Suggestion for home wi-fi router

cronos

Diamond Member
Nov 7, 2001
9,380
26
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I searched this forum and found many threads similar to this, but rather than piggy-backing someone else's thread I decided to just make a new one. I hope that's okay.

I could use some suggestions to get a replacement for a (finally) flaky Linksys WRT54G v2. I don't need a lot of the fancy features they have available these days, but I'd like it to have:

1. Open firmware support
2. Budget minded (around $50, lower = better)
3. Gigabit LAN

Most important is I'd like this to be as robust as possible. It's going to be replacing this box that's been running 24/7 for the past ~10 years with basically zero maintenance, so I'd rather not have to now start worrying about it. I mean, I'll tinker with it, install custom firmware, and set it up in the beginning, but after that I just want to forget about it even being there.

Anyway, I looked around a little bit and found the Netgear WNR3500L (same price at Newegg and Amazon at $50), which looks to be a pretty good option. It's right at the top of my budget though, and I did read some complaints about Netgear stuff that stopped working right after only a few months. What do you guys think, good/bad idea? Other alternatives?

Thanks!

PS: The Gigabit thing is probably not super important. My cable Internet is 30 Mbps, and I do already have an 8-port Gb switch set for LAN transfers, etc. So if you guys know of any solid solution that's somewhat cheaper than the above without it having a Gb LAN maybe that's okay too.
 

cronos

Diamond Member
Nov 7, 2001
9,380
26
101
here's the refurb: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...62&ignorebbr=1

I've had the WNR3500L with tomato firmware (shibby), and it's been super reliable imo.

One thing, I received a 'new' one as a gift, and the front side looked used/scuffed-up. Some of the reviews on newegg say the same.

Oh that's tempting. I was hoping I could get something from Amazon though as I have some credit there I could use. I'm definitely going to think about this.

Thanks!