Cable/DSL Router/switch 4 port; Linksys BEFSR41, Barricade SMC7004BR , & Netgear RT314

[srxtreme]

Cable/DSL Router/switch 4 port
Decent deals on top 3 models at Outpost.com
Free Overnight shipping (over $100 order).

Your Choice

SMC Barricade SMC7004BR with Print Server Price ($114.95) After Rebate= $94.95
EZ Cable/DSL Barricade Router 4-Port 10/100MBPS BroadBand Routerw/print server

Barricade mode:SMC7004BR $94.95


--------------------------------------------------
Linksys Model: BEFSR41 $109.95 While Supplies Last Limit 2 Per Customer
Instant Broadband EtherFast Cable/DSL(4 Port Rtr)
sku #: 66841
While Supplies Last Limit 2 Per Customer

Linksys: BEFSR41 , sku #: 66841 , $ 109.95


----------------------
Buy.com $129.99
Netgear RT314 DSL & CABLE MODEM INERNET GATEWAY ROUTER 10/100 UPLINK RJ-45; $129.99

Outpost.com $139.99
Netgear RT314 DSL/Cable Router $139.95

NETGEAR?s RT314 Fast Internet Access Cable/DSL Router creates a potent full-duplex backbone, allowing you to share data locally or through the Internet. .

-------------------------------
Can't deside which one you want?
I've read all the reviews on these and they are about equal in performance.
Navas Cable Modem/DSL Tuning GuideTM recommends the Netgear.
The site is also an excellent resource for all your High speed and share Q & A's
Lots of good info.
Check it out and be an informed buyer.

They state 5 minuete easy to setup but reviews proved some expected difficulties for beginners, but they were solved by a tech support call.
Experienced user should have a problem, but don't count on a 5 minuete set up like they say, better make it an hour.
I'm going with the Barricade, I know its ugly, and cable managment could be better but it's cheaper and I need the Print Server.
Can always hide it behind my desk.


Yes Its supposed to work with your games.

 

[Schmo]

These are great deals but they are posted numerous times already. Please try to avoid double, triple, etc posts.

After explanation, it does make sense to have these consolidated. It was just a day when I was browsing and seeing sooo many duplicate posts and I was grumpy... but still think I was polite.


Other links that may have more details:

Link 1
Link 2
Link 3
Link 4
Link 5

 

[srxtreme]

I know each was here but rather deep
I just thought one post with a links to each item might be useful.

If not remove it.
Sorry just trying to help

 

[Jingoro]

srxtreme : thanks for compiling them together; I didn't see the Barricade deal before...

 

[Maverick319]

srxtreme, I agree that there are alot of router threads, but your ideal to combine all the routers in one place deserves some recognition as you are giving each equal time. User input is great, but with anything else computer orientated, everyone has their prejudices against one manufacturer or another. If you are in the market for a router, check out each one, along with their respective websites and see which one you feel has the best specs and online support. Then check out the reviews and ratings on websites like Anandtech and Epinions.com, then weigh in the testimonials given in this forum. You will then make an informed decision about your router and how it will best suit your needs.

 

[fargus]

Nice deal, but I'm waiting for a hottie on the Barricade 7004WBR- all the above specs, plus it's an 802.11b Access Point, which I need. Haven't seen it for under $299 yet.

 

[dealmaker]

Well I bought all three to test out and the netgear is my favorite. The linksys is a toy, the smc is nice but does not have a true firewall. The netgear is my choice cause it is fast, well built and the security filters are configurable.

 

[paradox0521]

Why do these companies refer to their products as "cable modem routers"....isn't a cable modem & a router two different pieces of hardware performing two different functions? From all that I have read in past theads, even if I get a router (whether it says it's a cable modem router or just a router)....I will still need my actual cable modem (the one that @home provides) to get on the net. OR - are these products like a brouter (bride/router together)...meaning, they are a cable modem and a router all wrapped up in one metal box?

Anyone know?

 

[Bronko]

I have been extremely satisfied with my SMC Barricade. Easy to setup, rock solid, and cheap. The print server feature is invaluable.

 

[dougjnn]

dealmaker --

What pray tell makes the LinkSys cable router/switch "a toy"? Just the fact that it looks good?

I've been extremely happpy with mine. What functions am I missing?

 

[Bronko]

Dealmaker: The SMC was rated as one of the most secure of these SOHO routers. I don't have the page handy, but I will try and dig it up.

I would think that any of these routers would be more than sufficient for home use. Another thing to note on the SMC: SMC has excellent and very fast tech support should you need it.

 

[IceBlue]

Monday I ordered the Netgear RT314 online from Staples.com for $169.99 and used one of the $30 of $100 coupons that are roaming the 'net. Then I immediately called the 1-800 number with my order number and asked for the pricematch with Buy.com. They added about 8 bucks for buy.com's shipping charge and state sales tax. Total cost will be 129.99 minus the $30 coupon, then add $8 ship and about $7 tax, which comes to an estimated $115. The router should arrive Monday 2/12. It was shipped from Ingram Micro in PA.

This was the best deal I could find for the Netgear.

PS- First I tried placing the complete order on the phone, including the pricematch and the coupon, but the CSR wanted proof that I got the code on a postcard in the mail. She said she could not apply the coupon without me faxing the original "Staples Promotional Material" to them. I told her to cancel the order, then went and carried out the procedure above. YMMV

 

[Rio Rebel]

Paradox, they are calling them "Cable Modem Routers" because they are slashing prices and marketing to the general home user now.

