Need new router software...

[Kabob]

So, I'm pretty laid back when it comes to networking. When I got married and we got an apartment I picked up a Trendnet wireless G router (don't remember the exact model number). It's worked reasonably well, but lately it's been giving me problems.

First, for some reason unknown to me it will stop broadcasting the signal. My wife won't be able to connect to it or even see it as an available network, yet the included network software (Network Magic 🙁 )says all is well...I reboot the router and she can connect.

Next, Network Magic keeps updating and every time it does it takes features that were previously included and makes them "pay only" features, now I can't even filter who can connect to my router (just found that out this morning).

So, my question is what is the best free networking software (doesn't need to be anything elaborate, in fact the simpler the better), or do I even need it?

Advice would be awesome, thanks!!

 

[radioouman]

You shouldn't need any networking software. I haven't had very good luck with Trendnet hardware either. I would replace the router with a D-Link, personally. I'm sure that you'll get other recommendations here.

 

[JackMDS]

I tried NetMagic to see if it can be a solution to help "Network Challenged" End Users.
My reaction to it was negative.

It can save few simple steps that are part of setting a network, this is helping people that desired to be Network Ignorant to stay Ignorant.

The application alters the regular Network configuration and makes it dependent on NetMagic, if problems do occur it does very little in solving them.

As far as I am concern, using NetMagic is a Big mistake.

By inserting itself into the system, it changes the way it normally works and at the first sign of trouble, it is almost impossible to deal with the situation.

As a result, most of the users that save the time that it takes to learn how to configure basic Network spend later much more time in trying to fix their Network when troubles occurs.

So as a first step, I would get rid of NetMagic.

As for a Router goes, Routers do not need any software. The so-called Router's software is a set of wizards to help to set the Router basic parameters.

It helps some people in the initial setting; it does nothing later if anything goes wrong or if there is a need for advance settings.

As for software to set Network, see NetMagic above.

It does not take so long to set manually a Network, and by doing so the users learns how to deal later own with trouble if they do occur.

http://www.ezlan.net/debug.html

As for the Trendnet, it is an inexpensive Router that works well for regular use, D-Link or any other Wireless Routers are No better or have No other advantage for regular use.

Otherwise, if one want to stick with 802.11g and need special features One should get a Wireless Router that can be flashed with DD-WRT (none of the D-Link can).

The least expensive Router for DD-WRT*.

Asus WL-520GU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16833320023
--------------------
Or depending on sales.
Linksys WRT54GL

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16833124190

*What is DD-WRT?

http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/ind...hat_is_%22DD-WRT%22%3F

 

[Kabob]

Thanks for the info Jack. I didn't think I needed software but it does make it easier to set up. I've never been particularly fond of Network Magic...I'll get rid of it and try to set everything up manually I suppose.

Anywhere other than the Elzan site on "how to set up a basic network for dummies?" I have the MAC addresses of the three or four devices hooked up to the router and MAC filtering on, doesn't seem to really be doing much though...