Wireless router

Discussion in 'hardware' started by Phazor, May 3, 2009.

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  1. Phazor

    Phazor Registered Member

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  2. ronjor

    ronjor Global Moderator

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    Linksys is top notch.

    I personally use that router and have never been tempted by any other.
     
  3. innerpeace

    innerpeace Registered Member

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    I'm no expert and both of those are decent but I have and like this model. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833320023

    It was recommended to me by the fellow that has this site and I have had no problems with it.
    http://www.ezlan.net/wlan_router.html

    Hopefully you'll get more input soon from those more experienced than I am.
     
  4. Raza0007

    Raza0007 Registered Member

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    If you are looking to buy the latest and the greatest you should be looking at a wireless-N router.

    Or perhaps you meant the latest and greatest in the G-band ;)

    I have Linksys WRT54G and it works fine for me. (4 years on and off usage)

    Linksys WRT54G has various versions, check out this link to figure out a suitable one for your needs.
     
    Last edited: May 4, 2009
  5. Phazor

    Phazor Registered Member

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    Latest and greatest in G band I guess.
    More concerned about which one would be more "secure". Netlink advertises as a dual firewall and NAT and Linksys doesnt.


    How can you tell from the Newegg website which version they are selling of the Linksys.
     
  6. Raza0007

    Raza0007 Registered Member

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    ^ All routers from the top companies should be secure. They all come with a firewall and I do not think there are different kinds of hardware firewall, they all should be secure enough. And dual (two way) firewall should be unnecessary for a router in my opinion. Anyway, I have always used my Linksys with its hardware firewall disabled. I guess some one with more experience with router based firewall can answer your concerns better.

    Instead of firewall what you should look at is the encryption offered by a router, it must have WPA2 at least. I still see some cheap routers with only WEP encryption. As you know WEP has been cracked since 2002.

    Linksys has WPA2 encryption with 256 bit AES.

    About the version number, well typically you can tell that from the serial/ID of the device but Newegg does not list the manufacturers ID so it will be pretty hard. According to wikipedia all new WRT54g being sold in US are at least v8.0. So, if it is retail, it must be this version. You can try calling Newegg and ask them about it.

    I hope this was helpful.
     
  7. YeOldeStonecat

    YeOldeStonecat Registered Member

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    Read some solid reviews and performance charts here
    http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/component/option,com_chart/Itemid,189/

    The wrt54g series is getting very long in the tooth..it's old, and pretty much disco'd now. Far from "latest and greatest".

    Go with N, you get increased range (even with old B/G clients), most will upgrade to official N once it's ratified and firmware updates come out.

    The wrt160 or 300 series are pretty good. Do you want dual band?
     
  8. Sully

    Sully Registered Member

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    For what it's worth, Linksys has always been a dependable brand for me. Never had an issue with them.

    But I buy Dlink now for past 3 routers. First one I got when an older 3com nic of certain variety was attached to it, would produce the effects of a 'chattering nic', if you might know what that is. Very frustrating problem.

    However, the last 2 I bought have been spot on with everything. I don't really think Dlink is any better component wise than Linksys, but I do like the firmware in them a lot better. They are much more powerful and flexible with what they offer, especially in way of access control. For example, my current dlink wireless N router lets me not only assing a MAC filter for my kids, but also limit those to only websites specified by me in the firmware. Linksys models I have used are nowhere near as precise as Dlink in an aspect as that. Port forwarding, port triggering, QoS (which really does work), WAN ping exceptions, many many more features to choose from in a Dlink.

    I have used or worked on Linksys routers ranging from the first models that became popular with dsl to the first wireless b and g versions, to some of the newer dual redundant WAN VPN models. It is funny, even the really expensive Linksys models IMO don't have as quality a feature set as the home models of Dlink.

    If that figures into your considerations anyway.

    Sul.
     
  9. SweX

    SweX Registered Member

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    I would like to recommend this router from DrayTek.
    Wich is really really easy to setup and configure and includes everything you can ask for!

    http://www.draytek.com/user/PdInfoDetail.php?Id=18 <<

    Though i haven't tried any Linksys/Cisco brand routers so i cannot give an opinion on them.

    SweX
     
  10. tipstir

    tipstir Registered Member

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    Your first link would be a better bet than the second one. Reason you can install third-party firmware like DD-WRT and change that router into more expensive router. Features are more than you would get with the stock firmware though. Be able to increase mW power for wireless signal, and more. I use the firmware myself on several Buffalo routers as wireless access points. Never had issue.

