I can finally get DSL!! Which router?

[chmike]

After moving beyond DSL distance several years ago, the local telco finally caught up and I can now order DSL (according to their web site at least).

I've been out of the router area for too long; what's a decent router (w/ or w/o a wireless access point) these days? I probably don't need a g wireless, but if the price isn't too much different than b, then I'll spring for it.

Thanks
Mike

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

IMO, you'll be well served by any of the major brands. With that being the case, I'd look for a rebate deal on a brand name, you can frequently pick up a router for $10-20 if you shop the rebates.

 

[Kristi2k]

Get an SMC router.

 

[JackMDS]

This week "Best".

Link to: 4 Port Cable/DSL Gateway Router.($9.99 after rebate)

 

[MoFunk]

If you have an old system laying around that you dont use anymore you can use smoothwall. http://smoothwall.org/

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

I think that setting up a linux system to use Smoothwall is just a bit out of the reach of most folks that are shopping for their first broadband router!

 

[Big Lar]

I had an Smc 7004vbr, not bad, but dead port on it, running the D-link 604 now and am happy, cost me 50 bucks new.

 

[stephbu]

Most consumer routers from Linksys, Netgear, Microsoft etc. sufferer on or more fallabilities usually from firmware implementation. Some of these they'll fix, in doing so they'll probably add some more problems too

Probably the best thing to do is look for one that supports the features you need reliably.
e.g. Wireless & Security, firewall characteristics, instant messenging support, port-forwarding for home hosting etc...

There are forums for most of the network brands on http://www.dslreports.com/, ask the forums what troubles they have had. Ask them what they'd recommend you need to do when you get your router too.

When you get your router do expect to
- update your router's firmware as soon you get it.
- experience problems from newest hardware.

The consumer network market is really cut-throat, with everyone racing to get products on shelves as cheap as possible. Often this has meant that QA really is done after the product ships. As firmware matures generally the products gain greatly in reliability.

Most network companies only spoke to IT professionals previously - so they're learning how to deal with supporting novice network users too.

Having experienced support from most of the major vendors in this market - they're all pretty much of the same low standard. You'll get better support on forums like this or DSLReports, or net newsgroups.

 

[Mitzi]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
This week "Best".

Link to: 4 Port Cable/DSL Gateway Router.($9.99 after rebate)

LOL! I wish we could get routers at a price like that over here. My D-Link 504 router cost around £90 GBP about 6 months back, that being said its been sitting in the corner since installation without so much as a whisper.

 

[txxxx]

Originally posted by: Mitzi

Originally posted by: JackMDS
This week "Best".

Link to: 4 Port Cable/DSL Gateway Router.($9.99 after rebate)

LOL! I wish we could get routers at a price like that over here. My D-Link 504 router cost around £90 GBP about 6 months back, that being said its been sitting in the corner since installation without so much as a whisper.

I have same router (although lower price), it works.

 

[txxxx]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
This week "Best".

Link to: 4 Port Cable/DSL Gateway Router.($9.99 after rebate)

Just to point out, no ADSL modem inbuilt, but I guess people realise that.

Avoid Netgear, ive had 2 friends that have had to upgrade the firmware out of the box, to get any stable use of it. And even so, UPNP is shaky on it.

D-Link works well for me, and so do those Connexant AccessRunner based routers (which are pretty cheap). Since most routers are quite variable, better just doing a quick google to spot any potential bugs.