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Old 06-11-2008, 12:37 PM   #1 (permalink)
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Wireless Routers - Which One?

Hi,

Can anyone recommend a good, reliable, wireless router for under $80?

I am considering this one: Linksys WRT110 RangePlus Wireless Routerhttp://google-cnet.com.com/routers/linksys-wrt110-rangeplus-wireless/4505-3319_7-32936970.html?tag=pdtl-list

But to be honest, I really don't anything about these things.

What I want: 4 ethernet ports, wireless range (50+ feet would be nice), reliability. I just want to be able to plug and play.

Any suggestions?
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Old 06-11-2008, 12:52 PM   #2 (permalink)
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Most routers would suit your needs. Linksys or DLink are the most popular brands

The WRT110 is the budget model Linksys. It isn't bad, but it doesn't support gigabit ethernet or 802.11N wireless (it uses Rangebooster, which is sort of like a soft N technology). Gigabit isn't very important, and draft N support isn't yet, but will be. I'd suggest springing for a WRT160 or another true draft N device now and save yourself having to replace it in a year.
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Old 06-11-2008, 01:15 PM   #3 (permalink)
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WRT54G
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Old 06-11-2008, 01:21 PM   #4 (permalink)
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The WRT54G was a great router 5 years ago. There are better ones now.
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Old 06-11-2008, 01:43 PM   #5 (permalink)
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I've had Linksys and Netger routers. I think they're both garbage. After a while, I had problems where they would spontaneously disconnect and I'd have to physically reset the router to get them working again.

I recommend going with a Belkin. Less expensive, but it'll work the first time every time.
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Old 06-11-2008, 01:55 PM   #6 (permalink)
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I actually have to disagree with QuasiMondo. I must be fair, though: the model I have is a lower-end one. Not only is the connection spotty (at best) when tested with multiple computers/adapters, but the version is not supported 3rd-party firmware.

I suppose I could return it and see if it's just this one, but it was given to me when my old man gave up on it. In addition, I've used two Belkin Wireless adapters, and they were shoddy at best - they fail to connect at startup (forcing me to repair) and have driver issues.
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Old 06-11-2008, 02:03 PM   #7 (permalink)
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Belkin has a terrible reputation. It's mostly due to the session hijacker that they used to include in their firmware. Their hardware is solid, but they're a bit overpriced. To be fair, they're not maliciously hijacking their user's sessions anymore.

I've never had a single problem with Linksys devices. Linksys is a subsidiary of Cisco Systems, who are pretty much it when it comes to networking devices.

I haven't used a NETGEAR device in a couple of years, but all of the ones I've seen first-hand are crap. They were the last time I actually played with one anyway, and I have no reason to believe that they've changed.

D-Link offers the DIR-615, which is another wireless draft N router in your price range.
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Old 06-11-2008, 02:44 PM   #8 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Martian
The WRT54G was a great router 5 years ago. There are better ones now.
well it is so good that mine is still running, and i bring it to other peoples houses for lan parties and it still is better than the rest of them, (that were brought.)

but i say, "if it's not broken, dont fix it."

I just KNOW it is a good one. the new other ones that are out there. who knows.
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Old 06-11-2008, 02:49 PM   #9 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by blktour
I just KNOW it is a good one. the new other ones that are out there. who knows.
Me.

The big appeal of the WRT54G was that it could be flashed with Tomato or DDWRT. When they changed the hardware so that couldn't be done anymore it lost it's biggest selling point. Now it's just outdated.

Draft N support really is the next big thing. When they finalize the specification everyone's going to adopt it. Sucks to be the guy with a B/G router when B/G hardware isn't available anymore.

Draft N is also faster and has better range than 802.11G, which most people consider selling points.
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Old 06-11-2008, 03:48 PM   #10 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Martian
Me.

The big appeal of the WRT54G was that it could be flashed with Tomato or DDWRT. When they changed the hardware so that couldn't be done anymore it lost it's biggest selling point. Now it's just outdated.

Draft N support really is the next big thing. When they finalize the specification everyone's going to adopt it. Sucks to be the guy with a B/G router when B/G hardware isn't available anymore.

Draft N is also faster and has better range than 802.11G, which most people consider selling points.
I'm using a Mac G4 iBook from 2005. I don't know if my wireless Airport card is running Draft N. Would I have to buy a Draft N Airport card? Otherwise, I'm thinking the WRT54G may be the way to go, especially since it is half the price of the other ones out there.
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Old 06-11-2008, 04:06 PM   #11 (permalink)
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Draft N is the new tech. If your AirPort card is from 2005 it's almost certainly B/G, which is what the WRT54G supports. It's definitely not Draft N anyway, since that wasn't rolled out in any serious numbers until 2007. The problem is if you want to connect Draft N devices in the future you'll have to upgrade the router. If it were me I'd just spend the extra bit of cash for the sake of not having to upgrade a year from now, but if you really don't think you'll need Draft N support the WRT54G is a good choice.

