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Suggestions for a good router?

T

TheInternal

Senior member
Hi everyone ^.^

Been thinking about biting the bullet and throwing down for a router, instead of using my main rig as a ghetto-router (like I have been).

I was thinking about the Linksys WRT600N, but I've found a LOT of very negative user feedback on Newegg and PC World about it.

I can usually figure out networking stuff on my own (with a little help from forums and the internets), but my strength is in computer hardware more-so than networking.

Thus, I come to the collection of you fine folks and ask for your suggestions. I'd like to stay closer to $50 U.S., but could go up to around $200 if that would ensure quality and the feature set I want.

***What I currently have at my disposal/would like to get integrated into the network***

- two computers running windows XP Media Center (one with two 1 gigabit RJ45 NICs, one with a single RJ45 NIC)
- A gigabit wired switch.
- Sony PSP
- cheapie cable modem box from my ISP (RJ45 connection)

***Goals for the network***

- maintain high speed connection for data transfers with my two wired computers
- friendly to gaming on one of my computers
- bandwidth throttling (is that even available? I want my main system to get most the bandwidth, but want a trickle for my TV box)
- get online with my PSP Wi-Fi connection to download new games from the Sony store
- have a high speed wireless access point for guests and/or for if I get money for a netbook this year.
- stream recorded TV/movies/music to anything on the network

***Would be nice***

- easy to use/robust firewall
- easy to configure password/computer recognition
- cheap
- LocationFree play for my PSP would be nice
- easy to hook up my switch to

As always, thank you for the replies.

 
I use the WRT54G with DD-WRT firmware. It was a lot better than my previous WBR-2310 despite the WBR-2310 being rated higer. As long as you hack the WRT54G with DD-WRT, you got yourself an amazing cheap router.
 
Originally posted by: Nmascarenhas
I use the WRT54G with DD-WRT firmware. It was a lot better than my previous WBR-2310 despite the WBR-2310 being rated higer. As long as you hack the WRT54G with DD-WRT, you got yourself an amazing cheap router.
Click to expand...

Either go with WRT54GL, Asus WL-520GU or Asus WL-500 G Premium v2 (Last one has much better hardware) and flash any with ddwrt for a very stable router with lots of features.
 
I keep hearing about the DDWRT thingie. what is that? an opensource firmware or linux thingie? What's wrong with the provided software?
 
Yes, its an opensource linux firmware. There is no problem with the preloaded firmware but with the linux firmware its like upgrading from a Ford to a Lexus for free. Once has a lot more features and is a lot more reliable.
 
Originally posted by: TheInternal
I keep hearing about the DDWRT thingie. what is that? an opensource firmware or linux thingie? What's wrong with the provided software?
Click to expand...

The provided software has Nothing to do with the Device working.

You probably mean the stock firmware which id embedded in the device memory chips and act as its OS. DD-WRT replaces the stock firmware.

The stock firmware is provided by the device's OEM and it is Branded and modified by the manufactures.

It is a compromise combo of.

What the OEM feels doing to make sure that the chipset does not jeopardize its general product marketing.

What the Brand name does to comply with their own Branding and features agenda.

What all of the above think that it is best for the ignorant consumers needs to feel that they can deal with the complexity of the hardware.

The DD-WRT was written by enthusiasts to take max advantage of the hardware add max possible features and gear it toward real Enthusiasts.

Or if you like Cars better.

Stock Firm, a form of mundane Detroit production.

DD-WRT a Hot Rod.


Entry Level 802.11g Wireless Cable/DSL Routers & DD-WRT (Late 2008).

http://www.ezlan.net/wlan_router.html
 
I've been using the Netgear WNR854T for about a year and a half now.
I don't use the wireless function at this point, but like that the router has good security options and gigabit ports.

 
The Socal Fry's ad had the D-Link DIR825 Xtreme N Dual Band Gigabit Router for $99.99. That looked like a pretty hot deal to me. Also saw this :
[Adv] Top Wireless
WRT310N Wireless-N Gigabit Router

DIR-615 Wireless N Router (802.11b/g, draft 802.11n, 128 Bit WEP, WPA2)

WRT610N Dual-N Band Wireless Router (802.11a/b/g, draft 802.11n, 300 Mbps, 128 Bit WEP, WPA2)

Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge

N+ Wireless Router (802.11b/g/Draft N, 128 Bit WEP, WPA2)
Found here toward the bottom: Link.

