Need router recommendation.

[TazExprez]

I need a router to share internet access, computer files, and the two printer. I want to know which would be the best router available for around $200 or less. I also want to know if I would be able to keep my download speed at like 1.4 mbps using a router for both PC's? Right now I have a separate cable modem for each one and they can download at 1.4 mbps simultaneously, would this be possible with the router?

Also what router is better, one with integrated switch, or one with integrated hub?

 

[Sukhoi]

Do you need wireless or anything special?

A router only uses one modem, so you're limited to the modem's cap. Which I guess is 1.4 Mbps in this case.

I like my Netgear RT314.

 

[TazExprez]

I want a wired router. I just want to be able to share my internet connection and my printers.

Right now I have two PC's, each with its own cable modem. I have heard that since cable connections are shared, I would get the same performance with one modem and a router, for less money per month, than having the setup that I have now. Is this the case?

With your router are you able to have the full capacity of your modem's internet connection? My capacity is actually over 2 mbps, but I always have both of my PC's online, downloading stuff, thus the estimate of 1.4 mbps for each PC.

Also, would I be able to share files between both PC's with this?

 

[JackMDS]

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

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

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.

 

[ojai00]

<< I want a wired router. I just want to be able to share my internet connection and my printers.

Right now I have two PC's, each with its own cable modem. I have heard that since cable connections are shared, I would get the same performance with one modem and a router, for less money per month, than having the setup that I have now. Is this the case?

With your router are you able to have the full capacity of your modem's internet connection? My capacity is actually over 2 mbps, but I always have both of my PC's online, downloading stuff, thus the estimate of 1.4 mbps for each PC.

Also, would I be able to share files between both PC's with this? >>



I have the SMC7004ABR (Barricade) and it has a built in print server and support for dial-up, if your cable modem ever fails. I think the speed really depends on the speed that your NIC card is capable of. If it can go at 100Mbps, then you should be fine. I think that translates into about 12MB/s (someone correct me if I'm wrong). The routers that JackMDS mention all have built in 10/100 switches. So that would allow you to share files as well as your internet connection. Hope this helps.

 

[TazExprez]

Would my internet access speed degrade for both PC's? If so, by how much?

Also, which of the three routers above would you prefer? I saw that more people had the Linksys one.

 

[flippinfleck]

The wan port on most broadband routers is limited to 10Mbps (someone correct me if I'm wrong) so you shouldn't notice much degredation, if any.

The Linksys, albeit a popular model, does not have the print server that you are looking for. You'd have to go with one of the other models suggested. That's not to say that there is anything wrong with the linksys though. I've had mine as long as I've had DSL and I can honestly say that I'm happy with my purchase. But I've never tried any of the others.

Is there any particular reason that you need 2 printers hooked up to your router? Why not hook one up to the router (for all the computers) and the other to one of the computers on the network. If you want everyone to be able to use that one as well, just set it up to share over the network. Your computer will have to be on for it to work though.

 

[TazExprez]

I would like both printers because I print a lot. Since they are the same model, I could split the work between both and the text would look the same. So then, I could just have both PC's on the network, one printer to each PC, and just share them that way, right?

 

[flippinfleck]

<< I would like both printers because I print a lot. Since they are the same model, I could split the work between both and the text would look the same. So then, I could just have both PC's on the network, one printer to each PC, and just share them that way, right? >>




Bingo! Just remember, the computer has to be on for the printer to be shared.

Do you actually print from both printers at the same time? I'm not trying to sound sarcastic or anything, just curious (I've been thinking about picking up a second printer).

 

[TazExprez]

Yes I do. I just ordered the Linksys from www.outpost.com. It came out to $90.51, shipped via overnight mail.

Now I'll see the internet performance difference for my self and might drop the second cable modem connection.

If I drop the second connection I'll start saving money in like 3 months.

 

[poppasp1ce]

I second the Linksys BEFSR41.

 

[Engineer]

Have used Linksys, Netgear, SMC, DLINK (both 704 and 804) and the 2Wire Homeportal 100....and I've always went back to the Netgear RT314 and returned the others (except the DLINK 704 which was $5.00 after rebates from NIC and router ). The Linksys seemed as fast (don't remember the numbers) as the Netgear, but it locked up on me at least 2 times per day (a problem shared by many, not just me). The SMC (for some reason) was very slow to respond, especially with two or more users at the same time. The DLINK models (both) were just plain slow compared to the Netgear or Linksys. The 2Wire unit was about as fast as the Netgear (and faster acording to several reviews) and included other networking capabilities (USB, Home Phoneline networking), but I didn't care for it (or it's price).

My recomendation...Netgear. A little more difficult to set up (easier with the new web page settings), but solid as a rock and darn fast....

** Speed 3922(down)/1010(up) kbps **
(At least 78 times faster than a 56k modem)
Finish.

^^^ Last test run over at DSLReports...

 

[Sukhoi]

<< With your router are you able to have the full capacity of your modem's internet connection? My capacity is actually over 2 mbps, but I always have both of my PC's online, downloading stuff, thus the estimate of 1.4 mbps for each PC. >>



Currently it sounds like you have a 2 Mbps cap on each cable modem, and each cable modem is only used for one computer. If you got a router, your two computers would share the 2 Mbps cap of one modem.

If all you want to do is share files and printers between two PCs, just put two more NICs in each and connect them with a crossover cable.

 

[Kingofcomputer]

I prefer Netgear RP114 - small and metal chassis.

 

[Rezzin]

I've been using the Netgear Rt314 for sometime now and am VERY happy with it. I know of at least 4 other ppl using the same router and no one has had problems with ANYTHING (with the exception of DCC transfers with irc, but there's a simple fix for it). Plus it has a nice 4 port 10/100 switch built in. Their support is somewhat lacking but you most likely WON'T need to call them as the router is fairly easy to setup. Just my 2 cents.

Rezzin

 

[subflava]

<< I want a wired router. I just want to be able to share my internet connection and my printers.

Right now I have two PC's, each with its own cable modem. I have heard that since cable connections are shared, I would get the same performance with one modem and a router, for less money per month, than having the setup that I have now. Is this the case?

With your router are you able to have the full capacity of your modem's internet connection? My capacity is actually over 2 mbps, but I always have both of my PC's online, downloading stuff, thus the estimate of 1.4 mbps for each PC.

Also, would I be able to share files between both PC's with this? >>



There would be a definate difference between the 2 setups. Right now both your computers have exclusive use of a 1.4mbps connection which they would be sharing in the new setup. The question is if you would actually notice the difference. It all depends on your usage patterns and for 99.99% of home users the answer is a resounding "NO". The only way you would notice is if you often find yourself downloading files at the full 1.4mbps on both machines at the SAME time for long periods at a time. I don't see how any normal person could manage this for any significant amount of time. You should save your money and go with 1 shared connection.

 

[tm37]

<< like my Netgear RT314. >>



Yes Netgear Support is horrendous!!! I had a bad router anbd it took a week on the phone for netgeart to admit the problem! After that about a week turnaround to get the new one. Set up was painless easy as pie.