Router selection

[JTsyo]

When I moved I went from FIOS to Cablevision. FIOS had a modem/router but Cablevision only offers the modem so I need to get a wireless router now. There's 2 computers in the house, 1 wired right next to the modem and the other is a laptop. The router would be in the 2nd floor but I would like to use the laptop in the basement too. The laptop is mostly used by my wife, so no online games or such but she does watch streaming videos.

I looked at the LinkSys WRT54GL at Newegg but saw that the 3rd party firmware was what people liked about it. Would the WRT54G be good enough for what I want to do? I saw the other router thread but I'm partial to Linksys and have no experience with the other brands mentioned there.

EDIT: both computer are running Vista if it matters and I've used a D-link router in the past too.
Another entry: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16833127241

 

[JackMDS]

Buffalo WHR-HP-G54

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16833162134

Asus WL-520GU - http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16833320023

Both are Very Good.

-----------------
Entry Level Buffalo, Asus, and Linksys GL Routers can be Flashed with 3rd party free firmware.

Unlike the other compatible Routers the Buffalo's High Power stock firmware is very Good As Is.

I.e., if you have a Buffalo WHR-HP-G54 you do not need any of the additional features of Tomato or DD-WRT, No need to install either.

The Wireless Boosting Power Feature available in both is Not a useful feature for the Buffalo HP.

The Buffalo?s Wireless Power is at the Max., and Tomato/DD-WRT do not really Boost its Wireless. If the power boosting is not left at the default when using Tomato/DD-WRT on the Buffalo HP, the Wireless signal might get worse by adding noise and reducing the Signal to Noise Ratio.

http://www.ezlan.net/WHR-HP-G54.html

If you need extra features (other than the Power Boost) take a look at Tomato and DD-WRT.

If the features that you need are available in Tomato Flash with Tomato.

Tomato features - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomato_(firmware)#Features

Otherwise, use DD-WRT.

http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/ind..._is_DD-WRT%3F#Features

It is much easier to Flash Tomato than DD-WRT, thus to avoid frustration and Bricking risk I would recommend to casual ?Flashers? to go with Tomato.

----------------------------
As an indirect side Note.

Routers are actually small computers with very weak CPU, small memory, and the Firmware acts as the OS.

Just like you do not expect using a NetBook for D Gaming, do not expect Entry Level Router to perform well under the load that is generated by heavy P2P downloads.

Taking into consideration the big savings done by the "Questionable Downloads", One can spend few hundred $$ on a "real" Router.

 

[JTsyo]

Any reason to get the antenna deal Newegg is running? Or will the stock be good enough for 3 floors?

 

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: JTsyo
Any reason to get the antenna deal Newegg is running? Or will the stock be good enough for 3 floors?

Environments are very different one fro the other.

If you get the Buffalo it already have better Antenna than the usual 2dbi stick.

So start with a Router, and if needed get a better Antenna.

 

[JTsyo]

Pulled the trigger and ordered from Amazon, Newegg had tax and no free shipping. I'll post back after it arrives, to give a mini review.

 

[JTsyo]

Alright so I had this running for more that a week now. It seems to be working well for the things I had in mind. Setup was a breeze, it came with a CD that had a wizard on it. Ran through that, then went into the router options and set up the WiFi. The signal strength is good too. I have the router in the second floor and get a good signal in the basement. Haven't had to reset the router yet either, though we don't use the wifi too much. My wife does stream movies online and it works fine.