Which wireless router do you recommend?

lpstudio · Post by **lpstudio** » Sun Apr 25, 2004 1:18 pm

My wife just purchased a laptop with 802.11g and we are now looking for a router. I currently have a linksys befsr41 and am happy with it but we need wireless now. I was considering the netgear, D-link or linksys in the 54 g format any ideas??

Joint Chiefs of Staff · Sun Apr 25, 2004 3:54 pm

lpstudio wrote:My wife just purchased a laptop with 802.11g and we are now looking for a router. I currently have a linksys befsr41 and am happy with it but we need wireless now. I was considering the netgear, D-link or linksys in the 54 g format any ideas??

Either the Linksys WRT54G or the WRT54GS.

http://www.linksys.com/products/product ... 5&prid=601

http://www.linksys.com/products/product ... 5&prid=610

I have the WRT54GS...performs exceptionally well, even during on-line gaming.

Joint Chiefs of Staff · Sun Apr 25, 2004 3:55 pm

Oh yeah...

Welcome to SpeedGuide!

lpstudio · Post by **lpstudio** » Sun Apr 25, 2004 4:45 pm

thanks that is the one that is hackable as well I think what kind of indor range do you get btw

Falcon Capt · Post by **Falcon Capt** » Sun Apr 25, 2004 5:20 pm

I HIGHLY recommend the Motorola WR850G Wireless Router... I have been using one for several months and it works great... Plenty of features as well as some features that are only found in higher end routers (such as WDS Mode)... You can buy it on Amazon for $79... Also Radio Shack and Best Buy Online carry them. If you need Wireless Cards either the WN825G (Laptop wireless card) or the WPCI810G (desktop wireless card) will do the trick!

lpstudio · Post by **lpstudio** » Sun Apr 25, 2004 5:32 pm

keep em comming this is what I want as many ideas as possible. There are alot of good one out there now I was a huge linksys fan but I want to keep all posibillities open

JackMDS · Post by **JackMDS** » Sun Apr 25, 2004 8:56 pm

Link to: 802.11a/b/g SOHO Routers & Access Points: Performance.

g-c0de · Post by **g-c0de** » Mon Apr 26, 2004 3:23 am

U.S. Robotics 802.11g Wireless Turbo Router model USR8054

I haven't had any problems with it yet, configured it once and a couple of months later it hasn't even rebooted. Range is good. Thoughput is good as well (able to achieve up to 100Mbp if WAP is enabled). Just waiting for USR to release WPA

(they say it's going to be released soon)

IMHO it's a solid wireless router.

Ghosthunter · Post by **Ghosthunter** » Tue Apr 27, 2004 10:49 am

I have found for some reason some people have better luck with some routers while others dont.

I believe it has to do with the way your house is and how certain models react.

Many people swear up and down about the linksys, but the linksys always gives me less range then my netgear, and I never get dropped.

Joint Chiefs of Staff · Thu Apr 29, 2004 7:25 am

lpstudio wrote:thanks that is the one that is hackable as well I think what kind of indoor range do you get btw

3 story house including the basement. Full signal strength in every corner with all doors and windows closed. Trust me...I tested it out.

bitequator · Post by **bitequator** » Thu Apr 29, 2004 11:01 pm

PC Mag's May 18 issue also has their latest roundup of 19 g and a/g routers, some great info there (read their testing, for example Atheros Super G mode supposedly finicky with their rotating turntable setup):

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1579457,00.asp

I wish they tested more models though like Netgear's FWG114P, or D-Link's DI-824VUP, or Linksys's WRV54G which does not have the new SpeedBooster/Afterburner. Also I think they made a mistake listing Netgear "WGR624" because Netgear only lists WGR614 and WGT624 models -- but I can't tell which one since the article shows the WGR614's photo but the WGT624's price!

bitequator · Post by **bitequator** » Thu Apr 29, 2004 11:07 pm

I'm also looking for a new home router, preferrably with integrated WAP if I don't have to compromise on features. But $500+ small-business routers like SonicWall are overkill

Anyways I'd prefer dual-band a/g (since a family member's T40 laptop only has dual a/b wireless), but willing to settle for g-only.

I can't decide between Netgear's FWAG114 and FWG114P though, can someone help? Both are wireless firewall routers with 2-tunnel VPN endpoint support. The FWAG114 is dual-band but the FWG114P has more features. Below is a copy of my email to them:

Hi, I would like to purchase a version of the FWG114P 802.11g firewall VPN
router, but with dual-band 802.11a/g support. Do you know if such a model
will be available?

The dual-band FWAG114 model seems similar, but with some disadvantages:

FWG114P:
- 802.11g (only 54Mbps?)
- serial port (dial-up failover & RAS)
- USB print server
- 55.9 Mbps WAN-to-LAN throughput

FWAG114:
- 802.11a/g ("a" Atheros 108Mbps turbo, "g" only 54Mbps?)
- no serial port
- no print server
- 20+ Mbps WAN-to-LAN throughput

Can you tell me if either of these two models support any 802.11g turbo speeds? And are there other differences between them (which one is
newer)?

bitequator · Post by **bitequator** » Thu Apr 29, 2004 11:45 pm

Here's a brief comparison I made in progress. Prices fluctuate so search PriceGrabber (or buy bundled kits). I didn't include many lower-end models.

