Need help upgrading wireless home network

[ryan256]

Ok... I finally have about $150 available to upgrade my infrastructure. My current router is a DI-604. It has sufficed but now I want something better. Right now its just 2 machines but I'll be adding a 3rd wireless machine sometime later.

Here's what I'm after:
GB wired LAN connections
WPA2 for the wireless
Good firewall and administration capabilities

I've have maxed out my firewall table with all of the blocked IP addresses of the buttnuggets in China and the Netherlands trying to hack my FTP. I would also like a router with the ability to monitor connection attempts on specific ports, like 3389, 21, ect.. Now I have no objections to going with a wired router and adding an AP. I would just prefer a single device. Budget is $150 but could possibly go $200. Anyone have some suggestions?

 

[JackMDS]

WPA2 - Most recent Router has WPA2 in the form of WPA + AES,
Wireless Encryption - WEP, WPA, and WPA2. )

Good firewall and administration capabilities ? All entry level Routers employ NAT Firewall, administration capabilities are not really exsisting in Entry Level Hardware. Routers that can do so are way over your budget.

GB wired LAN connections ? This exists in the D-Link DGL-4300 . Unless there is something very specific reason (involved group gaming) that you need. This device is an overpriced mediocre Wireless Router (log to D-Link download the Data Sheet and manual and do some reading).

Within your budget you can get this, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833162134

And an Independent Jumbo Frames capable Giga switch, and configure a Nice Giga Network $100-120.

 

[Madwand1]

If you have a spare old machine, you might consider a software firewall / router -- these will give you the most flexibility and ability to upgrade, etc.

The D-Link DGL-4300 would actually do what you want at a basic level. It's a decent router, fast and stable with a decent GbE switch and passable wireless with WPA2 capability. It has a number of inbound IP filter slots.

Another option might be the Linksys RVS4000 -- this one has some interesting IPS features which you might like. Also GbE capable, but no wireless. Around $120 USD. Looks fast for a semi-consumer device. The online manual is not very clear, but it looks like it has inbound IP filtering capability.

You could add something like the Buffalo wireless router for an AP here. Consumer wireless routers used as APs are likely to be cheaper than dedicated APs. The Buffalo also has some basic IPS features and inbound IP filters. It's also compatible with 3rd-party firmware, which can add some features when needed. However, DD-WRT doesn't have inbound IP filters last I looked.

Neither of the above GbE routers support jumbo frames, which is a negative when you're using old/slow/PCI GbE gear. Consumer GbE switches supporting jumbo frames are cheap and generally perform OK, but you need to be careful to ensure that your model and revision support adequately-sized jumbo frames. These routers have a small number of GbE ports, and you'd lose one to an AP, so it's probably worth considering a separate GbE switch for the longer-term view.