What wireless router

[AllThingsEnd]

Ok so here's the story. I had a D-Link DGL-4300 gigabit gaming router, but somehow I lost it when I moved. I was just going to get another one because I liked the options and the gigabit was a huge plus. I came on this site to maybe find a used one but then I found out about DD-WRT. I don't really know that much about it but I'm reading about it and it sounds like it would be fun to play around with. The problem is that the DGL-4300 isn't compatible with DD-WRT. So I'm looking around the site and I keep seeing the Linksys WRT54GL as a great router to use. It's nice and cheap (I've found it for $49 w/ free shipping), but it doesnt have gigabit. I transfer files alot so the extra bandwidth was nice. I don't want to spend a ton of money, $125 is the max I will go. I looked at the supported routers and the only ones that have gigabit and is compatible with dd-wrt are pretty expensive or have crappy reviews. Another thing I liked about the DGL-4300 was that it seemed that my torrent files downloaded faster than if I hooked up the computer directly to the modem. Before I got it my downloads were averaging around 700k but with the d-link my average speeds were over 1MB. I never reached those speeds without it. I know a router cant make your internet any faster but I did see a noticeable difference in downloading torrents and my ping in online games. Maybe it had something to do with the packet first thing it has I don't know? But anyway what I'm trying to get at is I'm conflicted to what router to get. I loved the d-link but I'm really interested in this dd-wrt firmware. Anyone have any opinions? I'm open to anything.

 

[Brainonska511]

You can always buy the WRT54GL and install DD-WRT on it. Then add a gigabit switch behind the router for gigabit LAN devices to plug into and get the higher speeds.

As far as the packet first thing you mentioned - the previous router probably had a pre-configured QoS. You can set this on a new router on your own through the router's control panel. From my experience, DD-WRT firmware had more QoS and other filtering options than the standard firmware found on my WRT54G.

 

[AllThingsEnd]

I could do that but that would undoubtedly put me over my $125 limit.

 

[Brainonska511]

WRT54GL $50: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16833124190
TRENDnet gigabit switch $32: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817111480

Thus, you'd have a network like this:

Modem -> Router ---> Wireless Computers and hardline to switch --> switch connects all the hardwired PCs.

Then install DD-WRT onto the router (following the instructions online - I think you can just flash it directly without anything special being done). Configure all the QoS options and you should be good to go.

 

[AllThingsEnd]

I found the Buffalo WHR-HP-54G with dd-wrt already pre-loaded on it for about $70 and I also found a Linksys WRT54G-TM for about $80 with dd-wrt preloaded. Either of these a good idea to get?

 

[Brainonska511]

Originally posted by: AllThingsEnd
I found the Buffalo WHR-HP-54G with dd-wrt already pre-loaded on it for about $70 and I also found a Linksys WRT54G-TM for about $80 with dd-wrt preloaded. Either of these a good idea to get?

I wouldn't pay that much for a router that's pre-loaded. It's easy enough to load DD-WRT onto a compatible router on your own.

 

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: AllThingsEnd
I found the Buffalo WHR-HP-54G with dd-wrt already pre-loaded on it for about $70 and I also found a Linksys WRT54G-TM for about $80 with dd-wrt preloaded. Either of these a good idea to get?

All features are the same when both are flashed with DD-WRT.

However the Buffalo WHR-HP-54G is by far better, its Wireless performance leaves the WRT54G far behind.

As for he price, the most inexpensive reasonable DD-WRT capable is this.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16833320023

For $10 more the WHR-HP-54G is a very good deal.

HP=High Power RF output, i.e., better Wireless.

 

[AllThingsEnd]

i thought the wrt54g-tm has 32mb ram and 8mb flash compared to the other models with 16mb and 4mb which would make the -tm better wouldnt it? the only problem is that it needs to be opened and use a JTAG cable to flash it with dd-wrt which i dont have or even know how to do. so would the -tm be worth the $80 for the already pre-loaded dd-wrt and the extra ram and flash or is the buffalo still better?

 

[JackMDS]

If you do not care about the Wireless part then it does not matter get the one that you like.

 

[AllThingsEnd]

so the extra ram and flash doesnt really make that much of a difference? also i live in an apartment complex with a ton of wireless networks around. would the buffalo be better suited for me since it has better wireless?

 

[AllThingsEnd]

bump

 

[AllThingsEnd]

bump

 

[geokilla]

Not sure if the ASUS Has Gigabit switch, but it can definitely load DD-WRT. I'm talking about the ASUS WL-520GU.

Also, don't buy the ones that come preloaded with DD-WRT. Load DD-WRT yourself.

 

[arch113]

Originally posted by: JackMDS

Originally posted by: AllThingsEnd
I found the Buffalo WHR-HP-54G with dd-wrt already pre-loaded on it for about $70 and I also found a Linksys WRT54G-TM for about $80 with dd-wrt preloaded. Either of these a good idea to get?

All features are the same when both are flashed with DD-WRT.

However the Buffalo WHR-HP-54G is by far better, its Wireless performance leaves the WRT54G far behind.

As for he price, the most inexpensive reasonable DD-WRT capable is this.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16833320023

For $10 more the WHR-HP-54G is a very good deal.

HP=High Power RF output, i.e., better Wireless.

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...7417&prodlist=celebros

Little cheaper than newegg.

And the Asus WL-520GU has 4 port 10/100, no gig-e

I have 4 of them on my desk at work and 3 more on the way.
The 4 I have on my desk are loaded with Tomato firmware 24SP1, 2 of the 3 that are on their way will be loaded the same, and 1 of the 3 I may keep dd-wrt.