What router from one of these would you choose ?

[Thor_Sevan]

Hello ! I am planning to make a small home network and I just can't put my mind on one of these routers !
Here are they:

- SMC7004ABR W/ BUILT-IN PRINT SERVER around 112$ CAN
- LINKSYS BEFSR41 around 113$ CAN
- D-LINK DI-604 around 82$ CAN
- U.S. ROBOTICS USR8000A around 84$ CAN

I heard good things on the SMC and Linksys routers.
But what do they have to be 30$ more than the D-Link and the US Robotics ?

Wich one would you choose ?

Thanks !

Thor

 

[Paulson]

I'd choose either linksys or smc... the smc has a build in print server feature too which might make it more worthwhile...

 

[Tallgeese]

FYI: The USR is prolly a re-badged version of one of the others.

Personally, I've had excellent experiences with SMC, and bad experiences with Linksys.
Other folks might tell you the opposite tho.

However it is important to CAREFULLY check the list of advanced features that these routers support, since that is where most of the differences lie.

Example:
IPSec passthru for single or multiple machines to single or multiple destinations (important if you use a VPN for work, etc).
Port forwarding support for ranges or single assignments
Optional services (like content filtering, virus-scanning, etc.)

 

[Paulson]

the linksys routers come with horrible original firmware... once you update the firmware, they work awesomely.

 

[botchla]

SMC. or Linksys.

 

[sechs]

I have the SMC... can't speak for the others.

Keys for me:
The print server saves a bit of headache with having host computers on and available. as well as poking holes through software firewalls and permissions.
The four ports are on a switch, not a hub. This a is a big plus if you transfer a lot between computers on the LAN.

It works great, haven't had any problems.

 

[OhU81to]

I have been using the SMC model in your list, the Print server and dialup (not yet used!) for backup purpose in case if DSL/Cable goes out are the extra's, it has been great for me, if you decide on the SMC be sure to check for firmware updates, also they had great tech support to answer questions about an undocumented feature that was added after a firmware update. I recently purchased a cheaper "Network Everywhere" 4 port router by Linksys for someone else and did some comparison tests and SMC proved to be quite faster and it's outer case stayed much cooler, hope that helps....