 
Thanks for the replies thus far. It looks like I need to do more research in general. If I remember correctly, one of the nice things about the WRT600N was it's ability to do simultaneous 2.4 and 4GHz wireless (the later allowing for high def tv over the air). Do any of the suggested routers have that ability? does the DDWRT firmware have that capability? Is there a significant learning curve to DDWRT? I don't have much experience with linux, but still occasionally edit some command prompt / code-like stuff to make programs work, etc.
 
WRT600N will work with DDWRT, visit the compatibility site for the proper version to use with it. The learning I think is fairly simple. If you don't change anything, it'll work "out of the box" and be very stable, you can also mess with the hundreds of features to get a very feature packed router.
 
There is No best Giga Router.

Wireless Routers are a combo unit of Routing circuits, Accxess Point, and a Switch.

The giga is the Switch part (The Routing and Acess Point has nothing to do with Giga).

Thus far the Giga switches that are part of the Combo are bellow mediocre.

There is almost No difference in the Routing circuits between Routers, that means that a router should be bought for its Access Pont Capacities, and if
One needs Giga, then One should buy a stand alone good Giga Switch.

 
Originally posted by: kevnich2
WRT600N will work with DDWRT, visit the compatibility site for the proper version to use with it. The learning I think is fairly simple. If you don't change anything, it'll work "out of the box" and be very stable, you can also mess with the hundreds of features to get a very feature packed router.
Click to expand...

Keep in mind the WRT600N has been discontinued by Linksys, and "replaced" with the WRT610N which is NOT supported by DD-WRT (at this time, no eta).
 
So im in the same market except im looking to replace my wrt54g..if you guys think I should. I have have charter cable internet @ (supposedly) 5 down and 1 up I broadcast to 1 laptop which when in the living room gets very low performance and I notice that if I torrent for a long Time I need to reset my router to get decent speeds again. Its rather annoying. What do you all suggest I do. I heard the wrt has very tiny ram? I didnt even know that they had ram. ok ill let you all talk and chime in as needed!
 
Originally posted by: SunnyD
Originally posted by: kevnich2
WRT600N will work with DDWRT, visit the compatibility site for the proper version to use with it. The learning I think is fairly simple. If you don't change anything, it'll work "out of the box" and be very stable, you can also mess with the hundreds of features to get a very feature packed router.
Click to expand...

Keep in mind the WRT600N has been discontinued by Linksys, and "replaced" with the WRT610N which is NOT supported by DD-WRT (at this time, no eta).
Click to expand...

So? You can still find them, quite plentiful actually.
 
Originally posted by: Blain
Firmware efficiency plays a roll in "good, better, best" gigabit routers, doesn't it?
Click to expand...

Good firmware is just as import IMO as the hardware. Look at the WRT54G(L)'s. With linksys firmware, it's hit or miss. Put DDWRT on it and it'll be running for months no problem.
 
ok im lookin at the site for DDWRT and have no idea which version to use..I have the Firmware Version : v4.20.6 as stated in my router config..what should I use?

I DL the dd-wrt.v24-9517_VINT_mega is there anything I should know before I do this? Will it keep my old configuration? Will I have to reset the wireless user on my network? What kind of changes actually take place?
 
Originally posted by: MonKENy
ok im lookin at the site for DDWRT and have no idea which version to use..I have the Firmware Version : v4.20.6 as stated in my router config..what should I use?

I DL the dd-wrt.v24-9517_VINT_mega is there anything I should know before I do this? Will it keep my old configuration? Will I have to reset the wireless user on my network? What kind of changes actually take place?
Click to expand...

Well for one, what kind of router do you have, make and model and version (if applicable)
 
For the OP: Go with DD-WRT on a supported router.
For MonKENy: Look at the label on the bottom of your WRT54G and check the version number. The version that you're reporting is the firmware version which doesn't matter. What hardware version you have will dictate what version of DD-WRT you should/could install. Hit me back if you need more info.
 
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