FASTEST, Longest Range and most reliable wireless router?

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imported_boe

Senior member
Dec 4, 2005
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I've bought linksys for years but they seem to have problems on DHCP connections(not offering DHCP but when the router is connected to a DHCP source such as cable modem) - often requiring a reset. I tried netgear but the range was wretched. I want to upgrade to an n router but I want something that has good speed when connected to a DHCP source that does natting but with great range. I haven't really tested the airport extreme's yet but the older macbooks sure have good range/signal when running Windows.

So which would you rate in terms of
A Range
B Performance
C reliability - not requiring a reset on a DHCP source.

Thanks

PS if anyone knows of a good review/comparison article I'd appreciate it.
 
JackMDS

JackMDS

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 25, 1999
29,553
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I do not understand your DHCP story. Entry Level Routers have problems but DHCP is usually Not One of them.

If you want a good Router.

Buffalo WHR-HP-G54 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16833162134

The Buffalo HP has the strongest Wireless Radio of the 802/11g MIMO type Routers.

Less expensive Asus WL-520GU

This is $45 after Rebate, Free ship. http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16833320023

-------------------------
If you need more features both can be Flashed it with DD-WRT ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DD-WRT ).

http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/ind...tallation#Asus_WL520GU

If needed.

Qos, http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Quality_of_Service

-----------------------------

As a side Note.

None of the Entry Level Router stand well very heavy P2P downloads.

Taking into consideration the big saving on "Questionable Downloads" One can spend few hundereds $$ on a "real" Router.
 
JackMDS

JackMDS

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 25, 1999
29,553
430
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You can stick 100 Antennae on a Bellow medeocer Radio and will not change its performance.

The WRT54 is Not a good Router as is,

It got its fame and place in History because it was the first Entry Level Wireless Router that was capable to be re-programmed with 3rd party Firmware.
 
Engineer

Engineer

Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
39,230
701
126
Originally posted by: JackMDS
You can stick 100 Antennae on a Bellow medeocer Radio and will not change its performance.

The WRT54 is Not a good Router as is,

It got its fame and place in History because it was the first Entry Level Wireless Router that was capable to be re-programmed with 3rd party Firmware.
Click to expand...

While that's true, I think that the early versions were/are better than the latter versions. Ever since Linksys tried to stop the 3rd party frimware by switching the hardware to lower flash/memory limits and reworking some of the hardware, it has not been the same since.

The version 2 that I've got has been solid going for over one year between resets (using HyperWRT) but the Asus seems to have a better range (pickup) than it does.

With that said, I would not buy one of the newer WRT's unless it was a speciality such as the T-Mobile WRT54G-TM version or something similiar.

By the way, I think it's time that ASUS runs another rebate on the 520GU model. That $45 is too damn high, lol. I liked it much better at $19.99 AR! :D
 
K

kevnich2

Platinum Member
Apr 10, 2004
2,465
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Originally posted by: boe
Anyone know when the buffalo WZR-HP-G300NH will be available in the US?
Click to expand...

Just be aware it's Pre-N crap/garbage whatever you call it and it's not capable of DDWRT. My vote is still WHR-HP-G54 and if you need gigabit, just get a 5 or 8 port switch (I have a trendnet 8 port) and attach it to the router and then hook all the PC's to that.
 
Engineer

Engineer

Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
39,230
701
126
Originally posted by: kevnich2
Originally posted by: boe
Anyone know when the buffalo WZR-HP-G300NH will be available in the US?
Click to expand...

Just be aware it's Pre-N crap/garbage whatever you call it and it's not capable of DDWRT. My vote is still WHR-HP-G54 and if you need gigabit, just get a 5 or 8 port switch (I have a trendnet 8 port) and attach it to the router and then hook all the PC's to that.
Click to expand...


Especially with some of the gigabit switch deals that go around from time to time. I picked up a Trendnet 5 port for $4.99 AR from Buy.com a few weeks ago. Didn't need it but was too hot to pass up! :p
 
C

ccbadd

Senior member
Jan 19, 2004
456
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76
Originally posted by: kevnich2
Originally posted by: boe
Anyone know when the buffalo WZR-HP-G300NH will be available in the US?
Click to expand...

