Netgear/ Dlink/ Linksys Wireless Router Purchasing Advice

[sunilraman]

Your input appreciated, you can just answer the poll for a quick stab at this question :D

Thanks people..!

[slughead]

d-link and linksys. BOTH my netgear routers crapped out. they started losing packets and they'd have to be reset on occasion.

My D-link, which is also cheaper, is like a tank. No problems yet and I've used it for a year now.

[sunilraman]

Originally posted by slughead
d-link and linksys. BOTH my netgear routers crapped out. they started losing packets and they'd have to be reset on occasion.

My D-link, which is also cheaper, is like a tank. No problems yet and I've used it for a year now.

hmm... i had a netgear all-in-one dsl-modem-wireless-router, yeah i had to reset it every month or so

yeah for always-on, wireless routers need to be reliable

thanks dude

[e1618978]

Belkin pre-802.11n, I love my router.

Avoid Linksys at all costs. I owned a d-link ethernet router and it was fine, but generated quite a bit of heat. I don't know if my d-link experience was typical.

Linksys gear seems to have compatibility problems a lot - sometimes it will work with other manufacturers gear and sometimes it won't. Sometimes it won't even work with other linksyst products.

[Gene Clean]

I have a Linksys and I'm very happy with it. It's a great router, not the cheapest of the three, but what can you do.

[Cake]

Linksys all the way.
I own four of them and my first one from years ago still works perfectly.

Really like my latest one - WRT54G (http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?prid=508&scid=35).
Lots of fun you can have with the Sveasoft (http://www.sveasoft.com/) firmware too!

[slughead]

Originally posted by Cake
Linksys all the way.
I own four of them and my first one from years ago still works perfectly.

Really like my latest one - WRT54G (http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?prid=508&scid=35).
Lots of fun you can have with the Sveasoft (http://www.sveasoft.com/) firmware too! 0

on a sidenote, that's the only router other than airport that can be used in addition to the airport express

[Voxapps]

I just went through this purchase decision and, after researching user comments on the Web, was tempted to post a new thread called "Are all wireless routers crap?"

Last week I bought a Netgear WRG614 router but returned it because its *wired* throughput was pathetic. It was also built very cheaply: flimsy case, tiny non-removable antenna, and it ran hot. I've had two good Netgear routers in the past, but they've really cheapened their build quality with this model.

I just bought a new Linksys WRT54G yesterday (same shelf price as the Netgear): speed is fine, wired and wireless Macs and an XP PC connect reliably in a weak signal area, and the configuration options are impressive. Linksys doesn't offer any Mac-specific setup instructions, but setup via Safari is easy.

Not crazy about the case shape and color, but you can't have everything.

[sunilraman]

Originally posted by Voxapps
I just went through this purchase decision and, after researching user comments on the Web, was tempted to post a new thread called "Are all wireless routers crap?"

Last week I bought a Netgear WRG614 router but returned it because its *wired* throughput was pathetic. It was also built very cheaply: flimsy case, tiny non-removable antenna, and it ran hot. I've had two good Netgear routers in the past, but they've really cheapened their build quality with this model.

I just bought a new Linksys WRT54G yesterday (same shelf price as the Netgear): speed is fine, wired and wireless Macs and an XP PC connect reliably in a weak signal area, and the configuration options are impressive. Linksys doesn't offer any Mac-specific setup instructions, but setup via Safari is easy.

Not crazy about the case shape and color, but you can't have everything.

hmm keep the comments coming, i do appreciate it. yes Voxapps, i am concerned that wi-fi is becoming so prevalent, and in some neigbourhoods, you've got like 5-10 wi-fi networks in a block of houses, can't imagine in city apartments what it's like...

so it is disconcerting but not surprising that the wireless router makers are cashing in on this whole trend, without really keeping in mind that (a) routers are designed to be on all the time and (b) they are designed to handle tons of network traffic without f8cking crashing and burning..!

edit: especially with for example, BitTorrent, which really puts your network to work... hey that should be it's slogan:
BitTorrent. It really puts your network to WORK

makes me respect companies like Cisco a bit more, because corporate level routers and switches and stuff, the amount of network traffic that pounds through those things.......

Voxapps keep us updated on how your Linksys is holding up :D

edit: speaking of Cisco, i just remembered after seeing a Linksys ad that Cisco bought Linksys a while ago, bonus points in my book, unless one of y'all have something to say about it... :smokey:

[sunilraman]

thanks everybody

there is PC Fair on today, i hope to convince my neigbour (we are sharing DSL, base station in his house) to go with Linksys :smokey:

[Cake]

Originally posted by sunilraman
... yes Voxapps, i am concerned that wi-fi is becoming so prevalent, and in some neigbourhoods, you've got like 5-10 wi-fi networks in a block of houses, can't imagine in city apartments what it's like...
So many people just simply hook up a wireless router and as long as it works just leave it at that - very bad move.

