Wireless Router Recommenations?

[Jhavna]

I am currently using a Netgear DG834G router/modem
It has full wireless connectivity and 4 network connectors for cabled connections. It has a built in firewall to filer incoming traffic, and logs etc.

I hear though that the Linksys routers are really good, but I haven't had the pleasure to try one... yet.

have a look here too:
http://www.firewallguide.com/wireless.htm

But from what I've seen and heard, Netgear or Linksys are the better ones

[Tarrbot]

I've dealt with a lot of wireless products within the last year. The very very odd thing is that I've seen more Linksys wireless routers flake out during that time than I care to count.

This is likely some anecdotal statement but take from it what you will. I'd personally stay away from Linksys.

[singularity2006]

Originally posted by Tarrbot
I've dealt with a lot of wireless products within the last year. The very very odd thing is that I've seen more Linksys wireless routers flake out during that time than I care to count.

This is likely some anecdotal statement but take from it what you will. I'd personally stay away from Linksys.

I whole heartedly agree... sucky pieces of work. They look great, but they don't perform. I would rather spend the cash to get the Netgear router. It's pricey, but this is the one I would really really really want to get:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=33-122-030&depa=5

Of all the features I would need in a network, this has them all. The dual band capabilities make it even more desirable, that way I don't need to upgrade all existing components.

But in terms of the slightly more cost effective but solid performance as well, I would highly recommend the SMC routers (though their support team is kind of slow). Here is one in particular that I would suggest (I don't remember the MSRP but I think this one might be as expensive as the above Netgear one. Their earlier models are much cheaper):

http://www.smc.com/index.cfm?action=products_show_description&productCode=SMC2304WBR-AG.

Also dual band and also fully functional with most of the Netgear functions.

[Valkyrien]

Thanks guys, I was already leaning towards Netgear based on what I'd seen on NewEgg, and this clinches it;)

[toonscribe]

Our SMC Barricade shares great, but was bought before the advent of 802.11g routers, so we had to buy a separate wireless router. I am not on a wireless connection, so I won't go any further into that.


However, I just wanted to point out that if you are interested in streaming music, you might want to check out Apple's new offering. It's affordable and seems to have potential in the 'digital home' market. As far as your current computer, look into the free wireless dongles at eCost.com.

[singularity2006]

Originally posted by Valkyrien
Thanks guys, I was already leaning towards Netgear based on what I'd seen on NewEgg, and this clinches it;)

Netgear is definitely a solid choice. U can't go wrong w/ it. The entire campus of the high school I work at runs over a thousand machines and everything is networked via Netgear products. :thumbsup:

The greatest thing I think about these Netgear boxes is that the high end ones are built out of solid steel. U can't bust'm, truly. The lower end consumer models are fragile looking weird round things. But the power grade pieces are nice, square (just the way I like them), straight forward, and strong enough to be used as a weapon. ^^

[Tarrbot]

singularity2006, the old Netgear equipment was all made this way. I have a "lower end" Netgear router and switch that are steel boxes. This is one of the reasons I bought them.

I may end up buying a new one (the wimply round ones), removing the internals and putting them into the old case. I don't like the new "look" of them. :shrug:

[log0n]

I've got a Belkin I'm pretty happy with. Seems to have a stronger than usual transceiver(?) than other wifi routers I've used (Airport and some Cisco AP thing )

[ThePrintMaster]

:buttrock:

http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/

:drool:

[singularity2006]

Originally posted by ThePrintMaster
:buttrock:

http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/

:drool:

That guy looks like ethernet over powerline. Eh, I'm not into shiny looking hardware. Makes me afraid to rough it up when I'm trying to wire stuff around. =)

[singularity2006]

Originally posted by Tarrbot
singularity2006, the old Netgear equipment was all made this way. I have a "lower end" Netgear router and switch that are steel boxes. This is one of the reasons I bought them.

I may end up buying a new one (the wimply round ones), removing the internals and putting them into the old case. I don't like the new "look" of them. :shrug:

Indeed... the consumer versions of Netgear's products look so wimpy! I wish I could afford one of them "new ones" that look like the "old ones" lol. I want that dual band router that I posted a link for way up above. That's a great great looking piece of equipment.

Btw, have you successfully gutted the internals of a router like that before and swapped the boxes?

[ThePrintMaster]

Originally posted by singularity2006
That guy looks like ethernet over powerline. Eh, I'm not into shiny looking hardware. Makes me afraid to rough it up when I'm trying to wire stuff around. =)

if its made of the same plastic that apple uses in their other products...ie ibook and airport base station...youll have a tough time messing it up to the point where it looks bad

[Tarrbot]

singularity2006 asks:Btw, have you successfully gutted the internals of a router like that before and swapped the boxes?
Gutted a router? No. But I've had this one apart a few times just looking at it. (Yes, I'm a bit obsessive with electronic components)

Additionally, I'm in the middle of an O2 gutting with a P4 installed into the shell. This took a large amount of work with packing a ton of stuff into a small area. Also, I solder a lot at work (I'm FAA certified in soldering which means I used to build circuits for aircraft).

Am I worried about a relatively easy swapout of a router?

No. :)

[singularity2006]

Originally posted by Tarrbot
singularity2006 asks:
Gutted a router? No. But I've had this one apart a few times just looking at it. (Yes, I'm a bit obsessive with electronic components)

Additionally, I'm in the middle of an O2 gutting with a P4 installed into the shell. This took a large amount of work with packing a ton of stuff into a small area. Also, I solder a lot at work (I'm FAA certified in soldering which means I used to build circuits for aircraft).

Am I worried about a relatively easy swapout of a router?

No. :)

hahahaha, scor3!!! :thumbsup:

[Valkyrien]

hehe Own3d:p

and everything is falling into place, I'll be going out to get the router once I get back from vacation:)

[Valkyrien]

router (WGT624) and card (WG311 v2) have arrived, and network seems to be operational (though I can't be sure, as the cable won't be in until tuesday, and I need to rebuild the computer that's using the wireless (it doesn't seem to be working properly, but that system is so full of bugs that I don't put much faith in its assesments of things;)) thanks again all!

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