Just be aware it's Pre-N crap/garbage whatever you call it and it's not capable of DDWRT.
Click to expand...

This is really getting to be a broken record. I wouldn't be surprised if you were still running Win 98. There is NOTHING wrong with buying Pre-N/Draft-N equipment to run with 802.11G gear. Most of the 2.4 Ghz routers are close to the same price, Draft N or G, and work fine. Keep in mind that kevnich2 hates anything "N" and does not offer a truly technical reason for not buying, just a very biased opinion. And the Buffalo WHR-G300N is supported by DD-WRT, but there seems to still be some hick-ups. I don't know if/when the WZR-HP-G300N might be supported.

If you want a good performing router with no need to change to third party firmware, then go with the ZyXel X-550 for G and X-550N for Draft N. Either one will outperform any of the other routers mentioned earlier in this thread, and that is with or without 3rd party firmware. They are more expensive, but they just work.

Here is the newegg reviews:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16833181218
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...16833181084&Tpk=x-550n
 
K

kevnich2

Platinum Member
Apr 10, 2004
2,465
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76
Originally posted by: ccbadd
Originally posted by: kevnich2
Originally posted by: boe
Anyone know when the buffalo WZR-HP-G300NH will be available in the US?
Click to expand...

Just be aware it's Pre-N crap/garbage whatever you call it and it's not capable of DDWRT.
Click to expand...

This is really getting to be a broken record. I wouldn't be surprised if you were still running Win 98. There is NOTHING wrong with buying Pre-N/Draft-N equipment to run with 802.11G gear. Most of the 2.4 Ghz routers are close to the same price, Draft N or G, and work fine. Keep in mind that kevnich2 hates anything "N" and does not offer a truly technical reason for not buying, just a very biased opinion. And the Buffalo WHR-G300N is supported by DD-WRT, but there seems to still be some hick-ups. I don't know if/when the WZR-HP-G300N might be supported.

If you want a good performing router with no need to change to third party firmware, then go with the ZyXel X-550 for G and X-550N for Draft N. Either one will outperform any of the other routers mentioned earlier in this thread, and that is with or without 3rd party firmware. They are more expensive, but they just work.

Here is the newegg reviews:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16833181218
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...16833181084&Tpk=x-550n
Click to expand...

Don't sit there and say I offer a biased opinion of anything! It is called DRAFT N for a reason! If someone wants to run it themselves, fine for them but I am not going to recommend it. Again, it is called DRAFT N for a reason. Pretty much just like beta, aka, still in development. Maybe you should get off your high horse and figure out what this technology actually means before you go tooting your horn saying I am having a biased or non-technical opinion on anything.

It is because of people like you that this technology is still in DRAFT and hasn't been finalized. The more people buy this crap, the longer it takes for it to actually be finalized and standardized. Take a hint and go back to school and maybe read on what draft and beta means before opening your mouth
 
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ccbadd

Senior member
Jan 19, 2004
456
0
76
Don't sit there and say I offer a biased opinion of anything! It is called DRAFT N for a reason! If someone wants to run it themselves, fine for them but I am not going to recommend it. Again, it is called DRAFT N for a reason. Pretty much just like beta, aka, still in development. Maybe you should get off your high horse and figure out what this technology actually means before you go tooting your horn saying I am having a biased or non-technical opinion on anything.

It is because of people like you that this technology is still in DRAFT and hasn't been finalized. The more people buy this crap, the longer it takes for it to actually be finalized and standardized. Take a hint and go back to school and maybe read on what draft and beta means before opening your mouth
Click to expand...

Just be aware it's Pre-N crap/garbage
Click to expand...
No, that is fact not bias!

It is because of people like you that this technology is still in DRAFT and hasn't been finalized.
Click to expand...
Site your facts on this, got a FACTUAL link? It couldn't be that several patent issues have come up and some companies are fighting to use theier IP to make money via licensing fee???? No, it can't be, it's because I buy Draft N gear...

Take a hint and go back to school and maybe read on what draft and beta means before opening your mouth
Click to expand...
Been out of school for a LONG time JR. Now, take a look at "Backward Compatibility" brainiac and tell me the problem with using Draft gear in G mode! Look at that Buffalo WHR-HP-G54 you actually recommended and tell me the difference between G with MIMO (not a standard) on this router and running Draft N in G mode. Now, don't just spew out a load of BS, look at the implementation and tell me the technical difference. THERE IS NONE!
 
