Which Router To Get?

[sep]

One of the questions we'll face more than once in our life times.

My recommendation is for the Netgear products. Require tight security/near business use then get the Pro Safe Models. The standard Wired or Wireless offer some good options as well (SPI, DoS, Content Filtering, etc.). I think you can get the RP614 for around $40 online, look around. This way if you have problems, you can go buy another without dropping too much money. I called SMC and Netgear before and was able to talk to knowledgable people.

I think most of all the manufactures have good products. The industry just doesn't have a way to deal with lemons !

vladik007 mentioned dslreports. This site is great for digging up some information about the products and support. I even think reps visit the forums often to answer questions.

FYI...My History:
-SMC Barricade was okay for it's time. Still use it as my home print server on the network.
-Netgear 614 54G Router (with MSN 54g Adapter & Netgear USB Adapter). Over a year and running strong. As it stands now I wouldn't go with any other Manufacture. I'll sell you mine so I can get the latest WGT624 for the Wireless Range it offers!

-JC

 

[lucky9]

networks cards can make a difference bigger than they should be able to. very hard to track down....the first time.

my needs are simple and an NR041 Linksys does what i need.

i had trouble with others i thought and it turned out to be some weird thing with the network card. i believe a reinstall would have served the same purpose as i now believe there was a software/hardware incompatibility responsible for my dropped connections that made me return the other units.

right, they can't afford to have very many lemons with routers. just buy one with the features you want/need/might want in the near future, and you're good to go.

 

[Rigelbowen]

I recently bought a Micrsoft MN-500 wireless router + 4-Port Switch. I have not had 1 issue with since I set it up. I am running: 1 Dell Optiplex GX110 PIII 600, 1 iBook 800, and 1 Xbox with Xbox Live. I have been able to share files, internet, print, the works. I know most of you hate Microsoft but after the disaster I have had with Linksys and Belkin I had no other choice.

 

[JackMDS]

Microsoft Network Hardware is usually a little behind in the state of the Arts amenities (like they do not have super G), and a little more expensive then the other.

However the Quality of the Hardware is much better, and the Customer Support is much better. For a lot of people (and rightfully so) that counts more.