They are really just routers, or router/switches, but putting "cable modem" in front gives a sense of security to the home user who isn't sure of what he needs.

I still don't understand why the D-link never gets mentioned...cheapest of all them, works great. Only $89.90 at Buy.com, or $99.99 at CompUSA

 

[Scrounger]

The SMC Barricade allows opening of port ranges, not just 10 ports like most of these inexpensive SOHO routers. You'll definitely appreciate that for online applications and some gaming that need port ranges. It even has some pre-programmed apps you can choose from a menu so it will open the proper ports. I wish the list was bigger but I guess you can't have everything. The non bi-directional print server and external modem port for backup access are nice also.

 

[Shredfest]

I've never seen them called "cable modem routers," at least not by the companies making them. The term is "Cable/DSL Router" meaning that it is a router designed for sharing a cable or DSL broadband connection. But yes, you still need a separate cable modem.

I wonder why no one makes an all-in-one product yet, though... having the modem and router in the same box would be sweet.

 

[Croton]

i got the netgear rt314 at staples about 1.5 weeks ago for $85.00
(pricematch and coupon)

i am running win2000 w/ppoe dsl service. i couldn't get it to work, but i called their tech support. while the phone waiting is long, when i did get through, they were VERY helpful and solved my problem right away.

 

[Nightwatch]

I agree with Dougjnn.

I have the Linksys and love it. It was easy to setup and did everything I wanted it to do. I don't see how it's a toy either.

I would recommend the Linksys

 

[Siamskunk]

Place order online and use coupon, then give them a call is the best way to PM.

 

[Maverick319]

In the simplest terms, a "Cable/DSL Router" is a 10/100 switch with a WAN port. You need a Cable/DSL Modem to receive the signal from your ISP, then you plug the Modem into the Wide Area Network port on the Router to share it. You cable from the router to the NIC's in your home network, thus sharing one internet connection, up to the number of ports on the router. You will need at least two Catagory 5 cables (Cat-5) to connect to the internet. One from the modem to the router, and one from the router to the NIC. This will connect one computer. If you have another computer in a different room, you will have to figure out how long of a Cat-5 cable you need, and how to get the cable to that room. Try pulling up the carpet in a corner and see if you can run it under the carpet.

 

[SLEEPER5555]

actually pc magazine recomends the asante 3004 & 3004lc over all these. and it seems to be a good router as the 3004lc has a built in print server, better firewall, and is a faster unit!

 

[JD]

Shredfast:

Here are some products that combine modem (DSL), router, firewall, hub, wireless support, USB ports, etc etc:

2wire Homeportal products Mfg List @ $399 and $199

Homeportal 1500 Specs and Usage Diagram

This product has dropped in price significantly since its first release some months ago. Perhaps the emergence of this kind of "combo" product has helped accelerate the price reductions of the router-only products from SMC, Linksys, Netgear, etc?


HomePortal? 1500 Residential Gateway



<< The HomePortal 1500 combines a DSL modem*, router, hub, firewall, and Web console to turn your existing phone lines into a secure, high-speed home network. >>




HomePortal? 100



<< The 2Wire HomePortal 100 enhances your existing broadband service. Simply plug the HomePortal 100 into your external broadband modem, a computer, and any telephone jack, and enjoy all the home networking benefits the HomePortal 1500 offers today. >>



Glowing User Reviews for the Homeportal 100 (as of 2/09/01...12 Opinions, 100% Positive)

====

I recall reading a few months ago that Dell would become the sole distributor of the 2Wire Homeportal products (...Not updated whether or not the deal panned out).

[as of 4:25 PM 02/09 Dell, indeed, is offering Homeportal products...but at same price as listed on manufacturer's website]

*The DSL modem within the model 1500 is Full-DSL, i.e. 8-Mbps capability versus G.Lite=1.5Mbps (most DSL modems).

Model 1500 Mfg List Unit Price: $399.00 (This is down from a previous initial pricing of $599 a few months ago. I don't know what price Dell might be offering.)

Model 100 Mfg List Unit Price: $199.00

 

[Pnklytnyng]

i am by no means very experienced networking-wise. . .but basic setup took me about 1 and a half minutes . . .

after that, i had to telnet into the router and kill one of the defualt filters that drops all FTP requests. . .and then i had to make sure that the router forwarded all requests made on ports 21, 20 (FTP), and 113 (identd for mIRC) to my machine. . .that took a while. . .other than that, no sweat.

the NETGEAR RT314 is a great choice.

 

[CQuinn]

If you check
this Chart

the Asante FR3004 series appears to be the same as the SMC Barricade.

 

[Maverick319]

I wish all the threads where this good, people adding to the knowledge base and making this a good reference point for buying a router. Sure beats all the deal crapping that goes on. Good work all.

 

[SLEEPER5555]

CQuinn - wow thank you for that educational fact I was not aware of that!

Maverick319 - this is true if only more threads had this much info and no bickering, i love to learn about stuff such as CQuinn has pointed out and i wish more threads were like this!

for the Asante/SMC/Dlink unit this is a graet unit i have the 3004lc, it is a graet unit and the firewall is great for this price as i said before the print server is great, as is the speed of this unit, dont pass this sucker up. Asante/SMC/Dlink whatevre is cheaper at the time i guess as there is probably no difference other than firmware and the GUI.