Recommendations for Router

[Puma44]

I have never had a router and am considering one so Momma can surf while I'm roaming the AH skies.  I would appreciate any inputs, ideas, and pitfalls for the first time "router noob".  Thanks in advance!   

[uptown]

I have a cheap Linksys router from Walmart. I think it was like 60 bucks. I have 3 computers and 2 Xboxes with a wired connection and it works just fine.

[bbosen]

Welcome to the world of NAT Routers! You will probably get some real benefits from this decision, but it will change a few things.

First and most obviously, you'll be able to connect 2 computers to your single Internet Address thru your ISP. It's clear that you anticipated this.

Secondly, you'll get some additional "firewall" protection, because that NAT router will disregard any incoming activity that you haven't specifically requested from one of your connected computers.

Less obvious: if you are running any kind of internet services (Web site, ftp site, file sharing, or game hosting), your life will get more complicated due to the need for "Port Forwarding". As it turns out, the firewall protection advantage to which I referred above really means that the powerful Internet connection that your PC has heretofore enjoyed will be weakened a bit. This doesn't hurt most folks, and in 99% of cases even if it does set you back a bit you can compensate with Port Forwarding or VPN technology. Odds are you'll be fine.

You can learn all of the ins and outs and pros and cons and inner workings of NAT by following these links from my AskMisterWizard.com web site:

http://www.askmisterwizard.com/EZINE/NAT/Nat.htm
http://www.askmisterwizard.com/EZINE/GameServers.htm


Regards,

[RTHolmes]

I'd recommend Netgear for domestic routers, I'm running a few DG834s for my family. If you want something beefier for business, Draytek stuff is great too

[BoilerDown]

I don't have enough knowledge to make any good recommendations other than the fact that I've been using this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833127060 for years without issues.  In the past I've considered replacing it with a Smoothwall but I decided that would be a waste of electricity.

[gyrene81]

Netgear is no better than D-link, Kensington or Buffalo equipment...economy stuff for the uninformed consumer who sees it in Walmart or BestBuy ads.

Not knowing your level of expertise with simple networking you are going to want something that is user friendly, secure and economical. For ease of use and economy D-link products are good, but not as secure as they could be...high school script kiddy can hack one. Netgear is more secure but the admin interface can sometimes be difficult to navigate. Linksys has the most reliable and secure home networking routers if you buy the ones in the top tier of their line...but they are not easy to setup if you want security.

This Netgear is pretty decent
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833122334

This Linksys is very good
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833124386

[TequilaChaser]

as RTHolmes recommended, I would recommend either D-Link or NetGear.......

I used D-Link for many years....... ( left it with my X-wife ) so now am currently using NetGear ( was already in use where I live now )

just do some research of reviews ( tomshardware website,  CNet website, newegg customer reviews <---be very careful reading newegg though )


I had issues with Linksys and Belkin..... they became paper weights   ( they would drop in and out continously )

best of luck to ya.....

nice post bbosen.......( links to helpful info )

edit: as gyrene posted, the cheaper economy type routers, I would shy away from regardless of brand/make.........

[Tigger29]

I've been using this the last couple of years with ZERO problems:

http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=DIR-615

I got it on clearance at Office Depot back then so it might not be available anymore, but if you can find it I highly recommend it.

Before I was using a linksys el-cheapo I got from tigerdirect refurbished for like $20.  It worked ok, but it seemed like once or twice a week I had to reboot it... and it was VERY touchy as far as interference.  I had to keep moving it around to maintain decent wireless reception.  Also, once in awhile if another computer logged in (even wired) it would boot the internet connection of other random computers.  The ex- took it when she left LOL good riddance!

The dlink I use now has never had those problems... never had ANY problems actually!

EDIT:  Here it is at newegg for $39.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833127241&Tpk=dir-615

[Puma44]

Thanks much for the input and ideas, guys!  I've got exactly" NO" experience  with routers or networking.  Our setup will primarily consist of one desktop, Momma's laptop, my laptop, and availability for visitors.  So, any more ideas or "how to do it" suggestions are very much appreciated.  Please keep 'em coming.   

[gyrene81]

Thanks much for the input and ideas, guys!  I've got exactly" NO" experience  with routers or networking.  Our setup will primarily consist of one desktop, Momma's laptop, my laptop, and availability for visitors.  So, any more ideas or "how to do it" suggestions are very much appreciated.  Please keep 'em coming.   

Now that is the nice thing about the more expensive ~$100 Linksys N series routers...a couple of them have the ability to add secure "public access" that is separate from your home network. If you can find that on a less expensive and easier to use router with WPA and WPA2 security encryption...grab it.

[Dragon]

Mine:



Might not help connect to the internet, but you can use to to make a nice table to put the computer on.

[BaldEagl]

I've got a Linksys wirelsss router that's been running for years.  I've got two computers and a network printer wired to it and my laptop connects wirelessly from the other end of the house.  It wasn't hard to set up.

[Ack-Ack]

I've been using a D0Link DGL-4300 Wireless 108G router for a few years now without any issues whatsoever.  It replaced a Linksys router that kept dropping in and out.


ack-ack

[SIK1]

Using a D-Link DGL-4100 for a few years now without any issues.

[Ghosth]

I've got a 10 yr old Linksys that has never given me any problems.