Secure your wireless! It's easy and painless.

Change the default password! I walked around the floor of my apartment building recently using iStumbler (http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/11753) and my iBook and found 12 wide open networks. Whenever I see "linksys" I know that the default password/login is admin/admin - easy to get in and mess with settings.
Disable SSID broadcast. If you disable it, no one will see it with iStumbler, MacStumbler (http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/8035), KisMac (http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/10133), etc.
Enable encryption. WEP is good, WPA is better.
Lock your wireless to work only with your specific MAC address.

Simple stuff, but not enough people do it.

[sunilraman]

well, we got a Dlink wireless router.

bad news though :(

the Dlink router and my iBook g4, 10.3.8 cannot connect over PPPoE through the DSL modem
..
although PPPoE works with a WindozeXP machine...

I think there's something dodgy about the DSL modem, it's supplied by the local telco providing the DSL service, so who knows where and how its made

The real test i suppose is, assuming the DSL signal through the phone cable is clean (which sounds like it is because ofthe WindozeXP connecting alright through PPPoE),
..
is to use an all-in-one Dlink or Linksys DSL modem/wireless router
..

But in the mean time, is back to trusty old dial-up. I was secretly leeching off a neighbour but his DSL modem also bit the dust after a lighting storm here, it was connecting intermittently after the storm, and now it's stuck in 'startup training' or some sh1t...

Yup, a lot of wireless routers are crap, and so are a lot of DSL modems, although those modems are not necessarily built to handle nasty electrical/lightning stuff.

I pity the fools.................!! :mad:

but we all learn for experience. i guess its time to go hang out in an internet cafe every now and then or read some good books :err:

goodbye broadband for now, see you in a few weeks hopefully

[danielctull]

Our old 802.11b Netgear router bit the dust last night, I phoned them up in the early hours and they said they'd replace it.... :o after 3 years!

Dad is keen to upgrade to a 802.11g though, so I'm off now to but either a Netgear DG834G or Linksys WRT54G. I can't stand this dial up crap much longer!

[sunilraman]

Originally posted by danielctull
.... I can't stand this dial up crap much longer!

Tell me about it... My DSL provider totally sucks ba11s. I've got my DLink router ready to rumble, but the crappy-ass DSL modem that comes with the DSL service is a piece of Sh1te and the Dlink router can't connect to it. F8cking DSL provider is being belligerent on replacing the DSL modem, it was working fine with another generic-brand wireless router a few weeks ago.

F8cking charlatans. Ah well, it was good while it lasted, managed to catch up on some Alias Season 4 ;)

[LotharSNL]

What's everyone think about the Belkin Pre-N router (http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=184316) ? I knew nothing about routers when I bought it, but from what I was told, it seemed to be the best one I could purchase at CompUSA. There was a comparable one, but this one had a lifetime warranty, where the other had a 2 year, I believe.

[danielctull]

Originally posted by sunilraman
Tell me about it... My DSL provider totally sucks ba11s. I've got my DLink router ready to rumble, but the crappy-ass DSL modem that comes with the DSL service is a piece of Sh1te and the Dlink router can't connect to it. F8cking DSL provider is being belligerent on replacing the DSL modem, it was working fine with another generic-brand wireless router a few weeks ago.

F8cking charlatans. Ah well, it was good while it lasted, managed to catch up on some Alias Season 4 ;)

Does the DLink not have a built in modem? I personally always look for a router with built-in modem, too much hassle trying to pair together stuff. plus the modem I was given was a USB thing :p yuk. All in one box all the way.

Got me Netgear router working in no time, half due to using one before and knowing exactly how to get around their screens i guess... Plus it is a gorgeous size & shape, and white!!


PS. Do you think Jack is turning evil? My mate hasn't caught up yet and I don't have anyone to talk to about it... lol

[sunilraman]

Originally posted by danielctull
Does the DLink not have a built in modem? I personally always look for a router with built-in modem, too much hassle trying to pair together stuff. plus the modem I was given was a USB thing :p yuk. All in one box all the way.

Got me Netgear router working in no time, half due to using one before and knowing exactly how to get around their screens i guess... Plus it is a gorgeous size & shape, and white!!


PS. Do you think Jack is turning evil? My mate hasn't caught up yet and I don't have anyone to talk to about it... lol

Nah mate... Where I am, it's a bloody good idea to have separate router and modem. The other day the modem got fried by lightning, my neighbour was able to harass the telco to replace the modem 'coz he had some lightning protection and still the modem got jacked up...

