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Need help choosing my new router

M

mbf

Member
For my ADSL connection I'm currently using an Efficient Speedstream 5781 router, even though it only has a 10Mbit hub for local traffic.

However, I've to part with this router soon since I'm switching to a different solution package from the same ISP. Actually, everything pretty much stays the same, apart from the router. Has something to do with, that my current solution was paid for by my employer, and the new one (which is a lot cheaper) will be paid by myself. I'd like to continue accessing the Internet through a router, if for nothing else than the added security.

Now, what I'd like is to get a router that performs on par with the Speedstream 5781. Apart from the usual stuff like reliability and stability, the router also needs to be fast in regards to online gaming (no lags in Counter-Strike and the like! 🙂, since I do quite a bit of that in my spare time. Stuff like VPN, eDonkey, WinMX is also a must.

Sadly, I haven't had any luck in finding information on how the 5781 compares to other routers, though. However, when going through the reviews over at www.practicallynetworked.com (best site for router reviews, I've been able to find), I've stumbled on two routers from Netgear that sound good (and, most importantly, are available at a local dealer 🙂. I'm thinking of the RP114 and the RO318. Also, my dealer has just got a new router from 3Com, the 3Com OfficeConnect ADSL/Cable Gateway 3C855, which sounds really great (especially the Special Application feature), but I have been able to find even less on this router than the Speedstream 5781.

From a price point, both the RP114 and the 3Com cost around $120 here, while the RO318 costs around $200. Even though it's the priciest of the lot, I'm leaning mostly toward the RO318 because of two things; the Stateful Packet Inspection firewall and the On/Off switch (I really need to switch off the router at night because of the annoying flashing LEDs, since it'll be in my bedroom). But the question remains, will it perform fast enough for my needs or does eg. the SPI slow it down? Also, will Netgear still work on upgrades after ditching Zyxel for SonicWall as OEM for their router lineup?

As for the 3Com router, has *anyone* any info on how it performs? If it's really great I just might be tempted to settle with "pulling the plug" every evening instead of being able to switch it off.

OK, what it all comes down to: Which of the above mentioned routers (Netgear RP114, RO318 and 3Com 3C855) will perform on the same level as the Speedstream 5781. It doesn't need to be faster, just on par...

I'm really in dire need here, so please help me out!!! Thanks for any help in advance! 🙂
 
I would go with U.S. Robotics's router for $49 at outpost.com. You can read the review at practicallynetworked.com also.
 
Get the US Robotics 8000 Router. I have it and it's great. Running 10 computers off of it for about 3-4 months now.

Linksys is crap.
 
Thanks to all for your replies! 🙂
I found some nice info on the 3Com 3C855 here at DSLreports.
I still would like some info on how the Netgear RO318 performs, particularly in regard to games like Counter-Strike. Anyone? Please!
 
I've tried a lot of routers and my favorite was the Efficient.

Why don't you just buy another one. They are sold under the Siemens name at Comp USA. I'm sure they are available elsewhere as well.
 
Ah, I messed up the model numbers. The 5700 series is a bit more sophistocated and geared for business. Sorry.
 
I've had the linksys 4-port since a week after linksys released it... I love it. it's a magnificent router.

recently though, I cashed in on the Cisco Netacad deal... and got myself a nice little Cisco 806, which will eventually replace the linksys.

if you're a netacad student or know someone who is... you might want to shell the $230 to get this instead.
 
Any opinions on the SMC Barricade?

Or how about the Runtop Homegate model? I saw this thing on one of those auction sites, but I'm coming up short trying to get info on it.
 
There are no significant differences between most of the Entry level Cable/DSL Routers.

Conventional Wisdom claims: The Routing Trinity.

1. Netgear RT314
2. Barricade 7004ABR
3. Linksys BEFSR41

(The above are 4 ports, they have also 8 ports version, same reviews apply).

Some Routers have an additional Printer Server, and DialUp Modem input for backup.

As long as you use the Router for regular Internet surfing, and files downloading it really does not matter which Router you buy.

What emerges, as a different between Cable/DSL Routers is Ports opening?

If you do extensive use, of online Gaming or you are running a server, or you use on line services like iRC etc. You need to open additional ports through the Router?s Hardware Firewall. You want to make sure that the Router that you buy has the flexibility to do port opening in the way you like it.

List of typical ports use by variety of applications can be found here.

Special Applications - Port List.

I would choose the one that has the features that fit the way you use the Internet (and may be it is on sale).

Table comparing these Routers.

Comparing Cable/DSL Routers.

Link of Courtesy of: TallGeese
 
Hi guys!

Just wanted to let all of you know (again) that I really appreciate your input!!! 🙂

Yeah, the 5700 series is a bit more expensive being a business class router and such (but why, oh why, did they use a *hub* instead of a switch on the LAN side???) Also, and I didn't really state this in my original post, I'm not living in the US, but rather in Denmark (that's a small country in Europe for all you geographically challenged people! 🙂 ). That's also the reason for the more limited (and much more pricey) selection available to me. If I wanted to buy my own Speedstream 5781, that would cost me around $450 and for a Cisco 806 I would have to shell out around $650 (isn't Europe great!). Needless to say, that's a bit more than I'm willing to spend, although I may regret this.

JackMDS, thanks especially for your post. Further surfing on the net has revealed, that many people tend to agree with your suggestion on routers. You put the RT314 at the top, and considering that the RP114 is an updated version of the RT314 and the RO318 in turn is a beefed up version of the RP114, it just may seem that my initial preference for the RO318 wasn't misplaced. OK, so the RO318 costs around twice as much as the RP114, but the price (around $200 here) is still within my budget limit, and I really dig a) the Stateful Packet Inspection firewall (although it's a "consumer" version), b) the power switch (*really* need this, blessed sleep!), and c) the sturdy metal casing. The 8 LAN ports I really haven't any use for now. I'd gladly buy a RO314, but alas, Netgear doesn't make such a beast...

So, all around I think the RO318 fits my bill. The only thing I'm still unsure of is how changing routers will influence playing e.g. Counter-Strike. I haven't ever used my connection with anything else but though the Speedstream, but I can't afford my ping/latency doubling or even tripling. I have a hard time staying alive in CS as it is... 🙂

Another name I stumbled across while checking out resources on routers was Nexland. The Nexland ISB 800 Pro sounds cool and could even order it from Germany for around $230. Got to do some more digging, though...

Anyway, as previously said, thanks very much to all of you!
 
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