Need to replace old B router Dlink DIR-601, Netgear WGR614, or WRT54G2?

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Which G Router?

  • DLINK DIR-601

  • NETGEAR WGR614

  • Linksys WRT54G2

  • Other?

Results are only viewable after voting.
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darkside9923

Member
Feb 14, 2002
108
0
0
I been running a B Netgear MR814 for 7 or 8 years, and need to replace it with something more current. My needs are not extreme in the least bit, I have one wired connection, and 2 wireless connections at most. Just every day surfing, most extreme activity would be Skype and Hulu occasionally.

I have no interest in N right now, nor is distance a huge issues for me, so I don't need a super high power model.

I know at this price point there all about the same, but I'm basically just looking for the best of the worst. I want something stable that I don't have to power cycle several times a day, I know they all need power cycling occasionally though.

So out of the the choices of Dlink 601 (I know it's faux N, but the G offering reviews are pretty scary), Netgear 624, or the Linksys UFO WRT54G2 would you recommend? I know there is the non UFO Linksys with custom firmware, but I don't have much interest in tinkering with flashing, voiding warranties, and numerous settings.
 
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Madwand1

Diamond Member
Jan 23, 2006
3,309
0
76
Asus WL-520gU - same class as WRT54GL, but cheaper (current $32 AR at the egg). You don't have to change to third-party firmware, but can if you want down the road.
 
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Emulex

Diamond Member
Jan 28, 2001
9,759
1
71
being able to replace the two antennas with higher gain is really nice. i put 14dbi directional on my wrt54gl - huge improvement.

the omni's shoot like a mushroom head - down and out. so if you are not in the middle of the highest point you'll get a crappy signal.

and a freeantennas.org (sp?) for those who can't change
 
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Wineohe

Junior Member
Jul 21, 2008
18
0
0
Mmm. Not a big fan of Netgear. I have the WGR614 as well as the 4 port router only version. I am having to reset these things far too often, and they run hot.
 
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darkside9923

Member
Feb 14, 2002
108
0
0
Wineohe said:
Mmm. Not a big fan of Netgear. I have the WGR614 as well as the 4 port router only version. I am having to reset these things far too often, and they run hot.
Click to expand...

What version is it and how long has it been in service? Also I've seen a few others say they run hot, where do you have it located (does it have a decent air flow?) My old 814 sits on my desk and it's barely warm to the touch.

Thanks everyone else so far for the suggestions, I looked at the Asus ratings a few weeks ago on Newegg. Some of the reviews are pretty sketchy about it not working on Comcast for what ever reason, I don't currently have Comcast but that could change if/when I decided to move.
 
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kevnich2

Platinum Member
Apr 10, 2004
2,465
8
76
My vote would be either of these:

For better range and stronger signal, go with the Buffalo that Jack posted.

If you want cheaper, but still reliable with DDWRT firmware: http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16833124190

DDWRT is very easy to install, though easier on the linksys than on the buffalo but the buffalo works fine with the stock firmware, ddwrt just adds more features.
 
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darkside9923

Member
Feb 14, 2002
108
0
0
Thanks again for the recommendations, again signal strength I'm not to worried about as the router will be in my bedroom, so I don't want anything to crazy in here. The main wireless client is in another room separated by a bathroom so I'd guestimate 10' and 2 walls. This old device surprisingly covers most anywhere I've been in the the house, I get decent coverage in the living room which is on the other side of my wall separated by my closet and a semi open kitchen, there is a microwave but it's to the side of the kitchen not really in the radio path.
 
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darkside9923

Member
Feb 14, 2002
108
0
0
Alright I just wanted to update the status of this a bit, I wanted to try to stick to local big box stores in case I had an issue with not liking the router or it was DOA.

So far I had the Netgear WGR614 V10, V10 introduces there new green initiative. It has buttons to turn the radio on and off, also now has a power button . I'm not exactly sure what was wrong with this thing, flaky firmware, flaky router (I checked for firmware updates, none avail) on the wired side it would just die like it was rebooting, all my IM clients logged out, all my firefox tabs went to 404. then after 10 seconds or so it come back to life (with out me power cycling or doing anything). The log file showed that my internet connection did not drop, so it wasn't the internet, and it happened ever day several times a day, I checked the lease time as well. Wireless running WPA2 AES one computer required the router to be rebooted if it was off over night (wouldn't assign ip).

Right now I have my only other local option (no Best Buy's or other electronic stores for 45 miles or better) the Linksys WRT54G2
I have it sitting right here on my desk and it runs very hot, if I pick it up my desk feels really hot to the touch. The connectivity is definitely better then the Netgear, I've run numerous tabs in firefox, skype, messenger programs, Hulu and I haven't had a single problem with the router dying. I did have a problem yesterday where the Speeds dropped to 0.35 MB down I tired a power cycle to no avail, it felt really warm. I hooked up my old router and my speeds where fine. Seems after it sat a while and I hooked it back up it has been fine, except for the heat issue. I have good ventilation in my room and the A/c is always on 75 degrees so it's not hot in here.

So moving forward I think I may just try going with the Asus as so many of you have recommended.
 
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