Linksys vs. SMC vs. Netgear vs. D-Link

[joshg]

OK, after searching and reading and gaining all of this "knoweledge", I have finally figured out that I need to get a combination Router/Switch to share my internet connection the way I want.

Now the question is, which one should I get? I've been reading reviews and everything, but some of them are discomforting. I've heard several reports of Linksys "losing" ports from electrical storms.. I know that the proper way to solve this is to use a surge protector, but due to the wiring in my house I can't get the surge protector grounded...

Also I've heard of problems with sharing speed. And, lots of problems concerning UDP for stuff like online gaming, etc.

And I do a lot of online gaming! So which one of them should I get? I've been trying to dig up as much info as possible, but not really too lucky at this point. Any assistance would be appreciated!

Basically I want one that will let me use all of the UDP and online gaming, online voice chatting, etc., that I want, possibly serve files on ftp or through IRC, etc., and one that doesn't horribly bottleneck the speed.

If it has any influence, currently I am connecting to internet via SBC DSL using PPPoE.

So what will it be for my needs/wants? Linksys, SMC, Netgear, or D-Link, or something else entirely? thanks for your help guys

 

[joshg]

hmm let's see the DI-704P D-Link model is looking really good on paper, it supports UDP and PPPoE, and has a print server as well.. does anyone have experience with this one? The other one I am high interested in is the SMC Barricade model, but it looks like it doesn't support UDP. Or does it.. ? Anyone have tips? thanks!

 

[cipher00]

You can find the SMC wifi data sheet here. It works pretty well for me.

I don't understand the statement about not being able to ground something due to the wiring in your house. There's gotta be a ground somewhere....

 

[JackMDS]

D-Link, and SMC same OEM.

For the rest look here:

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.cfm?catid=36&threadid=647624

 

[Kingofcomputer]

I like Netgear RP114,
I don't like Linksys, SMC, D-link.

Don't listen to me,
check out http://www.practicallynetworked.com/
and decide by yourself.