Wireless Router recommendations, please
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488
axiomite
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OP
axiomite
Joined: Jun 2003
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Dear Friends, I had been using a D-Link router successfully (don't remember the number - maybe a 614) for a couple years. It stopped behaving recently (on all fronts), so I re-employed the old Netgear (non-wireless) unit it had replaced. Having consequently restored internet access to the main computer (it's wired), I'm clear for a few days. However, I have two older machines that I do like to use that require wireless 802.11/b access (not G). Having to Sneakernet files off the laptop is beginning to harsh my mellow. I am disinclined to reward D-Link with additional business, so am pursuing Belkin, Netgear and Linksys. I have become confused. I understand that "modern" g routers are backward compatible, but their effectiveness at communicating with b devices seems to vary according to reviews I've seen. In addition, I was recently seduced by the notion that this Netgear seems to include a USB port, which would seemingly enable me to easily connect an external USB drive without having a dedicated file server (and the associated network configuration issues of which I am aware but not expert). My wife's computer probably needs a new and/or bigger hard disk anyway (since I've filled it up with pictures and music), so putting the shared multimedia somewhere else makes some sense. I think if I slick and reinstall the OS on the existing drive, I might be okay. We don't game. The connectivity is for stupid stuff like transferring files and browsing only. There are three devices hard-wired (two desktops and a printer) and two wireless (kids computer and laptop). At any given time, only two of them would be concurrent, probably. Cost is always an issue. I don't do this for a living. Thanks very much for your always sage advice.
bibere usque ad hilaritatem
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Re: Wireless Router recommendations, please
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 436
devotee
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devotee
Joined: Jan 2006
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That netgear router that you link to is pretty good (I don't have it but I have a few friends that have it and they say it works great). I personally have an old Linksys WRT54G which I love since it allows me to tinker with it since it runs Linux.
I don't think that it matters that much which kind you get if you're only gonna use it for casual 802.11b connectivity.
As a matter of fact most of the problems come when you have both g and b devices connecting at the same time; in which case the g devices tend to slow down considerably. Now there are some routers that do a better job and where the performance hit isn't as great. Bottom line if all your wireless devices are b then it won't really matter and any g router will work fine. It's more a question of cost/taste/features and I'm sure somebody will chime in and recommend some models.
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Re: Wireless Router recommendations, please
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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I would go with a WRT54G as well. Netgear has had some interesting problems with compatibility, and Belkin I wouldn't trust to make more than cables and KVMs. Even then... D-Link I wouldn't trust to make a paper airplane if given the instructions, materials, and about 2 weeks. Worst wireless router I have ever used. Sent it back (finally) for warranty replacement. Got a new one. Had the same problems. Threw it in the trash, bought the Linksys, and haven't looked back. At least the Linksys only needs rebooting once a month or so....
I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
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Re: Wireless Router recommendations, please
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,467
connoisseur
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connoisseur
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I've installed a few wireless setups in people's homes, and I always get them 1 router, the WRT54G. Rock solid. I use it at home, it's great, keeps the connection up if it gets disconnected, wireless security options are amazing, can't go wrong! Yea, I have my wireless network so locked down with that thing...WPA-TKIP encryption, the SSID is hidden, I have a MAC address filter, and I only let 4 network users on at a time. No one is getting on to my network
M22s|VP100|QS4s|HSU STF2
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Re: Wireless Router recommendations, please
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 828
aficionado
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aficionado
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Posts: 828 |
WRT54GS set-up and used many of them best of the bunch
------------------------------------------------ Leave the gun, Take the canolis.
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Re: Wireless Router recommendations, please
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488
axiomite
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OP
axiomite
Joined: Jun 2003
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Excellent recommendations, guys. Thanks so much. I knew I could count on you!
That model definitely was on my radar. There was a CNET review that expressed some concern over compatibility with .b devices.
Is there a reason why I would NOT get the GS model? It seems slightly more robust and is basically the same price now.
Thanks again. Much appreciated!
bibere usque ad hilaritatem
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Re: Wireless Router recommendations, please
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,331
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Dec 2003
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I have been using a Linksys routers for years, and was going to recommend it. But, it's been so long since I've even looked at it, I couldn't remember the model number. So, I got down on my knees with my flashlight, and YUP! WRT54G. Been performing beautifully and never turned off.
Jack
"People generally quarrel because they cannot argue." - G. K. Chesterton
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Re: Wireless Router recommendations, please
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,467
connoisseur
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connoisseur
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Tom, I actually prefer the WRT54G over the WRT54GS. I think I liked the firmware better on the WRT54G model. I actually think linksys is replacing the WRT54GS with WRT54GL, just looked on their website.
