Networking → Re: Do I go Linksys or SMC?

well, I had SMC - 7004BR and used it for (I think almost) 2 years without almost any problem. Even though, if I had any minor problem, the tech. (during good times when they were in the US) solved the problem like magic. Later, I started to have some real problems like regularly disconnection from the internet and then machines were not able to get IP address off the DHCP server untill I turned it off for about 5 mins. All these problems started after about 2 years of using the router. I called the tech. and unfortunately it was moved over to India and seemed like they had no idea what they were talking about. The router had (limited? - explain please?) lifetime warranty, still those indian support people never provided me with RMA. Then I just moved to Netgear RP614 ( yeah it was cheap after 2 rebates it was free ) but cheaper thing worked cheaply too, it was giving me problem very begning. Then I just move over to Linksys BEFSR41 - Verison 3, I have it for about 1 1/2 months now and very happy with it. i called the Tech. Support once over some MTU issue and the tech. solved it right away. So, yeah I would say Go with Linksys. Also, think they are part of Cisco now, so atleast Cisco will try their best to keep their name up

said by sunny8294:

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...still those...[SMC]...indian support people never provided me with RMA...I just...[switched brands]... to Netgear...

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Same thing happened to me - SMC tech support in India kept me on the phone for two hours before I could convince them my dead router was really dead. Even though I got an RMA number, I decided to switch brands as I don't trust them anymore.

said by ToasterMan78:

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Same thing happened to me - SMC tech support in India kept me on the phone for two hours before I could convince them my dead router was really dead.

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same dilemma here. from everything i've read, heard, and experienced, the smc routers are head and shoulders over the newer linksys---those old standards have really gone downhill lately. i have been very pleased so far with the performance of my smc 7004vbr. BUT, indian tech support is a horrific nightmare unless you get lucky. had some problems with the initial setup and went through hell with them (including not being able to understand one of them) until i finally got a good one and from then, everything was extremely well handled. i dread calling their tech support, but still think their routers are better than the newer linksys.

so if you think you'll have little problem with setup, i'd go for the smc. and if more of us gave the company negative feedback (strongly worded) on the quality of tech support, maybe it would improve (wishful thinking?).

ZyXELs USA tech support is just that good ole California located support. Its not a call centre either! There are technicians next to engineering labs that they can call upon for resources.

said by ToasterMan78:

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said by sunny8294:

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...still those...[SMC]...indian support people never provided me with RMA...I just...[switched brands]... to Netgear...

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Same thing happened to me - SMC tech support in India kept me on the phone for two hours before I could convince them my dead router was really dead.

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Yes!! you know the pain to make them understand that the router is really dead. lucky you that you got an RMA. haha, should I dare to call up again and ask for an RMA?

I have a Linksys BEFW11S4 Wireless router and a Linksys BEFSR41 router. I started out with the BEFSR41 in which I have had for about a year or more now and I have had no problems at all. I recently bought the Wireless with the notebook adapter for my laptop and its running fine also. At first the wireless router was a little frustrating trying to set it up, but that was only because of my lack of knowledge in doing so....I have no complaints with Linksys as of yet, all is good here!