I have no idea what's involved in upgrading your Macbook to Draft N support. A new AirPort card would be a minimum, I'd think. I'm not sure if it's even possible or what you'd need to do, since Macs aren't my area.
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Old 06-11-2008, 04:26 PM   #12 (permalink)
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why would you want the N when 100mb is fast enough and you have to take into consideration bottleneck and the fact that alot of people wont notice the difference.

100mb is good enough for me. and the speeds you get from your ISp you will never get to the websites that you visit anyways.

my opinion anyways.
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Old 06-11-2008, 04:41 PM   #13 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by blktour
why would you want the N when 100mb is fast enough and you have to take into consideration bottleneck and the fact that alot of people wont notice the difference.

100mb is good enough for me. and the speeds you get from your ISp you will never get to the websites that you visit anyways.

my opinion anyways.
802.11G isn't 100 mbps. In optimal conditions it's 54 mbps. In real world conditions it's much lower.

EDIT - Meant to point out as well that 802.11N offers better range and stronger signals regardless of speed.
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Last edited by Martian; 06-11-2008 at 04:44 PM..
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Old 06-11-2008, 05:28 PM   #14 (permalink)
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I have had VERY bad luck with Linksys in the past, and oddly, even worse luck since they were bought by Cisco. Currently, we have a D-Link DIR-655 and it's pretty damned awesome I have to say. Not terribly cheap though. Worth it in my opinion if you aren't on a super budget.

Also, what Martian said (other than Linksys being good :P ) is true. 802.11n (even draft spec) is pretty killer with range, signal strength and capabilities. I'm not running an 'n' card right now... I'm hooked up via Ethernet. But I still have an 'n' router for TMs laptop and any future wireless I get. Too much has gone into it for it to get dropped.
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Old 06-11-2008, 05:47 PM   #15 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Martian
802.11G isn't 100 mbps. In optimal conditions it's 54 mbps. In real world conditions it's much lower.

EDIT - Meant to point out as well that 802.11N offers better range and stronger signals regardless of speed.

good call. thanks.

but still feel that im not too picky to pay for that to see minimal difference. but in the future when mine goes out ill get an N spec.
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Old 06-11-2008, 06:39 PM   #16 (permalink)
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Thanks for all your responses people.

I have decided to go with the Linksys WRT 54G2.

Amazon.com: Linksys WRT54G2 Wireless-G Broadband Router: Electronics Amazon.com: Linksys WRT54G2 Wireless-G Broadband Router: Electronics

At $45 it seems like the best bet for my needs. I just need reliability and decent net-surfing speed. I don't download (maybe 3-4 times a year from iTunes). I occasionally stream a tv show that I missed like Battlestar Galactica. My laptop is a 2005 Apple G4 iBook. So it seems like wireless G should suit me just fine.

When I upgrade my computer, then I can just upgrade my router then (at least 1 year away).

Thanks!
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Old 06-12-2008, 09:31 AM   #17 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Martian

The big appeal of the WRT54G was that it could be flashed with Tomato or DDWRT. When they changed the hardware so that couldn't be done anymore it lost it's biggest selling point. Now it's just outdated.

Which is why you buy a WRT54GL

They have about 10000000x versions of the WRT54G line with the L being the one that has the firmware which can be overwritten and use the third party of your choice. I am running a GL I bought back in Sept. 07 with the latest stable DDWRT firmware and has been a rock for me.

I have an issue with the whole Draft N community, I am far from the network guru, but your average Joe who walks into a store to buy a router, unless they bought an N NIC to put in their PC or N USB, they just don't have a need for the technology and even then the N adapters should still work with a G/B router. Very few general users have the need for the range or speed when a G/B router would suit their needs just fine, but the store personnel working for that almighty commision dollar tell them they need N since it is new and works better.


I have a buddy of mine who went to Circuit City and said they needed a wireless router and wireless cards for their PC, they had no clue what they were purchasing and ended up being sold a router for around $100 and 2 $80 adapters for their PC when in reality they only needed the one for wireless since the other is hardwired.


If I was running some great server where I had to max out my speeds and had 10 feet of steel and concrete between my access points or PC's then I might consider something a bit stronger than my GL. I personally would much rather wait until the N has become standard and no longer in draft stage (even though the word is that it pretty much is the final version, just not official, no major changes coming before it goes gold). If/when I do make the plunge I would still first go after a Linksys product though.
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Old 06-17-2008, 06:18 PM   #18 (permalink)
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