Thread: Looking for a new router / access point

I have had a Linksys router (BEFSX41) and a WAPG54 Access point for quite sometime, and I am now routinely having to go down to the basement to reset the router, a few times per week. I finally have a new Wireless-N laptop, and was thinking about upgrading.

Ideally I would like a router (with at least 4 ports) and wireless-N access point all built in, as it would be nice not having to have the access point in the kitchen (the only way I can get access throughout the entire house -- the router is in the basement, as is the cable modem, and the whole-house network ports). I was looking online at some of the Cisco/Linksys stuff, i.e., [ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AZ01EO/ref=s9_simz_gw_s0_p23_t1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-4&pf_rd_r=0HD67DH0P8W40YGTQF3G&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470939031&pf_rd_i=507846"]Amazon.com: Cisco-Linksys WRT610N Simultaneous Dual-N Band…@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41rgY5rjqjL.@@AMEPARAM@@41rgY5rjqjL[/ame] from Amazon.

But the reviews on Amazon and on Best Buy are filled with complaints of people having regular drop-outs in service. Its a shame, as the router has the ability to connect an external Hard Drive to it for NAS, which would be very nice.

I am curious what people would recommend for a good solid home network setup. I have used Linksys for years, and generally have had few problems. I also have two or three switches from them that I am using as part of the network.

Thoughts? Recommendations?

If your network setup allows it and used devices require it - keep a separate router/AP for each wireless standard (a/b/g/n).

I have been through over a dozen brand/models including the complete Linksys line, but no one of them beats a multi-router/AP setup in terms of reliability.

Also, USB/network attachable storage products from Linksys and D-link I've seen were a joke.

Diogen.

I agree with keeping your router separate from your wireless access point. That way, you can upgrade/not upgrade either as you see fit.

I recently purchased a D-Link DIR-825. I'm using it only as an Access Point, and not as a router. So far, I'm pretty pleased with it. I have had it two weeks now and I have not had to reboot it (as I expect with any network equipment). That's why I do not buy Linksys/Cisco. I consistantly get 110-130 Mb/s using the Dell 1510 dual band card built in to my Mini 10.

I used to be a fan of Netgear "blue box" stuff (their "pro" line.) That was until they refused to honor a warranty that they already agreed to honor.

I never cared for Cisco/Linksy but Dlink was pretty good with each lasting a little over a year. I use Netgear now and have managed to keep the same router for almost 2 years.

I set up a wireless system for a friend about two years ago using two N routers from Netgear. The model I used isn't being manufactured anymore but appears similar to their vertically oriented models that are boxy looking. They were about $120 each. The similar models at Newegg look to be about $99 now.

The router itself is in the home, high up in a room near the peak of the roof. It is next to a window with a clear line of sight to his workshop which is about 300 ft. away. The second unit which is being used as an access point is inside the shop high up close behind the wooden siding.

I mention all this because in all this time the setup has performed without a hitch. (Knock on wood.) Not one single phone call from him with a problem. Additionally, he has at times numerous large car hauling trailers parked between the house and the shop. While they don't interfere with the line of sight, I was concerned that they might interfere with the signal. This turned out to be a non-issue.

I of course have no idea if their current line of products is as reliable as those I used.

I have a DLink dgl4300 which I love. It has built in stuff for port forwarding for stuff like Xbox Live and such.

Originally Posted by Kevinw

I never cared for Cisco/Linksy but Dlink was pretty good with each lasting a little over a year. I use Netgear now and have managed to keep the same router for almost 2 years.

I like linksys. I have a wrt320n with dd-wrt on acting as a repeater bridge and a wrt54gl configured a repeater bridge both connected to a d-524 sharing dsl.

linksys is good ever since cisco bought.

Originally Posted by rockymtnhigh

I have had a Linksys router (BEFSX41) and a WAPG54 Access point for quite sometime, and I am now routinely having to go down to the basement to reset the router, a few times per week. I finally have a new Wireless-N laptop, and was thinking about upgrading.

I currently use a D-link wireless N router. After I bought my son the wireless N netbook, we started having a lot of problems with dropouts. Adding the netbook mant that we had 4 computers connecting through the wireless link.

I removed my old windows laptop, and the problem went away. I would guess that the micro in the router doesn't have enough capacity to handle 4 devices plus routing.

I had the high device count because I am renting and didn't want to string wires. I've kind of decided to bite the bullet though and run a wire to the bedroom (assuming I don't have to move in the next few weeks). As an added bonus, I will then be able to connect the BR and HD-DVD players for the online content.

You might also check to see if there are software updates for your routers. If an update fixes the dropout problem, you just saved yourself some cash.

On the home front I use a Cisco (real cisco not linksys) router and a dlink wifi AP and have never had to reset either of them in about 2 years of use.