Linksys router question - Answered!

[Celstar]

I've been hearing a lot about some linksys routers have data corruption and some don't. Is there a way to ensure that you get a good one, or is it just hit and miss?

I've also heard some good things about the Netgear router. How does the netgear stack up against the linksys.

I've seen timhiggins.com but his reviews are rather short and don't cover as much as I would like. Thanks!

 

[luv2chill]

The corruption problem seems to be triggered more by one's particular network hardware (media, NICs, DSL/Cable Modem) than individual routers. I know because I've had three of them and they all had the same problem. Web page text and graphics would be garbled, downloaded ZIPs would have CRC errors, blah blah blah. I spent a lot of time on the phone with Linksys' sorry-ass tech support and I was told that they were puzzeled because all the "problem" routers they had been getting back were working fine when they tested them.

Other people have experienced the problem consistently despite replacing the router several times, so I think it probably does have something to do with the other hardware the router is coexisting with. I remember reading somewhere that it has to do with the router receiving packets faster than it can process them from the WAN connection, but that could be completely wrong... I don't know.

There is good news, however. Linksys has posted a new beta firmware image to their site that has fixed the problem for me <knocking wood>. It has a lot of great features for the money, although I bought it three months ago and haven't been able to use it until just now.

Another good thing about this router is that Linksys is constantly releasing new firmware with new features. For example, this latest fw also has the ability to pass IPSec through. That's pretty rare for a router this inexpensive. I'd say go for it. Linksys seems intent on ironing out any bugs.

l2c

 

[Celstar]

Thanks for the enlightening info! I wonder if new linksys routers off the shelf will have the latest firmware already installed. BTW, what kinds of Nics are you using?

 

[corkyg]

>>>Linksys has posted a new beta firmware image to their site that has fixed the problem for me.<<<

I have seen that . . . and am unable to get that &quot;firmware&quot; installed. Right now I am using the Linksys DSL Router only as a hub between 3 computers. Works perfectly in that regard. My DSL still hasn't been connected (a long sad story of total incompetence between Covad and US West).

Unlike any firmware update (Eprom flash) I have dealt with, this thing wants to go on-line instead of flashing with a routine from the DOS prompt, but it can't make the connection and I end up with zilch.

Must DSL be connected BEFORE it can be upgraded?

 

[Robor]

I've got the Linksys router and have had zero problems with data corruption. I'll have to check my firmware version but my guess is it's about 3-4 months old. The original firmware that was installed when I got it was pretty sorry. It constantly refreshed my IP (Roadrunner uses DHCP) so when I hosted games everyone would be kicked when that happened. After updating the firmware to my current version it's been great.

The last time I updated my firmware it was as simple as running a program. Has that changed? What does the latest firmware fix? I haven't been having any problems so I dunno if I want to &quot;upgrade&quot; and risk problems.

Rob

 

[Celstar]

of the people who have tried both the netgear and the linksys, which is better?

 

[arthurb1]

I would have to say the NetGear. No need for any firmware upgrades becuase they know how to do it right the first time.

 

[Russ]

I'm using the Lynsys with 4 systems plugged in, and each system has a different brand NIC; 3COM 10/100, D-Link 10/100, D-Net 10 and RealTek 10. I've never had any problem with data corruption on downloads as large as 640MB. I did upgrade the firmware as soon as I hooked it up, though.

Russ, NCNE

 

[arthurb1]

Let me clarify...I never mentioned this, I dodn't have time...I'm on lunch now so I can, I never got data corruption with the LinkSys, becuase I couldn't keep a connection up long enough. This was playing woth it for 4 days at my friends house, on his new cable modem. The netgear worked until it had to renew its IP addy, when it needs a computer name (I hate ATT) so that is the experience that I speak from...as for me I have both routers now, the LinkSys is just a switch to me now, since I got wireless access and the Bridge so I could use the router cost an extra $600...so I use 98SE with ICS...Wish that they would release Linux drivers for this card though, I would love to get my feet wet with an IP MASQ.

 

[Russ]

Funny you should mention Linux. I just took the plunge myself and somewhow got the box to work on the network. It's the one with the D-Link in it (two, actually).

Russ, NCNE

 

[arthurb1]

Ya...I have been thinking about it...like I said...jsut if Cisco would write driver for it for this little Aironet 4800 card I have...then I would be set...but NOOO...oh well...anyone wanna write a driver for me?

 

[Dwight]

There are linux drivers for the 4800 series. Go to the FAQ at the aironet.com site. Also there is an aironet listserv out there where linux is discussed.

Will one of those DSL/Cable routers work on an airnet system? I will have this at home in a week or so and will either get a router or a switched network kit for my comps.

 

[arthurb1]

If you get the PCI card it will not work...if you get the Aiuronet/Cisco LAN bridge, then you can shove that onto your router...I was going to be gettign DSL through Phoenix networks, but I found these guys and it took them 5 days from first contact to have me running (imagine that, fast service!) Anyway, hope it works...who is your provider, locl or national? Mine is AvalancheNet http://www.avalanchenet.com and they are I think going to go national, and they are going to accept a DS-3 this month...woohoo...and my link to them is at least a 5 mbps (11mbps cards with 100% signal quality and 46% strength. Just make sure to ground that 10-20 ft steel pole that is gonna be on your roof....could get toasty if not...I got a good lightning arrestor, free with the setup...

 

[Golar]

I had the linksys router and was having all sorts of problems with it (tho not corruption). Returned it and got the Umax UG3000. No regrets.

 

[Bappo]

Nope just getting the PCI card and popping the rubber antenna off. I will ground of course I am only about 2.5 miles line-of-sight from the tower and the yagi will only extend up about 1 foot from the top of my roof on a really short pole.

Local provider for me. Someone I know quite well. He only has a T-1 available but with so few customers I can hog the bandwidth. cheaper per month than my extra phoneline + dial up ISP. Cisco was out of the 340's and was supposed to start shipping the 16th so I should have my equipment soon. Hardest thing will be moving the comp to the basement and cutting holes in the walls.

can't wait.

 

[Celstar]

Hey everyone! I just got the Linksys router. Couldn't resist having a built in switch and router.

Anyway, I DID experience some data corruption when I was downloading files...crc errors. luv2chill, you were right. I also upgraded to the latest firmware 1.30 BETA, and the data corruption went away.

BTW, goood router!

 

[Spook]

Ordered my DSL Router last week from Buy.com with a $20 coupon... Missed the Free shipping, damn.... oh well, it was $90 shipped...

Cross my fingers, that it works.