    Most of these have NAT, SDF and Intrustion Detection for 3-way hardware firewall. Some just have the 2 only NAT and SDF. If you get this router make sure you use WPA2/AES for encyrption. Download From Xrrius Wireless Inspector free wireless tool..

    http://www.xirrus.com/library/images/Wi-FiDirectorFull.jpg
     
  11. Searching_ _ _

    Searching_ _ _ Registered Member

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    Check this out: https://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?p=1461278#post1461278

    N is a good choice but will take a little research into the functions included in the different models.

    Features to look for:

    A button/switch to enable/disable wifi.
    In light of the link above, most routers come with wifi access on by default.
    Just setting up the router could open you up to attack/infection.

    Backwards compatability with G.
    Most routers allow either or, not both simultaneously. If you allow G, N will not function. There are 1 or 2 routers that allow both.

    N
    There are less people using N, less interference.
    Less people means fewer hacking tools for the masses.

    http://www.cwnp.com/community/articles/high_throughput_hounds_of_hell_unleashed.html

    More info for researching
    Wireless Vulnerabilities & Exploits
     
  12. Phazor

    Phazor Registered Member

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    Looking thru the SmallNetbuilder website.
    Printed out the 4 reports available and removed all routers that scored under 89 on all reports.
    Would like to stay under $90.00
    http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/content/view/30615/96/
    comes up on each list within the top 20.

    Good choice/bad choice...thoughts/comments

    Not sure if it has a button to turn on and off the wireless part.
     
  13. axial

    axial Registered Member

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    SweX, you mentioned the DrayTek, which I've been reading lots of good comments about -- the thing with the DrayTeks is having the ports on the front instead of the back, makes it very difficult to use in our home office setup.

    Even assuming the reason is for rackmounting, I can't quite figure out how the wireless antennas would work in a rackmount, wouldn't there be interference from steel shelving?
     
  14. Bill_Bright

    Bill_Bright Registered Member

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    Then you want to go 802.11n. But unfortunately, these weenies cannot agree on a standard (after "years" of discussing it) so the 11n devices supposedly follow a "Draft" standard.

    Therefore, to ensure compatibility, I recommend you pick a maker and use that maker's products throughout your wireless network. That is, if you get a Linksys wireless router, get Linksys adapters for your computers.

    Note - I have notice much confusion over "wireless routers". Understand there is NO SUCH THING as a wireless router!!!!! The expression "wireless router" is a marketing term - not a network device.

    Your typical "4-port router" is not even a "4-port" router! What really is happening here is the makers are consolidating two network devices into one box - in this case, a router, and a 4-port Ethernet switch. For "wireless routers" the makers are integrating in the same box a 3rd network device called a wireless access point (WAP). As far as "networking" is concerned, a router, a 4-port Ethernet switch, and the WAP are all discrete network devices that just happen to use the same box and power supply.
     
  15. tipstir

    tipstir Registered Member

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    Stay clean of Netgear ones I know WNR-854T has a lot going for it but the max connection is only like 79 compare to most are 200. But this router has so more but yet the max connections is weak if you to downloads, other than that the DIR-655 A3 hardware is best one to find. DIR-655 A4 they curt corners to make it cheaper to build. You won't be able to change the MiniPCI card for Wireless hardware upgrades, this one A4 it's all integrated.
     
  16. SweX

    SweX Registered Member

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    Hi axial!

    Yes indeed the quality of the DrayTeks is just amazing,
    even if they aren't cheap. But you get what you pay for i guarantee that!

    Well about having the 2820 model in a rackmount, idk if that works acctually.
    Since i don't belive that this perticular model 2820n is build/design to fit in a rackmount.

    Even though you are able to bend the antennas to go strait back instead of up, if that would help.

    But why do you need to have the router in a rackmount when you just going to use it i your home/office?

    And have you checked if DrayTek doesn't have any other models than the 2820, that would fit in a rackmount if that's what you looking for in perticular?

    Also, personaly i don't think it's that difficult to have the ports in the front instead of the back, it's working OK here ;)

    SweX
     
  17. axial

    axial Registered Member

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    I didn't explain myself well, apologies. I didn't mean we have our router in a rackmount, I was just speculating that perhaps many DrayTek models were primarily intended to be in a rackmount.

