What's a good 4-5 port router?

[StattlichPassat]

I've heard to stay away from Linksys, and I'm a D-Link fan. What should I get? It's for a cable modem and 4 computers.

 

[Hossenfeffer]

Personally I've had zero trouble with Linksys schtuff, but....

Try this site for a list of reviews and such.

 

[StattlichPassat]

Ooh, thanks man. I'll keep looking at the Linksys schtuff too.

 

[Rallispec]

one vote fore d-link

i have a d-link wireless router/gateway and have had no problems with it

 

[StattlichPassat]

Yay! That's where I'm leaning myself, but not wireless. I've had flawless luck with all D-Link products over the past few years.

 

[Tallgeese]

Me like-um SMC...

 

[cipher00]

For entry level stuff, common wisdom is that they're all about the same. I'm with TallGeese about SMC; I really like their stuff - mainly because the documentation is great, and tech support is about what you expect (nearly absent). For extra $, some here would opt for Cisco. Whatever.

 

[dbwillis]

Ive had zero problems in the few years Ive been setting up the Linksys routers.

 

[JackMDS]

You will find complains about every Entry level Cable/DSL.

To my estimate it comes from:

1. People trying to do things that the Router was not design to do.

2. People who don't know the issues that they are dealing with.

3. An "honest" bad production unit.

The main difference between the Entry level Cable/DSL Routers is the number, and the range of ports that can be open through the Hardware Firewall.

If you are a gamer, and or use applications that need ports opening, that is an issue you have to look at.

The link here includes info. About most Cable/DSL Routers.

Big List of Routers.

Take into consideration that most brands update every few month the Firmware, (thus upgrading ports capacity etc.) The best thing to do is to narrow the search to few Routers, and then look at the actual Data sheet of the Router logging to the manufacturer site.

Like TG, I use, and like the SMC Routers (I am not an on-line gamer).

Otherwise by the cheapest that you can get.

 

[StattlichPassat]

Well, I just need a fairly basic router that will support a cable modem and 4 computers. I'm actually networking a sorority house later this month (sha-wing!) with this stuff, and I doubt they'll be doing any gaming. They just want a fast cable connection split between the 4 girls in the house. I will be using Linksys NICs if they don't have them already, and will be making my own cable (Cat5). As far as the firewall goes, would it be more cost effective to just run ZoneAlarm on each machine instead of paying more for a router with a hardware-based firewall, or do most routers come with those already?

 

[Sukhoi]

I like my Netgear RT314, though it's getting kind of hard to find.

 

[CubicZirconia]

My vote is for linksys.