NAT router opinions

[doug6949]

I am in the market for a new router. Currently using wired but am considering wireless if I can get enough range.

My Linksys BEFSR41 (second one) is still running. The first one lasted a year. The Linksys modem wallwart fried shortly thereafter. I'm not impressed with Linksys.

Linksys has such a bad reputation for failures I want to try a different brand. The forums at BBR indicate similar quality issues for Dlink, Belkin, and Netgear.

Is there anything in the $100 range that isn't known for breaking?

What kind of range can I expect from wireless? Are some better than others?

[bigc73542]

I am running a linksys and have never heard of the failure problem. Mine has been online constantly (never turned off) for two years now with out a hicup. Mod#Befw11sf4 Wireless B the range on mine through the walls and all is about 215 ft. about 180 ft optimum signal.

[BlueZannetti]

doug6949,

Despite your experiences, I would still recommend Linksys. My wireless is handled by a Linksys WRT54GS running Talisman firmware. I've gone through a pair of Netgear wired routers and one Netgear wireless setup in the past 4 years. It a part of working at this price point.

Wired is now handled by a Zyxel Zywall and wireless with the WRT54GS. If the Linky went south tonight, I'd get another without a second thought. In this price range, performance/price really can't be beat and third party firmware does have advantages - like in being able to set antenna power levels.

Blue

[Arup]

Get any ICSA rated router, those are the ones that are 100% safe, Zyxel, Cisco, Multi Tech, 3COM all make good ICSA rated routers, you do have to pay a price for them as compared to D-Link, Linksys etc but in the long run, well worth it.

[ronjor]

My Linksys is four years old and still going strong.

[Slovak]

Wow, my befsr81 is 5 years old now and still runs strong when I use it, currently I use my 2wire router because of the hpna support which I need in my house, but if you want other ones, Zyxel would be my pick.

[doug6949]

All the complaints with Linksys routers stem from changes made when Cisco took over. Thus, older units are likely to continue run after the new ones die.

FWIW, I love my Linksys router and modem. Its a rare occasion when you can buy something and just plug it in - no drivers, no fiddling - just use it. This is why I keep buying Linksys.

The other factor is Walmart. They are just down the road and they don't complain when I bring something back (like the Belkin with its flakey driver).

So I guess its another Linksys for me. No point in spending a lot of money just to have lightning blow it up.

TNX;
Doug