D

drebo

Diamond Member
Feb 24, 2006
7,034
1
81
Originally posted by: ikilltigersinAfrica
....toasted....
Click to expand...
Draft means that the manufacturers who make up the authority have not yet agreed on a compromise spec that all manufacturers will adhere to. Why? Because all manufacturers now have an installed userbase using their particular implementation of 802.11n DRAFT, virtually all of which will NOT be software upgradable when a standard is ratified. This means that either the manufacturer now has to support TWO versions of 802.11n on future equipment or issue replacements for Draft equipment. Either way, it's incredibly costly for the manufacturer. Thus, as long as people are buying their PRE-DRAFT N crap, there is no incentive for them to come together on a compromise that will become the final solution.

So, in essence, yes, the consumers are responsible for all of the delays in the ratification of 802.11n.
 
mxnerd

mxnerd

Diamond Member
Jul 6, 2007
6,799
1,103
126
So for customers who bought INTEL Centrino notebooks equipped with draft N wireless, what shoud they do? Customers don't have any choice buying G-only wireless notebook at this time.

I don't believe customer is the one to blame in this case.
 
D

drebo

Diamond Member
Feb 24, 2006
7,034
1
81
Originally posted by: mxnerd
So for customers who bought INTEL Centrino notebooks equipped with draft N wireless, what shoud they do? Customers don't have any choice buying G-only wireless notebook at this time.

I don't believe customer is the one to blame in this case.
Click to expand...

Well, you'll more than likely have to purchase a new mini-PCIe wireless card for your notebook if you want to use true N. Although, as Intel does not produce the access point technology for 802.11n, you might get lucky and they may be able to software upgrade those.

I was more referencing first-party equipment such as is created by Linksys, Netgear, D-Link, and the like, which may or may not work once standard equipment comes out.

Each manufacturer has their own slight implementation, so there are bound to be inconsistencies or incompatibilities. Third-party equipment (such as made by Intel) is likely to have the best chance of interoperability because it's not tied to other vendor-specific technologies.

That said, I still don't think it'll work :)
 
Makaveli

Makaveli

Diamond Member
Feb 8, 2002
4,986
1,577
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I'm not sure of your price range, but I just replaced my D-link DI624 with ah Dlink DGL 4500 gaming router.

And the upgrade was great its range is alot better than my pervious router which only had 1 antenna. Its very stable aswell, haven't had any dropped connections since I installed it.

When I use to be on msn and using bitorrent I would get d/c from the internet at random. Also found while torrenting, browsing on any other pc took a small hit and was abit slower.

With the new router I can be on bittorrent using 5Mbps of my 10Mbps download speed and there is no slow down at all.

I upgraded it to the newest firmware on D-link sites and love the purchase.

 
JackMDS

JackMDS

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 25, 1999
29,553
430
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If you would survey users, you would find that for functional technical purposes 90% of them do not really need the Draft_N, or any N at all.

(90% estimate is based on family friends and neighbors that I know what they have and what they are using it for).

What ever they do would do the same with 802.11g

So why they are buying the N, probably for the same reason that some take mortgage that they know that they would never would be able tp pay unless they live 200 years. ;) :shocked: :confused:

The bank gave, they Took.

The manufacturer build and market, and they Buy.

 
K

kevnich2

Platinum Member
Apr 10, 2004
2,465
8
76
Originally posted by: JackMDS
If you would survey users, you would find that for functional technical purposes 90% of them do not really need the Draft_N, or any N at all.

(90% estimate is based on family friends and neighbors that I know what they have and what they are using it for).

What ever they do would do the same with 802.11g

So why they are buying the N, probably for the same reason that some take mortgage that they know that they would never would be able tp pay unless they live 200 years. ;) :shocked: :confused:

The bank gave, they Took.

The manufacturer build and market, and they Buy.
Click to expand...