Corrections and more info really appreciated (ex. multi-NAT), especially where I have question marks!

Code: Select all

ROUTERS & WIRELESS (April 29, 2004)
===================================
Common: SPI firewall, Buy.com prices (free shipping)
 
Features TBD:
multiple mapped IPs (multi-NAT), DNS proxy,
parental control/content filtering,
DDNS, time sync, game/app profiles, etc

Linksys:
--------
- WRT55AG: 4p WiFi-A+G ($250)
- WRV54G:  4p WiFi-G 50-VPN ($180)
- WRT54GS: 4p WiFi-G+, enhanced parental control ($100)
 
- RV082:   8p 50-VPN, dual-WAN (Cisco) ($268)
- BEFVP41: 4p 50-VPN, weak firewall? ($100)
- BEFSX41: 4p 2-VPN ($60)

NetGear:
--------
* FWAG114: 4p WiFi-108A+G 2-VPN, 20Mbps+ WAN ($274)
* FWG114P: 4p WiFi-G 2-VPN, USB printserver, DB9 backup, 56Mbps WAN ($170)
- WGT634U: 4p WiFi-108G, NAS-capable (Amazon $145 + S/H)
 
- FVL328:  8p 100-VPN, 50Mbps+ WAN ($328 w/ 3 NICs)
- FVS328:  8p 50-VPN, DB9 backup, 50Mbps+ WAN ($182)
- FVS318:  8p 8-VPN ($127 - $10)

D-Link:
-------
- DI-784:   4p WiFi-108A+108G ($148)
- DI-824VUP:4p WiFi-G 40-VPN, USB/1284 printserver, DB9 backup? ($152)
 
- DFL-300:  1p+DMZ ?-VPN, traffic-monitoring, multi-NAT, many features, 100Mbps WAN ($355)
- DFL-80:   4p+DMZ ?-VPN, traffic-monitoring, multi-NAT ($210)
- DI-804HV/DI-808HV: 4/8p 40-VPN, DB9 backup? ($57/$91)

SMC:
----
 
ZyXEL:
------
* Prestige 334(W): 4p ?-VPN, 100Mbps WAN, (WiFi-G) ($73/_ + S/H)
 
- ZyWALL 30W:	   1p 30-VPN, DB9 backup ($358 + S/H)
- ZyWALL 10(II/W): 1p 10-VPN, DB9 backup, 20Mbps WAN ($251/$273)
- ZyWALL 2X(W):	   4p 2-VPN, DB9 backup, (WiFi-B) ($143/$222)
 
===============================================================================
DESKTOP GIGABIT SWITCHES (April 29, 2004)
=========================================
Common: rear ports, Buy.com prices (free shipping)
 
Linksys:
--------
* SD2005/SD2008: 5/8p, rear ports, compact, lifetime (Cisco) ($95/$154)
- EG005W/EG008W: 5/8p, rear ports, stackable, 2-yr ($106/$162)
 
D-Link:
-------
- DGS-1005D/DGS-1008D: 5/8p, rear ports, diff sizes, 5-yr ($74/$147)

Post by **YeOldeStonecat** » Fri Apr 30, 2004 8:13 am

[quote="bitequator"] Anyways I'd prefer dual-band a/g (since a family member's T40 laptop only has dual a/b wireless), but willing to settle for g-only.
QUOTE]

Well, you don't have to "settle for G-only"..since G will be compatible with B...it will allow B NICs to use it...work on the same band, so a G router or access point will allow that T40 on if the T40 has an A, B, or A/B NIC.

bitequator · Post by **bitequator** » Fri Apr 30, 2004 10:07 am

Thanks, that's why I'm willing to settle for a g-only WAP since at least the laptop will still work in slow b-mode. But preferrably I would like the laptop to be able to use the faster a-mode with the WAP.

Well, I'd prefer to be able to trade him up to the Thinkpad T41 laptop with the a/g NIC

P.S. As to an ealier question, anyone know if Netgear's FWAG114 and/or FWG114P can support multiple public IPs (multi-NAT)? I haven't had a chance to read their manuals yet. I've a friend also looking for new home router, and his his DSL service gave him 5 public IPs...

Anyways, I wish there is a perfect full-featured home wireless router...

phr0Ze · Post by **phr0Ze** » Tue Jun 01, 2004 1:58 pm

Get the WRT54G or GS from linksys. The GS is probably preferred because it has double the memory for future use.

Here is some reading. All the other router reviews don't count if they didn't compare it with a WRT54G with SVEASOFT firmware.

http://www.pbs.org/cringely/pulpit/pulpit20040527.html

Blisster · Post by **Blisster** » Wed Jun 02, 2004 12:20 pm

I have a D-Link DI-624 AirPlus Extreme G router that I have had no issues whatsoever with. It has great range (in my 100 year old house with lead-painted walls) and the administration interface is very simple to use.

