please recommend a highly robust wifi router

[luv2liv]

im using the wifi router from verizon dsl, model 327w. the WEP setting is on with HEX128 bit key. the wifi is set to invisible.
for some reason, laptops and other wifi devices cannot get onto the net. they can connect, but just cant get online. the wired connections still work fine. the only way i can get online with wifi is to reset the router, like at least once a day!!

is my network settings wrong or do i need a new router? the same problem occurred with my previous wifi netgear router.

 

[YBS1]

There are two wireless routers that I've really liked and didn't seem to have have any little issues with, oddly enough they are on opposite ends of the consumer level router pricing structure. On the high end, the Netgear WNDR3700. On the low end, the TrendNet TEW-652BRP.

 

[ccbadd]

I have been testing the Linksys wrt160nl running DD-WRT with great results. Also, you really should reconfigure your wifi to use WPA with AES or WPA2 with AES rather then WEP, might even resolve your issues without replacing the router.

 

[JackMDS]

Wireless SSID was not design in regular use to be set to Off.

There is nothing to gain from setting off to begin with.

From the weakest to the strongest, Wireless security capacity is.
No Security
Switching Off SSID (same has No Security. SSID can be easily sniffed even if it is Off)
MAC Filtering______(Band Aid if nothing else is available, MAC number can be easily Spoofed).
WEP64____(Easy, to "Break" by knowledgeable people).
WEP128___(A little Harder, but "Hackable" too).
-------------------
The three above are Not considered safe.
Safe Starts here at WPA.
-------------------
WPA-PSK__(Very Hard to Break).
WPA-AES__(Not functionally Breakable)
WPA2____ (Not functionally Breakable).

Note 1: WPA-AES the the current entry level rendition of WPA2.

Note 2: If you use WinXP bellow SP3 and did not updated it, you would have to download the WPA2 patch from Microsoft. <http://support.microsoft.com/kb/893357>

The documentation of your Wireless devices (Wireless Router, and Wireless Computer's Card) should state the type of security that is available with your Wireless hardware.

All devices MUST be set to the same security level using the same pass phrase.
Therefore the security must be set according what ever is the best possible of one of the Wireless devices.

I.e. even if most of your system might be capable to be configured to the max. with WPA2, but one device is only capable to be configured to max . of WEP, to whole system must be configured to WEP.

If you need more good security and one device (like a Wireless card that can do WEP only) is holding better security for the whole Network, replace the device with a better one.

Setting Wireless Security - http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Security.html

The Core differences between WEP, WPA, and WPA2 - http://www.ezlan.net/wpa_wep.html

---------------
In any case if you would like a New stable Router with very strong Wireless.

Buffalo WHR-HP-G54 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833162134

If you need more features flash it with DD-WRT.

http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/What_is_%22DD-WRT%22%3F

 

[bobdole369]

JackMDS - seconded. Buffalo is the best I've used.

 

[luv2liv]

i changed the settings as you suggested with WPA2 on and the network to visible.
wifi still crap out and a reset is still needed every now and then
will try to get the models you suggested. thanks!

 

[VirtualLarry]

The Westell 327W does have wireless problems. Mine drops out once in a while, although I generally just wait and it comes back, no need to reset.

I can second the recommendation for the TrendNet 652BRP. I installed a V1 of that router at a friend's house with many PCs connected, and it works great without needing to be rebooted. However, I installed a V2 of that router at someone else's house, and it needed to be rebooted after a week. The LAN ports even went out (LAN 1 and LAN 2 wouldn't even talk to each other.)

 

[Obsoleet]

Jack recommended the buffalo to me a long while ago, and I bought based on his recommendation.. flashed it with Tomato and it's been the best router I've ever owned. The wireless is a little strong for my needs, but i wouldnt complain about it.. someday I might need it.

My only concern was that I'm looking at a Buffalo gigabit NAS and kind of wanted to get a gigabit switch or replace my router. I think I'm sticking with a solid 10/100/G router like the Buffalo for now, it's that good and does the job reliably which is most important. I think a GOOD 100mb is better than shaky gigabit setup (either end could be obviously).