i talked to him, although i had to wait on the phone for a lil while - at least it was at their expense. SMC is cool cause because with their 4 port 10/100 switch, you can hook a printer directly up to it (built in print server), so one computer doesnt have to be on to print. SMC also has free 24/7 tech support as well

 

[dcdomain]

The Linksys and SMC routers seem to be very popular. I have the SMC one, built in print server is great and extremely easy to set up. I've also used the Linksys router, and that thing is also very good. If you are going for looks, go for the Linksys, I can't believe how many people have complained about the SMC. I don't think it makes much of a difference how they look since the router spends most of its time under the desk.

Anyway, I think the SMC is usually cheaper, but that's for the 4 port version. I'm not sure if the SMC barricade comes in a 1 port version. I bought my Barricade for $100 shipped overnight from Outpost.com. Not sure if the ship to Canada, but they did raise the price a little.

Check DSL Reports for more information. They have a huge databsase with user opinions.

 

[HellRaven]

Linksys, SMC, and Netgear are my three favorites for home and small office broadband routers. For businesses and larger networks it is all about Cisco products.

I would stay away from 3com if you run Win2k or think you will. A friend of mine got DSL about 3 months ago and he runs Win2k and was shocked to find that there were no Win2k drivers for his external 3com router that was provided by the DSL company he went with. I don't know if since then they finally got around to supporting win2k.

 

[mpg]

most have linksys, like me. I'll tell you if I could do it again I would get the netgear. You wont go wong with either but for the more advanced networking go with the netgear.

 

[RossMAN]

My external Cisco 675 has been nothing but fast and reliable, I'd also recommend anything from Netgear/Bay Area Networks.

 

[Nikepete]

Linksys is quite good. One problem: one cannot have simultaneous multi-VPN sessions, it only supports one session.

 

[PliotronX]

If you're a gamer, I've read about a lot of rants that SMCs add latency, so keep that in mind

 

[tjll11a]

what is latency???

 

[jeepers94]

The SMC Barricade is the best router for the money! Check out dslreports.com
It can be had for $100,incudes 4 ports,builtin printer server and a port for
a dialup modem for emergencies! But like I said check dslrepots.com they have user revues on all the home routers.They also have a nice forum,to help
get you up and running!

 

[Rifter]

I only need a 1 port, and i dont need a built in print server, my printer has a 10B ethernet connection, i just hook it up to the swtch anyways(Gotta Love HP Lasers) And like i said, there had better be somehting alot better than the S/L for me to spend the extra money, i mean i can get the S/L for 132$ canadian, thats it no tax or anything 132 and its mine, thats about 65-70$ american, plus if i get it form the states ill have to pay tax on it, so like i said unless there is something seriously wrong with the S/L i think ill get it, and i dont need to worry about tech support, if it doesnt work ill just get a new one, after all i do work for a wholesaler in the shipping/RMA department so i wont have to worry about getting a RMA on it

 

[dougjnn]

mpg --

<<but for the more advanced networking go with the netgear>>

Like what doesn't the Linksys do that the netgear does??

I have the LinkSys 4 port Cable router and think it's fabulous. Has all sorts of network features, like setting up a DMZ server on your network to by effectively upstream of the router firewall, while physically downstream of it -- just by naming it for that function. Open ports to the Web selectively on different networked computers.

Great support. And they do frequent bios upgrades which are at least as much to enhance function, as fix issues. I haven't had any.

Well, Roadrunner did start wanting to see the nic of one of my computers as what the cable modem is attached to, and started blocking me, since it wasn't (the router was). Probably because Roadrunner wants to charge extra per computer hooked to their modem. Called up LinkSys. turned out Linksys had anticipated this becoming an issue, and the firmware update I downloaded allows the router to clone the MAC address of one of your computers. Which totally fooled Roadrunner into being happy again. Got the whole thing solved within an hour.

 

[Miraluka]

I own the LinkSys 4 port and it performs very well. There is also a 1 port that you can get for cheaper, and that might be better for you because you will be connecting to an 8 port switch anyway.

 

[WHipLAsh13]

I have the Dlink and have had no problems. I actually test the router pretty hard too since I host a game server that supports 14 players. If you plan on hosting a game server more specifically a Counter Strike or Half Life server then you will need to use a hub and not a switch with your router.

WHipLAsh

My Rigs

 

[Rifter]

I dont plan on hosting any game servers anyways does anyone have a SmartLink router? I know they are new but i would like to hear fomr at leat one person that has one so i know it works i could always just take one home and test it but thats a waste of time

 

[LXi]

I highly recommend LinkSys and NetGear, they're affordable, high quality, and easy to setup. The LinkSys model with built-in switch would be my pick, the NetGear is very decent too.

 

[Macaw]

Hi Rifter,

Everybody is going to recommend Linksys and Netgear because that's the two names they are familiar with. Just like asking folks what sound card to get and they chime in with SBLive!

If you want the real scoop look at the reviews on these devices. Both Linksys and Netgear do a rotten job of opening up ports. You can't open up ranges (needed for things like GameVoice). Instead you have to open one port at a time. Also, in many instances you have to initiate hosting of software rather than the other way around. There's some nicer routers out there that don't have so many problems.

 

[Jim]

<< If you plan on hosting a game server more specifically a Counter Strike or Half Life server then you will need to use a hub and not a switch with your router. >>



Whiplash, please clarify that statement. It sounds bassackwards to me. Why would you use a half-duplex hub instead of a full-deplex switch?

 

[mylam]

Linksys for me

 

[Howard]

That's right. The incoming data on a switch only finds its way to the intended port. The incoming data on a hub goes to all ports, not bothering to look, so obviously the switch is faster.

 

[Platypussssssss]

<< A friend of mine got DSL about 3 months ago and he runs Win2k and was shocked to find that there were no Win2k drivers for his external 3com router that was provided by the DSL company he went with. >>


Why would he need drivers? Was it hooked to a USB port?