Blisster · Post by **Blisster** » Wed Jun 02, 2004 12:55 pm

pR0sp3ct · Post by **pR0sp3ct** » Wed Jun 02, 2004 1:00 pm

[CENTER]First, you need to know about 802.11g (aka Wireless-G),[/CENTER]

which is the latest version of Wi-Fi. Like its 11Mbps 802.11b predecessor,

Wireless-G operates in the 2.4GHz band and is therefore backward compatible with 802.11b products. However,

Wireless-G runs at 54Mbps (more like 20Mbps to 25Mbps in the real world) compared with 802.11b's 11Mbps (4Mbps to 5Mbps in the real world),

it's about five times faster

and has the bandwidth to handle large file transfers and streaming video—two tasks at which 802.11b fails miserably.

costs just $25 more than the company's 802.11b router and a whopping $75 less than the 802.11b router_________________________________________________________________
[CENTER]Linksys Wireless Digital Media Adapter[/CENTER]
[LEFT]The Linksys adapter uses 802.11b technology to accomplish this functionality, and it provides a simple interface: You use the included remote control to navigate a TV menu. The unit supports S-Video and composite video, stereo audio, and wired Ethernet if you have structured wiring. However, because it supports Wi-Fi, the Linksys adapter can work in virtually any home. [/LEFT]
_________________________________________________________________
[CENTER]D-Link DI-624 AirPlus Xtreme G[/CENTER]
[LEFT]The D-Link DI-624 combines the features of a four-port network switch, DHCP server, and advanced firewall. Owners of this wireless router have commented on both the ease of installation and ongoing reliability. The DI-624 supports WEP and WPA security and signal range up to 328 feet (100 m). D-Link boasts that their five hardware compression technologies give the DI-624 a noticeable performance advantage over competitors' products.[/LEFT]
_________________________________________________________________
[CENTER]Here is a link to some other opinions on wireless routing[/CENTER]
[CENTER]This Link <HERE> postesed on SpeedGuide.net by pR0sp3ct of [CENTER]http://www.dvd-pR0sp3ct.net[/CENTER][/CENTER]
[CENTER]

[/CENTER]

oscman50 · Post by **oscman50** » Sat Nov 20, 2004 9:36 am

g-c0de wrote:U.S. Robotics 802.11g Wireless Turbo Router model USR8054

I haven't had any problems with it yet, configured it once and a couple of months later it hasn't even rebooted. Range is good. Thoughput is good as well (able to achieve up to 100Mbp if WAP is enabled). Just waiting for USR to release WPA
(they say it's going to be released soon)

IMHO it's a solid wireless router.

G-code,

Have a question on USR router. I have a 8054 and was wondering the lites on the router for Power and Status on mine are orange, does that mean that I'm not receiving 100mb thruput? Running 1 wireless net card in another room and have 2 generic net cards wired to other computers to the router. any thoughts?

Sgt_Strider · Post by **Sgt_Strider** » Tue Dec 07, 2004 6:40 am

Joint Chiefs of Staff wrote:3 story house including the basement. Full signal strength in every corner with all doors and windows closed. Trust me...I tested it out.

Hey Joint Chiefs of Staff, what kind of speed do you usually get with the Linksys router with speed booster? In order for the client computers to take advantage of speed booster, you need to buy a compatible network adapter right? Otherwise it'll default to regular "G" speed? Also can the router work in speedbooster mode for network adapters that can take advantage of it and work in regular "G" mode for adapters that can't and use regular "G"? What kind of firmware are you using? The official Linksys ones or a "hacked" version? If you can answer all of these questions, that would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Sgt_Strider · Post by **Sgt_Strider** » Sun Dec 12, 2004 9:05 pm

bump.

cho · Post by **cho** » Mon Dec 13, 2004 2:06 am

I don't know much about wireless routers...or routers in general

, but I don't recommend any USR wireless routers. Especially the model from this thread. They have proven to be very unrelable.

http://forums.speedguide.net/showthread.php?t=162096

although this is the same one g-c0de is using and he/she said he/she hasn't had any problems so...

nightowl · Post by **nightowl** » Wed Dec 29, 2004 10:59 am

*cho* wrote:I don't know much about wireless routers...or routers in general , but I don't recommend any USR wireless routers. Especially the model from this thread. They have proven to be very unrelable.

http://forums.speedguide.net/showthread.php?t=162096

although this is the same one g-c0de is using and he/she said he/she hasn't had any problems so...

I agree, I Have gone though 2 of those routers, both with the same problem. Kept getting random reboots. I finaly ended up getting a Netgear wireless b/g turbo router. I have had almost no problems with this router!

crazyjw1971 · Post by **crazyjw1971** » Sun Jan 30, 2005 12:58 am

Since you already have a BEFSR41, I would recommend the WAP54G...

http://www.linksys.com/products/product ... 5&prid=608

...and install the HyperWAP firmware.

http://www.hyperdrive.be/hyperwap/

I run a BEFSX41 and a WAP54G with no serious issues except a bad WPC54G PCMCIA wireless NIC. I replaced the bad NIC with a WPC54GS.