I'd definitely agree with that. I've seen quite a few people that kept saying they just had to have the increased speed of the draft N, then after a month or so I'd look at their computer and the wireless was actually set to only connect at G speeds and they couldn't tell the difference. Not only that but they never did any LAN transfers, only transfers over the internet and their speeds would typically only be around 10mb/sec. So of course they really couldn't tell the difference between G or N but they had to have the increased speeds??

If your doing a lot of internal LAN transfers from wireless, I can easily see why N would be preferred but lets be honest here, I'd say only 10% of internet users actually do that.
 
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ccbadd

Senior member
Jan 19, 2004
456
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76
The only time I have seen people need Draft N is HD video streaming. I don't think people are buying Draft N gear because of ego though. Just go to best buy and look at what is on the shelf. Most of the people on this forum and others like it prefer some equipment that is only available online. That does not represent the demographic of the average consumer who does not know what 802.11G is not to mention Draft N, and they don't care. Their best course of action would be to ask someone that knows, which, a lot of the time, turns out to be a person in the office that professes to be a computer guru. That guru is usually just about as clueless as anyone else in the office. I do not see the price disparity that other claims either. An average N router is ~$60.00 with higher end models over $150.00 with most decent G devices ~$50.00 with some higher end stuff ~$100.00.
 
K

kevnich2

Platinum Member
Apr 10, 2004
2,465
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76
Originally posted by: ccbadd
The only time I have seen people need Draft N is HD video streaming. I don't think people are buying Draft N gear because of ego though. Just go to best buy and look at what is on the shelf. Most of the people on this forum and others like it prefer some equipment that is only available online. That does not represent the demographic of the average consumer who does not know what 802.11G is not to mention Draft N, and they don't care. Their best course of action would be to ask someone that knows, which, a lot of the time, turns out to be a person in the office that professes to be a computer guru. That guru is usually just about as clueless as anyone else in the office. I do not see the price disparity that other claims either. An average N router is ~$60.00 with higher end models over $150.00 with most decent G devices ~$50.00 with some higher end stuff ~$100.00.
Click to expand...

Honestly, I have no idea what is on store shelves as I haven't shopped at a store for this type of equipment in...a decade? I always just find my equipment online and buy a few units so when I'm doing work for someone else and they want it, I already have the equipment for them and charge them the same price I bought it for plus my labor charge. People usually buy what they see in stores and usually the cheapest of what they see in stores (I hated when I saw a lot of the cheap linksky, not linksys, but linksky or something like that).
 
JackMDS

JackMDS

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 25, 1999
29,553
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Nature has it own Check, and Balances.

On the other hand to balance the time saved on haphazard mindless purchasing a lot of time is spent later on complains, and bad mouthing the products that were "wisely" bought.
 
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pjkenned

Senior member
Jan 14, 2008
630
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71
www.servethehome.com
I must have missed something, what is with all of the draft N bashing? I'm using a hodgepodge of different "draft N" gear from:
1. Intel's Centrino (gateway notebook)
2. Dell draft N nic
3. Linksys draft N nic
4. Linksys 600N, 300N (v1.0 and 2x v1.1's)
5. Netgear N router

Simple fact is, that every device when running in "draft" N mode is running much faster than G mode. Could a standard arise that is not backward compatible, sure, but that's $100-300 or so in the future, or less than 1 hour worth of billing rate. Meanwhile, I've probably saved 20 hours of time in the past 12 months with not having to plug PC's in, not waiting as long for large file transfers that are often measured in the 10's of GB's and etc.

Seems like a pointless debate at this time unless... you A. Work for $9/hr which is cool, but then you are really making a budget constrained decision, or B. worked on the G standards committee and do not want your work to be partially replaced (I'm the proud owner of some G devices also so my hat is off to you).

Bottom line pick something fast, and if you just need long range G speeds, you could always just get/make a repeater. The gigabit thing is nice, but if you are using your router for a WAN connection 100MB/s is fine. Most of the time you will need a semi-decent often managed switch for teaming if you have a storage server or something like that and an 8 port version these days, including rackmount hardware is <$100.

Oh and just as a FYI, I originally went for long range G, but at the end of the day stringing repeaters together and getting Draft N anywhere around the pool/tennis court was a much better option although $50/hop more expensive (trading off for much larger coverage area.)
 
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