I used to love Linksys, now I hate Linksys, need suggestions

[IndyJaws]

I've had Linksys routers for years and have been very happy with them. Solid performance and a good interface. Unfortunately, the WRT310N I bought about a year (give or take 6 months) ago has been a massive piece of crap. The range is horrible; plus, to make matters worse, there are no external antennas (antennae) to let me improve it. And Mrs. IndyJaws is not very happy that her notebook is struggling to stream nursing school lectures.

So now I'm ready to buy a new router. I need strong range and gigabit ethernet ports (WHS connected). My wireless network is a combination of G (TiVo wireless adaptors, Wii and 360) and N (notebook).

Suggestions for a new router?

Also, when I get a new router, can I use the POS Linksys as an access point/bridge to extend the range? Should I look at DDWRT as an option to increase the Linksys range? (I don't care if I fry the router...it's pissed me off so I don't care if it lives or dies.)

Thanks in advance,
Indy

 

[Emulex]

get an apple product. i kid you not they are actually pretty darn reliable compared to the boatload of junk.

what you want for N is 5ghz (short range) and 2.4 stick to G so you don't degrade your performance.

If you have stationary objects that can work at low speed try powerline ethernet. (200mbps models = maybe 10 megabit when the dyson is off). main benefit is well it just is. no authentication plug in ethernet and power and go.

bittorent hammers the modern routers to death too, if that is applicable.

 

[Madwand1]

You could install DD-WRT on the WRT310 and run it as a client. Note that as a bridge, it can replace several client adapters at the same location. If it lets you cut out 802.11g altogether, that could be a big plus.

Wireless repeating can help solve range problems, but isn't recommended to start because it has negative impact on throughput.

Buffalo's "high power" standard-g router was very popular due to its built-in wireless amplifier. They have a similar wireless-n router: WZR-HP-G300NH. The following review shows its performance vs. the WRT310N.

http://www.smallnetbuilder.com...point-reviewed?start=5

I'd also try playing around with the placement and orientation and channel selection of the WRT310 if you haven't already. Tools like inSSIDer can help you pick better channels for a while.

Here's some more:

http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/content/view/30664/228/

 

[JackMDS]

Linksys is Not a name of a specific device.

Linksys is a name of a brand, to say I love Linksys is like to say I love every girl that her name is Sue (as an example).

Linksys has Bad models, Mediocre Model and sometimes Good Models.

When you look for a Wireless Router put aside the Giga port issue. It is better and not more expensive to use independent Giga Switch and Not to restrict your choice of Wireless Router because of its switch ports.

As suggested above put DD-WRT on the Linksys and see if it improves.

If you are Not satisfied get a second inexpensive Router and a CAT6 cable run the cable to a center location in the house and use the second Router as an Access Point.

Like this flashed with DD-WRT too, http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16833320023

Need more power, http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16833162134

 

[Ksyder]

Thanks for this information, this is a useful thread to me since I loaned my brother a Linksys with DD-WRT and he is shopping for a replacement so I can get mine back. I think I'll recommend him that Buffalo router that JackMDS pointed out.

However is the lack of WPA2 on the Buffalo router a problem? Does this mean that it will only be able to use TKIP encryption? Could WPA2 be added via firmware update?

 

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: KsyderCould WPA2 be added via firmware update?

WPA-AES is WPA2. It is in existence in the Router with both Stock and DD-WRT.

 

[Ksyder]

Originally posted by: JackMDS

Originally posted by: KsyderCould WPA2 be added via firmware update?

WPA-AES is WPA2. It is in existence in the Router with both Stock and DD-WRT.

so then that must mean the specs are wrong on Newegg specifications page?

listed as follows:

WPA/WPA2 - WPA

however, it does say WPA-AES as you said.

 

[SammyJr]

Originally posted by: JackMDS

Originally posted by: KsyderCould WPA2 be added via firmware update?

WPA-AES is WPA2. It is in existence in the Router with both Stock and DD-WRT.

I don't think that is 100% true. It might be a vendor specific thing, but I have installed access points with "WPA2-AES" and have had Windows XP clients fail to connect with the Windows client. Switching to "WPA-AES" works normally.

 

[IndyJaws]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
Linksys is Not a name of a specific device.

Linksys is a name of a brand, to say I love Linksys is like to say I love every girl that her name is Sue (as an example).

Linksys has Bad models, Mediocre Model and sometimes Good Models.

When you look for a Wireless Router put aside the Giga port issue. It is better and not more expensive to use independent Giga Switch and Not to restrict your choice of Wireless Router because of its switch ports.

As suggested above put DD-WRT on the Linksys and see if it improves.

If you are Not satisfied get a second inexpensive Router and a CAT6 cable run the cable to a center location in the house and use the second Router as an Access Point.

Like this flashed with DD-WRT too, http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16833320023

Need more power, http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16833162134

JackMDS - thanks for the correction. I realize that Linksys is not a specific model. I wanted to express that I have been a fan of Linksys brand routers in the past. I like the interface and have had good success with configuring them. The current model I have (WRT310N) has been frustrating, to say the least. It was a mistake on my part, especially the inability to add external antennae. Changing the channel has had some positive impact, but overall, I'm still not happy with the router.

I do plan on putting DDWRT on the router. Lord knows, it can't hurt.

My primary goal on the post was to find out what others recommend for a N router, given my usage. Sorry if I was not clear about my goals and dislike for a specific brand. I appreciate your and others' suggestions.

Thanks,
Indy

 

[bigpow]

Originally posted by: Emulex
get an apple product. i kid you not they are actually pretty darn reliable compared to the boatload of junk.

what you want for N is 5ghz (short range) and 2.4 stick to G so you don't degrade your performance.

If you have stationary objects that can work at low speed try powerline ethernet. (200mbps models = maybe 10 megabit when the dyson is off). main benefit is well it just is. no authentication plug in ethernet and power and go.

bittorent hammers the modern routers to death too, if that is applicable.

don't know which one is funnier:
- apple networking products beating linksys products
or
- apple user that actually knows networking

LOL