Either way, you aren't going to see much of a difference, find the one that saves you more money.
M22s|VP100|QS4s|HSU STF2
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Re: Wireless Router recommendations, please
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,339
connoisseur
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connoisseur
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WRT54GS here with no problems!
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Re: Wireless Router recommendations, please
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Joined: Jan 2006
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devotee
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devotee
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There isn't much difference between the two unless you want to mess around with the firmware. The WRT54G is better if you want to tweak its Linux OS and add a lot of nifty features. But beyond that they're pretty much the same.
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Re: Wireless Router recommendations, please
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 973
aficionado
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aficionado
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I also have the WRT54G (on a recommendation from Ken if i recall correctly - thanks for that BTW) and it's been ticking along perfectly for more than a year and a half now.
"Chickens don't clap."
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Re: Wireless Router recommendations, please
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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Heh... after recommending it so much, I seem to be the only one who has to reboot the thing periodically... sigh.
I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
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Re: Wireless Router recommendations, please
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Joined: Jan 2005
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connoisseur
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connoisseur
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Could it be a provider connection issue ? Over the years we have used D-Link,Netgear,Linksys and now using 2Wire, and only needed to reboot a few times after SBC killed the connection. Once they replaced the bad router at Sacramento, have not needed a reboot in over 2 years now. Maybe you are just the lucky one to get to do that Ken.
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Re: Wireless Router recommendations, please
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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Quite possibly. I do generally restart both the router and the DSL modem. Of course, restarting the router by itself usually does the trick.
What I want them to do is upgrade the wiring in my neighborhood so I can get 6 MBit DSL, but that just ain't happening.
I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
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Re: Wireless Router recommendations, please
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,859
connoisseur
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connoisseur
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Just to confuse the issue more, I use an SMC one that I got a couple of years back. I did have one issue with it locking up from time to time, especially when transferring lots of data, however I called them up and they had a firmware update (which was newer then what the latest on the website was) which resolved the issue.
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Re: Wireless Router recommendations, please
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Joined: Dec 2003
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connoisseur
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GNet IP104 here... and just run wires. No hassle. Bren R.
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Re: Wireless Router recommendations, please
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Joined: Oct 2005
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aficionado
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aficionado
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I'll second, or third, or 15th the WRT54G recommendation.
"That's some catch, that Catch-22." "It's the best there is."
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Re: Wireless Router recommendations, please
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Joined: Feb 2004
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connoisseur
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connoisseur
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First off, I don't think its a huge deal these days. Everything seems to be fairly plug n play. That said typically I have liked D-Link over Linksys in the past but the last few Linksys products I've worked with seemed fine so I go back to my org statement, it doesn't really matter. My experiences being work related (I do IT work for a living) and at home.
Things like this I just buy whats cheapest anymore. I've even gone with some no name brand NICs and such with good results. With wireless capable routers being sold for 20 bucks I think its a no lose situation.
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Re: Wireless Router recommendations, please
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 16,441
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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One reason to go with Linksys, especially the WRT54G, is that you can easily hack it to be a full-featured router. Some simple instructions here.
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Re: Wireless Router recommendations, please
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488
axiomite
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OP
axiomite
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Thanks again, guys. I really do appreciate your help and validation. I went ahead and got the WRT54G from newegg - $55 minus a $15 rebate with free shipping. Unfortunately, I understand that Linksys made a significant change to the G and GS routers a couple of versions ago, so that now they are not nearly as hackable. Probably not an issue for me. From the link posted by Peter Quote:
If you're buying new go for the WRT54GL... If you are looking to save some money, try to find a WRT54G used. You'll need one of the older versions, as the newest one is incompatible with most alternative firmwares...
I had seen this concept mentioned in a couple of different places.
Now, anybody have an opinion on FreeNAS or NASLite? I've got an old PIII 700 that might extend its life serving files.
bibere usque ad hilaritatem
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Re: Wireless Router recommendations, please
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 16,441
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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FreeNAS seems to be worth the price. Might as well give it a shot, eh?
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Re: Wireless Router recommendations, please
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Joined: Dec 2003
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axiomite
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axiomite
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Who is NAS, and why do we want to free him?
Jack
"People generally quarrel because they cannot argue." - G. K. Chesterton
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Re: Wireless Router recommendations, please
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 16,441
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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NAS = Network Attached Storage. It's a buzzword describing network-accessible file storage, as opposed to directly-attached.
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Re: Wireless Router recommendations, please
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Joined: Feb 2004
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connoisseur
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connoisseur
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I ahve such a hard time not utilizing old hardware, feels like such a waste to get rid of it.
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