But the Dlink now is not a built-in-modem thingy, just wireless router, it's sweet, I'm punishing it now and the DSL modem with Azureus. I'm bypassing the router firewall and putting my iBook straight into DMZ, activating the OS X Firewall of course, letting only a few port thingys through like BitTorrent. Let's see for now if Mac OS X is really safe :D

Well i am up to Episode 7 on my Alias, nah Jack's cool, if a bit icy. He's just angry and bitter, an interesting character overall. He plays a nice little part this season so far

My guess is towards the middle (episode 10+ of the season) Rambaldi thing may start coming back in with some Sloane connections. Overall, I'm hooked in any case. JJ Abrams is a genius....

[sunilraman]

**Originally posted by Cake**
Secure your wireless! It's easy and painless.

Change the default password! I walked around the floor of my apartment building recently using iStumbler (http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/11753) and my iBook and found 12 wide open networks. Whenever I see "linksys" I know that the default password/login is admin/admin - easy to get in and mess with settings.

8) Ok check.

Disable SSID broadcast. If you disable it, no one will see it with iStumbler, MacStumbler (http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/8035), KisMac (http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/10133), etc.

8) Ok check. MacStumbler and KisMac can't see it

Enable encryption. WEP is good, WPA is better.

:???: Hmm.. I am a bit lazy on this point, would you recommend 128-bit WEP with WPA? Does this work well with OS X.3.8 Airport Extreme? What about older PC-Wi-fi-cards like 802.11b? will it support WPA alright?

Lock your wireless to work only with your specific MAC address.

8) Ok check. MAC filtering is enabled. Doesn't protect against Mac Address spoofing though...

:smokey: One question for you all. If DHCP pool is set to only give say, 6 addresses (we have up to 5 computers or so to share between our two houses), can someone force the router to give an IP outside the DHCP pool by manually assigning themselves an IP address? I will have to test this... Once I ahem stop downloading... which may be next year :D

Okay peoples, lets see how the Dlink holds up. It's 724-P+ model number.

8) Oh also I changed the default internal ip from 192.168.x.1 to something else, i know, not a big security thing, but kinda fun anyway

[gjas15]

I have a netgear wgt624 (the Super-G model) running perfectly for almost a year now. before i had a 2 linksys products they both craped out within a year... Im currently in the CCNA Cert program for Cisco and trust me the enterprise equipment and the linksys products are lightyears apart in build quality. I've thought about replacing my current router with one of their enterprise level routers (with hefty discount :lol: :smokey: ) Hell those things pratically run a full Unix kernel in their IOS... Anyway I digress :p

Ill summarize my Ramblings for you:
Cisco Equipment = God
Netgear Super-G = Good (1 con though at least with mine there is no command line i.e. telnet access)
D-link = no opinion really (their bluetooth adapter works :lol: )
Linksys = Avoid like the plague


Oh yes and on the security aspect:
1. Don't Hide your network
2. WPA on with strong password
3. 128bit WEP if no WPA
4. ACL in use but useless without WPA*
5. SPI Firewall
6. No Ping on WAN port
7. Dont open ports unless needed
8. If PC's are on your network turn off UPNP

*Mac filter - Unless you are using WPA your MAC address is not encrypted so anyone with a sniffer can spoof your MAC and connect to your network

[Randycat99]

So-wah, why not hide your network?

[sunilraman]

Originally posted by Randycat99
So-wah, why not hide your network?

because noobs won't be able to connect easily otherwise? :smokey:

[Randycat99]

Ah yes, that does make sense. I had imagined this is something you would do after you have established your network as desired (you won't be a noobie, by then, as well). If you "cloaked" your router at the beginning, that would certainly be headaches for all as you get everything running.

[sunilraman]

Originally posted by Randycat99
Ah yes, that does make sense. I had imagined this is something you would do after you have established your network as desired (you won't be a noobie, by then, as well). If you "cloaked" your router at the beginning, that would certainly be headaches for all as you get everything running.

the noobs i referred to could be other family members/ housemates... whining all the time, i can't connect, blah blah blah :mad:

[Randycat99]

Once you connect successfully the first time, the identity will be stored. So it won't matter if they can "see a server" to connect to next time. It will know to connect by the name that was cached.