    I don't like the activity lights being on the same side as the ports because in almost any situation whether sitting on a shelf or hung vertically, the activity lights would easily be obscured by the ethernet cables or if wall-mounted, by facing down to the floor. Even on a shelf but turned around, the antennas would protrude annoyingly. On the other hand with such a good reputation for reliability, maybe I can be persuaded to forego the subtle assurance of blinking activity lights.

    For those looking at DrayTek there are some very encouraging descriptions of excellent customer service on the whirlpool forums, at
    http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-threads.cfm?f=82&g=56 even to the point of receiving updated firmware within a couple of weeks of reporting issues. Whether or not that holds true in the US is hard to say, but it's definitely refreshing to read.
     
  18. Boost

    Boost Registered Member

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    Been using a Linksys Wireless Router for 4 years,never a problem :thumb:
     
  19. Phazor

    Phazor Registered Member

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    http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/content/view/30615/96/
    One reason I choose this netgear one is because, some say the Linksys is getting old and there are better options.
    Looking at the review it rates as
    WAN - LAN 92.5
    LAN - WAN 91.4
    Total Simultaneous 126.8
    Maximum Simultaneous Connections 200
    Firmware Version 1.1.3.9NA

    Which if im reading it correctly rates better than the wrt54g2.
    All the ones in the 200 connection range are well over $100. near as I can tell.
     
  20. tipstir

    tipstir Registered Member

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    Well I got one this year..

    Netgear
    Wireless N Router (DD-WRT) awful
    http://pic19.picturetrail.com/VOL1099/4465559/21344768/355452004.jpg

    Trendnet TEW-652B
    Wireless N Router (400MHz NPU, 32MB with 8MB Flash)
    http://pic19.picturetrail.com/VOL1099/4465559/21344768/350675537.jpg

    This one I mod to fix the over heating issues added 3 heat sinks
    http://pic19.picturetrail.com/VOL1099/4465559/21344768/359281854.jpg

    Buffalo WHR-HP-G54
    (200MHz OC to 233MHz, 16MB with 4MB Flash) DD-WRT excellent
    http://pic19.picturetrail.com/VOL1099/4465559/21344768/350675545.jpg

    Dlink DIR-655 A3
    http://pic19.picturetrail.com/VOL1099/4465559/21344768/357559256.jpg

    With this one you can change out the WNPU when newer ones become available.

    before
    http://pic19.picturetrail.com/VOL1099/4465559/21344768/354191039.jpg

    After
    http://pic19.picturetrail.com/VOL1099/4465559/21344768/354191047.jpg
     
  21. Phazor

    Phazor Registered Member

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    is the trendnet the one that overheated, that you show in the picture?

    Im currently looking at the TRENDnet-TEW-652BRP. Does it have a button to turn on and off the wireless?
     
  22. SweX

    SweX Registered Member

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    @axial


    Oh ok now i understand better, but no need to apologies it's allright ;) .

    Well what I know of is that "most" of the DrayTek routers is NOT intended to be in a rack,
    so i think you're clear to go ;)

    And if you are looking for a DrayTek router wich is very suitable for home/office then i would recommend this one wich was just released the other month, and includes just about everything you can ask for! http://draytek.com/user/PdInfoDetail.php?Id=82 <<<.

    AND ON THIS MODEL YOU GOT THE PORTS ON THE SIDE INSTEAD OF THE FRONT!!!! one issue gone :thumb: .

    Cheers, SweX
     
  23. innerpeace

    innerpeace Registered Member

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    If you really want the Trendnet-TEW-652BRP then today would be the day to order it. $24.99 with free shipping at NewEgg as their "Shell-Shocker". The deal only lasts 24 hours from this post and sometimes they sell out fast.

    I'm not in any way recommending it and only posted because I remember you mentioning it. The decision is yours.

    Cheers.
     
  24. DasFox

    DasFox Registered Member

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    LOL, I just noticed this post after I made mine:

    https://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=242174

    For me the older Linksys are better, I've read to many problems with their newer routers that I want to steer clear.

    Stupid Netgear doesn't give their Home proucts that have a SPI firewall a log to use with it, real stupidity, so I guess for now it probably leaves me with trying a newer D-Link.

    P.S. Wow that Xirrus Wi-Fi Inspector looks nice...
     
    Last edited: May 13, 2009
  25. Phazor

    Phazor Registered Member

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