Router ....................

[fasedww]

Well got the 655 dlink all hooked up to my four computers and all, set WPA2 and she seems to be working really good. It's white in color with black around the middle, I don't mind though.:D

[nV`andrew]

Any suggestions for something around $100? I'm not too picky, just need some decent range, firmware, WPA if possible. I'm coming from a Linksys WRT54G. Years old, and my dad's newer laptop doesn't like it very much. I do some gaming and torrenting, and will be hardwired to the router. Other laptops are used mainly for surfing and skype.

[betterdan]

My old Netgear WGR-614 wireless G router (bought in 2003) had crappy range, the upstairs computers were connecting at only 1Mbps and I had to constantly reboot it, plus the DHCP didn't work most of the time.
I just recently bought the Netgear WNR3500v2 wireless N router to replace it and it's been great so far. The upstairs computers connect at the full 54Mbps (they both have wireless G cards) and they haven't had a disconnect since I hooked it up. The desktop I'm on now is hooked straight to it via ethernet cable to it's gigabit ports. It also has WPA2 security. I highly recommend it.
I bought mine at Best Buy for $119 but Newegg has them on sale now for $99 with free shipping http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833122220&cm_re=wnr3500-_-33-122-220-_-Product

Edit: If anyone buys one of these make sure you get the v2 as the first version put out had problems, you can tell if it's the first version if it has flashing blue lights at the top that denote antenna activity. The v2 doesn't have these lights and also doesn't have the problems the original had.

[nV`andrew]

My old Netgear WGR-614 wireless G router (bought in 2003) had crappy range, the upstairs computers were connecting at only 1Mbps and I had to constantly reboot it, plus the DHCP didn't work most of the time.
I just recently bought the Netgear WNR3500v2 wireless N router to replace it and it's been great so far. The upstairs computers connect at the full 54Mbps (they both have wireless G cards) and they haven't had a disconnect since I hooked it up. The desktop I'm on now is hooked straight to it via ethernet cable to it's gigabit ports. It also has WPA2 security. I highly recommend it.
I bought mine at Best Buy for $119 but Newegg has them on sale now for $99 with free shipping http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833122220&cm_re=wnr3500-_-33-122-220-_-Product

Edit: If anyone buys one of these make sure you get the v2 as the first version put out had problems, you can tell if it's the first version if it has flashing blue lights at the top that denote antenna activity. The v2 doesn't have these lights and also doesn't have the problems the original had.

Thanks for the suggestion. I usually buy from newegg but best buy is close to me. Was yours v2 from best buy? Hopefully there's something on the box that says it as well. The different versions probably explain why initial reviews were low, and the newer ones on newegg seem to be good.

[nekrosoft13]

Thanks for the suggestion. I usually buy from newegg but best buy is close to me. Was yours v2 from best buy? Hopefully there's something on the box that says it as well. The different versions probably explain why initial reviews were low, and the newer ones on newegg seem to be good.

i know this cost more then you are looking for

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833122326

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833127258

but these two are the best routers available on the market, just have to be careful with dlink, A revision is based on 300mhz ubicron cpu (****) and B revision is open source linux firmware running on 680mhz atheros CPU. I wouldn't buy dlink online because there is that chance you might get one of the horrible A revisions. In retail stores you can check to make sure what revision you are getting.

That netgear and Dlink B revision, both are based on the same 680mhz atheros CPUs.

you can run dual networks on them, a 2.4ghz and 5.0ghz bands, It almost like two routers in one.

[nV`andrew]

I will probably end up going with newegg, so that first one is looking rather tempting. I'l llet you guys know which one I go with and how it handles. Should see a lot of improvements over this aging Linksys. Thanks again.

[betterdan]

Thanks for the suggestion. I usually buy from newegg but best buy is close to me. Was yours v2 from best buy? Hopefully there's something on the box that says it as well. The different versions probably explain why initial reviews were low, and the newer ones on newegg seem to be good.

Yep mine was v2 and it says it on the box. Actually it is part of the name.

[t3hl33td4rg0n]

Just an FYI, it appears that the 1.22NA firmware for the DGL-4500 has fixed the problems. I had issues with it crashing almost everyday. Not anymore.

[FastRedPonyCar]

Well after some pretty dissapointing results from the linksys WRT160N, I did some sleuthing here and after reading through the thread, went and ordered the NETGEAR WNDR3700 from newegg. They'v got a combo deal going for the Router and a free USB 2.0 N-adaptor for $155 shipped.

Another question though.. regarding the gigabit connection... I've got cat 6 cabling at the house and my desktop has a gigabit port. What else is needed to get faster wired speed? I'm guessing the cable modem and the actual service itself is a factor?

If so, what should I look for from them?

[nekrosoft13]

WNDR3700 is excellent router, only good netgear router available is pretty much a copy of D-link DIR-825 B1 revision (A1 is junk).

Both routers are based on 680mhz Atheros cpu and reference design.

[FastRedPonyCar]

I've got that intel 5300 N adadptor for my notebook on the way as well. Is there anything in particular I need to setup on the router aside from the usual security setup and what not? I've never worked with an N router.

[nekrosoft13]

that netgear is dual band router.

so you will have 2.4ghz band and 5.0ghz band. set up both.

2.4ghz will generally get you longer range with lower speed and more possible interferience

5.0ghz will get you shorter range, with higher speed and less interferience

[FastRedPonyCar]

yea seems like interference hasn't been an issue for us where we're at. havne't had to mess with channels or strange signal drop off or anything.

that was with our old school WRG54G

[FastRedPonyCar]

Crap...

router showed up. Plugged it in and had internet.

Said there was a firmware update so I got it (1.0.4.55) and it installed fine.

Now when I try and test connection, the link between the router and cable modem isn't seen. It says no link between the two found and the little internet globe indicator light on the router isn't lit anymore.

I'm pissed... Going to see if I can find the previous firmware and install that.

I tried holding down the hard reset button and it didn't fix it. Just to make sure I'm not crazy, I've tried several known good cables including the one that came with the router (which I'm connected directly to the cable modem right now with) and the one that came with the new linksys router.


Halp!

[FastRedPonyCar]

Update.... reflshed to V1.0.4.49NA firmware and it's working like a champ... WTF