[sunilraman]

Originally posted by Randycat99
Once you connect successfully the first time, the identity will be stored. So it won't matter if they can "see a server" to connect to next time. It will know to connect by the name that was cached.

yup the noobs may include me :\

in 10.3.8, WEP 128-bit ASCII key is remembered quite well by the Keychain...

more later, f8ck sometimes i really am tempted like one of the above posters to do a bloody CCNA or CCNP or something and get corporate cisco gear for the home wireless :(

[sunilraman]

so i think Azureus or my portforwarding setup on the Dlink DI-724P+ is causing the router to stop responding on 192.168.1.1 (the web interface doesnt come up)

when this happens within a few minutes of starting Azureus, the iBook Airport Extreme pumps along like a champ but my poor neighbour's (ethernet wire connected..!!) pee cees get dropped from the network :no:

oops nevermind, azureus is not running and the pee cees drop out anyway :???:

hmmm

peoples feel free to chime in or ignore this thread as you see fit

[danielctull]

Originally posted by sunilraman
so i think Azureus or my portforwarding setup on the Dlink DI-724P+ is causing the router to stop responding on 192.168.1.1 (the web interface doesnt come up)

when this happens within a few minutes of starting Azureus, the iBook Airport Extreme pumps along like a champ but my poor neighbour's (ethernet wire connected..!!) pee cees get dropped from the network :no:

oops nevermind, azureus is not running and the pee cees drop out anyway :???:

hmmm

peoples feel free to chime in or ignore this thread as you see fit

I use the official Bit Torrent client on my Mac and I tried port forwarding on my new router (I never did it with my old router), and when it connected, my internet was down - no Safari browsing or Adium messaging. My dad's Win ME and 98 PCs also couldn't connect. My bro's and mine Win XP computers were fine though!

I have turned port forwarding off and it seems to be running fine, although I saw a few hints of my PowerBook not connecting to the BBC with BT still on. I have absolutely no idea why port forwarding would affect anyone's net exploring. Unless, of course, I was using all the connection up, which I can assure you I wasn't. :\

[sunilraman]

um... :embarrass NOT using beta firmware seems to have solved the problem for us for now

:err: i'll stick to non-beta firmware upgrades for now

thanks for the feedback daniel...

[danielctull]

I was using the recent standard ones for my netgear router. Maybe I should get the beta for it then! ;)

[sunilraman]

Originally posted by danielctull
I was using the recent standard ones for my netgear router. Maybe I should get the beta for it then! ;)

:p yeah if you're masochistic go for it

[sunilraman]

actually, i should note that once i enabled uPnP on the Dlink DI-724P+ router, Azureus was able to automatically configure the port forwarding on the router and show me the green smiley faces without me having to fiddle with router port settings and stuff (DMZ is disabled so i am behind the router firewall)

also iChat AV webcam/voice chat seemed to go well last night even with uPnP disabled, again, working through the router firewall, i didn't have to open any ports or stuff...

not all doom and gloom, but it is a brave new world of wireless routers and settings out there.

at the end of the day, i am VERY impressed with OS X.3 and airport extreme. my neighbours Centrino laptop connection is crapping out on him even though the wireless router is in HIS house.

techTV or somethin should start a show called "PiMP My RouteR" :lol:

edit1: the Dlink is HOT. as in temperature wise, correlating one of the above poster's experience. this could prove quite concerning but at the moment i'll see if i can melt it :D

edit2: ASCII (coz my brain don't work in HEX) 128-bit WEP encryption seems to be going fine... again Airport Exteme and the router is handling it like a champ. f8ck Centrino, although i hope to help my neighbour troubleshoot his pee cee wireless connection through this week :8

[sunilraman]

hmm the router had some nice uptime (7+ hours) yesterday with my iBook and Airport Extreme. but i think once my neighbour tried to log on with his Centrino the router crashed

we seem to be going around in circles here, and i am tempted to ask, "are all wireless routers crap" like the above poster. the answer is yes. i am also tempted to ask, "why are wireless routers crap" which is like asking "why do people use windows" :no:

i will try and refrain from further posting on this thread because i can provide no further information to actually make full use of this GeniusBar forum, instead, i will go and whine on my blog :\

peace and good luck y'all with your wireless home networking. feel free to throw in praise/critiques of Airport Express Base Station as this has not been discussed much thus far

[Roopster]

I have had only two routers since first we got T-1 line first one was um D-link ethernet only. We used it for like less than a week and it burned out and i bought a Linksys WrT54G/B in year 2003 Now approximately 5 years old it works more than just fine me and my brother and sisters run internet play Games such as World Of warcraft and download tons of stuff simultaneously and it has not given us ever a problem.

SO I WOULD SAY LINKSYS ROCKS!

[Roopster]

I have had LinkSys for over 5 years no problem at all. I mean yes after 4.5 years i had some problem with wireless signal but when i started using the range booster from linksys it went away, and also as for my own PC i just replaced the antenna on my Network adapter. I had the orignal Antenna from linksys and now i have D-link Extreme N Antenna and everything is back to normal.

Roop