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.

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.

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'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

WRT54GS set-up and used many of them best of the bunch

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!

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.

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.

WRT54GS here with no problems!

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.

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.

Heh... after recommending it so much, I seem to be the only one who has to reboot the thing periodically... sigh.

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.

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.

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.

GNet IP104 here... and just run wires. No hassle.

Bren R.

I'll second, or third, or 15th the WRT54G recommendation.

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.

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.

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:

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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...

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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.