Good SOHO router?

[JackOfHearts]

As my current router needs to be reset 1-3 times a day to maintain Internet connectivity, I have decided it is time to buy a new one.
On that note, I am looking for a reliable router that I can plug-in, and not have to bother with ever again(or as little as possible). I have killed 3 Linksys routers in the past so they are not an option I am going to consider. I am rather fond of SMC as I have owned one in the past and it needed rebooted every 1 to 3 days (sometimes more). Is there a "heavy duty" router out their for me?

-JoH

 

[Soybomb]

How did you kill 3 linksys routers and even still have an smc that locks up? Power surges or heat doing these in maybe?

 

[JackOfHearts]

I think heat was an issue on the first Linksys... After the router died it felt very warm to the touch... The next to I set up on top my dresser with a fan pointed and it and it just died. All the lights came on and stayed on and that was it. The third died in a firmware up date and at that point I decided I hated Linksys(Also, killed 4 Linksys NIC's). I then purchased an SMC router and that seemed to do the job for the most part. I just pretty much always have moderate to heavy traffic on my network, and when things would start to slow do I would reboot the router. That seemed to get things rolling again. But, I have moved from that residence and gave to router to a roommate. I currently have a Compaq CP-2, which seems to be a rather crappy. When I bought it, the thing only cost 50 dollars. I won't mention the Belkin that I had to reboot every 6-10 hours(God what a crappy piece of hardware). So, anyways I am in search for a new router any ideas?

Edit: All of this stuff was on conditioned power via a battery back up unit.

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

I know that some time last year there was an update to the firmware of my SMC router to fix dropped connections, it used to happen to me every couple of weeks. After the update, it's been smooth sailing, you might try updating the firmware on that old SMC, and give it a new lease on life.

Quite frankly, with as many issues as you've had with multiple peices of hardware, I'd start considering other factors as the root cause...

 

[JackOfHearts]

It is just that I have yet to find a SOHO router that doesn't require me to reboot at least once a week if not more. I am currently looking at a D-Link DI-704P. Any thoughts on that?
I may just buy another SMC. The first one I had was the best router, I have owned to date.
Is SMC better then D-link?

-JoH

 

[cmetz]

JackOfHearts, the entry level SOHO routers are looking more and more "all the same" - same chip inside, and who knows where the software's coming from but the features and quality is similar. Linksys I think is the leader and I hope that the Cisco acquisition will strengthen their QA over time. D-Link and SMC are also popular and respected. Netgear is a bit higher end and maybe a bit higher quality (?). I'd hesitate to go with any of the other players in the SOHO networking space - there are cheaper guys, but not much cheaper and noticeably more trouble. If you can get a Linksys or D-Link box for $10-$20 after MIR (as you can these days), why go with a cheaper manufacturer?

 

[JackOfHearts]

D-link it is then.

Thanks all.

 

[JackMDS]

Actually it is: The Best Routers.:Q

 

[JackOfHearts]

LOL

 

[AndyK]

I used to have problems with a Netgear DG814, the thing would drop connection and require a reboot before it would reconnect.
After a lot of reading forums I decided to try a Draytek Vigor 2600 router, I have now used this for 2 months without a single need for reboot, if my ADSL line drops (which they all do occasionally) the router reconnects with no user intervention.
I can thoroughly recommend it

Andy