ost3vo
join:2004-10-20
Riverside, CA
| [Connection Sharing] Suggestions Please
I don't know a whole lot about good/bad routers since I've never had to use any,so I'd like to get suggestions from any of you about which modems could possibly be best for a small home network. I just got a new home built that also has some cat cables running through the house, but I have to get the router. What router is best for wireless/wired or maybe even both networking. I live in the rural so I have 2.4GHz 802.11 wireless internet. I want a good router that handles casual and gaming traffic. I'm looking forward to connect about 3 pc's. |
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fractalman93
Progressive Music Fan
Premium
join:2004-08-02
Newport News, VA
 ·Covad Communications
·EarthLink
| OK, since you mentioned gaming traffic, I am assuming that you are referring to cable modems. From my experience, the ISP chooses the DSL modem for you. However, cable modems are available in most electronics department stores such as Best Buy and CompUSA.
I have a Linksys WRT54G V2.0 router. It seems to be pretty good in terms of ease of use, quality, etc. However, from experience, the Linksys wireless NICs can be problematic. That said, the signal strength of mine has magically increased over time. Go figure.
With Linksys being a subdivision of Cisco, it is generally a good brand. Their live chat tech support leaves a lot to be desired though. I get better tech support here at dslreports.com.
Netgear also gets good reviews, but I do not have any personal experience with that brand.
Those two brands are probably good for cable modems as well. I have DSL. So, I cannot tell you from personal experience here either.
Whatever router you choose, make sure it has WPA security built in. That will help prevent just anyone from connecting to your network and stealing bandwidth, etc.
I would strongly recommend a hardware firewall as well with a broadband connection. Since I have a few years of experience with Watchguard firewalls, I would recommend the Watchguard SOHO 6. Some people may consider this overkill and it is a bit expensive (approx $280). You get something like 6/9 months of free firmware update support and LiveSecurity service which includes a newsletter that alerts you to current threats and gives you all sorts of other cool information. You can subscribe to this service after the initial period for about $95 per year.
I am not a salesperson for any electronics retailer. So, my opinions are honest. I am not trying to put money in my pocket because I have nothing to gain; except your respect.
I hope this helps.
Fractalman93 |
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Anav
Sarcastic Llama? Naw, Just Acerbic
Premium
join:2001-07-16
Dartmouth, NS
| reply to ost3vo
Three choices come to mind, all based on Ubicoms game streaming engine with many levels of QoS etc..
Great results for P2Pers!!
ZyXEL -X550 (mimo wifi, usb port for windows quick connect and possibly print server down the line)
Trendent -TEW611BRP (mimo wifi)
Dlink -DGL4300 (gigabit ports)
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Ain't nuthin but the blues! "Albert Collins". Leave your troubles at the door! "Pepe Peregil" De Sevilla. Just Don't Wifi without WPA, "Yul Brenner"LlamaWorks Equipment |
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