Wireless Router recommendations, please
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488
axiomite
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OP
axiomite
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,488 |
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
Posts: 436 |
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
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 18,044 |
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
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,467 |
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
Joined: Jul 2004
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
Posts: 8,488 |
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
Posts: 6,331 |
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
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,467 |
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
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,339 |
WRT54GS here with no problems!
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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
Posts: 436 |
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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