Looking for a 4+ port Router

[Mr Bob]

Right now I am using a Belkin 4 port router that is about 3 or so years old. I get many timeouts all the time, when I disconnect the router, and connect directly using my cable modem, the connection is great, and there is never a timeout.

I think the router I have is just old, and if I buy a better one everything will hopefully be fixed.

Anyone have suggestions for a new router? Hopefully one that will NOT give a lot of timeouts.

 

[Nebben]

I would personally recommend using an old system you may have and running Smoothwall or Monowall or something similar. I've used a Linksys router and it can't compare to doing it yourself.

If you want a tiny cute box rather than a big system, there are some available just for that purpose, but they're a bit pricey, starting at around $100.

But a Pentium or higher system will work wonderfully, preferably 64+ megs RAM, Smoothwall runs best with 128. I'm running a P2 350 with 128MB and it's flawless. It's been up for months with no connection problems to speak of. And it's a lot of fun to set it up yourself, too, if you're interested in learning about that sort of thing.

 

[FlyingPenguin]

Linksys routers work fine.

 

[Mr Bob]

I dont want an entire computer running as a network, I just want a router.

" Linksys routers work fine. "
- Yeah I have heard good things about them... Have any model numbers for me to look at?

 

[boomerang]

I like Netgear products.

RP614

But, have you looked to see if there is a firmware upgrade for your router? May solve your problems.

 

[Dennis Travis]

Do you need Wireless at all or just a Wired Router? I second Linksys. Had real good luck.

 

[Mr Bob]

Wired router for sure, too expensive, time consuming, and insecure to go wireless.

The Netgear router looks pretty good!

"But, have you looked to see if there is a firmware upgrade for your router? May solve your problems."
- Last time I checked the router is discontinued.

 

[JBT]

I just got a Linksys WRT54G (its wireless) for 10 bucks AMIR its sweet. I grabbed a modded firmware and this thing is rocking now.

 

[boomerang]

I've set up no less the 6 people with that RP614 and they have been trouble free.

I set up my wifes office with an FVS318 about three years ago and it has given her no problems.

Here at home I'm using a FR114P and it has been solid as a rock.

I'm not really trying to push Netgear on you, just relating my experiences. I'm certain Linksys and others make dependable products also.

 

[Mr Bob]

"I just got a Linksys WRT54G (its wireless) for 10 bucks AMIR its sweet. I grabbed a modded firmware and this thing is rocking now."
- I don't need a $10 router, I wanted a wired router that is stable. I am not a fan of wireless at all, too much needed to be done to protect it.

The RP614 looks good. I have heard good things about Netgear, Linksys, and Belkin. If anyone have a better suggestion or a reason why I shouldn't go with RP614 please speak up

 

[Mr Bob]

Wow, the RP614 has some pretty crappy reviews, mainly bad performance, and horrible tech support (meaning there was an issue that they had, which made them call tech support)..
http://www.pricegrabber.com/rating_getprodrev.php/product_id=581644/id_type=M

 

[Snoop]

SMC, DLINK, Linksys, Netgear, and all make solid routers. They have become a commodity these days. I would reccomend figuring out which features you would like and buying the cheapest of the major name brands.
If you want some reviews, go to Practically Networked.

 

[mechBgon]

The RP614 is all right, and I made a page showing how to lock down unneeded ports completely too, if that helps: down this page a little

 

[Mr Bob]

" I would reccomend figuring out which features you would like and buying the cheapest of the major name brands. "
- What other features do I need to look for? I said I ned a 4+ port, and it can't have common timeouts (where the connection dies, etc).

I will checkout the reviews.

 

[mechBgon]

Some routers can block ActiveX, Java, cookies and proxies, for example, in the event you want to be able to do that stuff (Netgear FVL328, Linksys BEFSX41). Some have built-in print servers like the Netgear FR114P. Some have more-configurable firewalls than others.

There was a firmware revision for the RP614 that fixed intermittent dropouts. They're up to rev. 3 on the router itself and I think those issues are history.

 

[Mr Bob]

"There was a firmware revision for the RP614 that fixed intermittent dropouts. They're up to rev. 3 on the router itself and I think those issues are history."
- But I don't think it is quite worth the chance, I would rather spend another $10-$20 and get something that less people complain about.

The site with the reviews seems to only look at high end routers, most around $200+

 

[Ike0069]

If you get a wireless router, you can use a wired connection.
Wireless routers are much more popular these days, and as such they are actually usually cheaper.
I'm in the market for a router also and i have no plans to go wireless right now. But I will be getting a wireless router for the above reason, and just in case I want to go wireless later.

I keep hearing about the Linksys WRT54G. Tt appears to be an excellent router. Plus Linksys firmware is open source, so aftermarket firmware updates are plentiful and can add alot of options that only the more expensive router usually have.

Netgear seems to be very good also, but I keep reading about the crappy support.

DLink also has alot of supporters, except that their DI-624 model has had so many problems, that there is a class action Law suit against DLink because of that router. Not a good sign.

 

[Mr Bob]

I know a lot of the top companies are good, but I was looking more along the lines of good models... I ended up picking up the Linksys BEFW11S4 for $8 at my local Staples.

 

[sniperruff]

staples has a 4-port wireless-B for $5 after easy rebate. look on hotdeals or the staples website.

 

[Nebben]

Linksys' BEFSR41 drops connections to cable constantly. Perhaps it's just a bad router, but it's got nothing to do with the ISP, the computers, or the firmware being outdated. I've also had terrible luck with Linksys NICs, like the fact that if you bump the cable it loses the connection to the card...

But they are highly regarded among many, so go figure.

Netgear products have been far more reliable for me. Never had to replace anything, and I've never had connectivity issues at LAN events I've hosted.

And if it's a concern, there is no 'huge power usage' with running your own router box. It costs me like $1.25 extra a month for electricity.

 

[Umberger]

Originally posted by: JBT
I just got a Linksys WRT54G (its wireless) for 10 bucks AMIR its sweet. I grabbed a modded firmware and this thing is rocking now.

YOU STOLE MY POST!!!

I second the linksys router. they have a nice easy interface for changing settings, and are very easy to set up.

 

[Mr Bob]

It was 45+ tax with $40 MIR, so about $8~ total. Well worth it.

Although it was really a pain in the ass to setup, I still think it was worth it. I had to setup everything manuall :/