Author Topic: Routers (Read 260 times)

Hoarach · « **on:** January 07, 2008, 08:57:10 PM »

What would you recommend?

I assume wired are better but how are wireless?

What brand would you recommend?

I dont really want to spend more than $60.

Fulmar · « **Reply #1 on:** January 07, 2008, 11:02:25 PM »

Do you have a need for wireless? As in, do you have plans or do you actually own a laptop. Or do you want your desktop to have a wireless card and save on cable?

For the $60 and less market, I think it's all about the same. I've had love hate relationships with all major brands in the 'cheaper' market range. You'll have one guy say "I've never had problems with X brand, but hate Y." And then you get the opposite guy.

llama · « **Reply #2 on:** January 07, 2008, 11:28:03 PM »

Well, if you don't need wireless, then there are lots of models under $60 that are just fine and dandy. I've had good luck with 3com, linksys, and belkin.

If you can go to $80, then I'd recommend a Linksys WRT54GL (note the last L) and then replace the factory firmware with the much more powerful and flexible DDWRT firmware, available from http://www.dd-wrt.com/. Newegg has them. The replacement firmware lets that router do things that normally cost a good $250 or so.

-Llama

Tarmac · « **Reply #3 on:** January 07, 2008, 11:51:38 PM »

I've set up two wired/wireless home networks on Linksys WRT54GS's and been very happy with them. They were simple to set up for a networking noob like me, but as I learned more about them they could do the more advanced stuff too. I'd recommend them.

DREDIOCK · « **Reply #4 on:** January 08, 2008, 12:17:04 AM »

Linksys

Hands down

wabbit · « **Reply #5 on:** January 08, 2008, 01:20:56 PM »

If I had to, Linksys would be my choice. However, I'm currently running a wired network, and won't switch over until the 'N' standard has been approved for by the standard's committee, (which should happen soon if it hasn't already), and the companies, start releasing FULL 'N' standard wireless routers, and not 'N Draft' ones.

They say the draft ones can be updated, but I'm not getting that trusting feeling from the router companies, myself.

Make sure that if you do get a wireless router, use WPA for your security and don't count on WEP as it's easily compromised.

Wabbit

Hoarach · « **Reply #6 on:** January 08, 2008, 03:57:58 PM »

So its sounds like the wired network is a better idea.

I dont think I would be able to use a wireless as I want to setup my PS3 with a network. I will be getting a laptop in a few days through the mail.

It doesnt really matter to me if its wired or wireless because I just send wires through the wall.

The real question I have is how reliable is wireless? I have heard many complaints about packet loss.

But it seems people really recommend Lynksys so that is probably what I will go with, Im just deciding between wired and wireless.

My gaming notebook coming in on paper seems that it is better than my desktop so my notebook might become what I play AH with the family using the desktop.

This is what is coming in....http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/Xplorer_X64-9510_Notebook/

DREDIOCK · « **Reply #7 on:** January 08, 2008, 06:38:42 PM »

Well you can always just get a wireless and have the option of doing either.
As most wireless routers also have ethernet jacks as well.

I have a wired/wireless in my house but myself personally I prefer Wired and have almost every room in my house cept my daughters room set up with an ethernet jack in the wall.

By going wired its just one less thing to worry about security wise.

But thats just my non expert opinion