Linksys Wireless router any good?

[kylef]

I am supposed to recommend a wireless router to some friends even though I don't own one. I saw that the Linksys model was on sale at OfficeDepot for $115, and it looked like a pretty good deal.

Are there any known problems with it? I think they're running RoadRunner into a Mac right now, FYI.

I'm a wired sort of guy, so I thought I'd ask your opinions

 

[JackMDS]

The main differences between the Entry level Cable/DSL Routers is the number,
and range of ports that can be open through the Hardware Firewall.

If you are a gamer, and or use applications that need special ports opening. You need to log to the major manufactures sites, look at the data sheets, and find which one has the best port?s flexibility suitable to the way you use the Internet.

Otherwise the best Entry Level Cable/DSL Router is the cheapest one of the "Does Not Matter" Brand.

In the last few months few new Entry Level Cable/DSL Routers appeared in the market.

The old Routers Firewall is based on the NAT; some of the new Routers have Firewall based on NAT and an additional "Stateful Packet Inspection" (SPI) capacity.

SPI let you filter incoming, and outgoing information by rules. The resultant is better control of the info coming and going. E.g. parents can block exchanges that they deem unfit for their children.

The new Routers are presuming to be more cooperative with VPN.

 

[samajm]

it better be cause i just ordered it to!

make sure to get the $15 rebate AND use a coupon (i think there's a few $15 or $20 off $50 out there, check the forums at fatwallet.com for the latest coupons) should be about $85 shipped.

 

[brisco]

I used a Linksys BEFW11S4 to set up a small wireless network for a church/school. Like Jack said, as long as you don't need ultra specific control over the firewall you'll be fine with it.

 

[The Stigenator]

We got a linksys wireless / router (with 4 port switch) and it works great.. the wifi is strong enough to pick up by the pool..

we got a good deal on it.. 115 is about right.

 

[Acts837]

Linksys cause of the deal at OD right now. Just upgraded my BEFW11S4. Has several options for port forwarding too.

 

[cipher00]

My SMC7004AWBR has been great. My boss has the Linksys and had to put it on UPS because every time he had a power outage or hiccup he had to plug/unplug it; the SMC seems a bit more tolerant of that kind of thing. FWIW.

 

[kylef]

My SMC7004AWBR has been great. My boss has the Linksys and had to put it on UPS because every time he had a power outage or hiccup he had to plug/unplug it; the SMC seems a bit more tolerant of that kind of thing. FWIW.

This is the type of thing I was wondering about. I am familiar with the limitations of these entry-level firewalls, but I wanted to know specifically about the Linksys model. Things like signal strength issues, problems which might require rebooting, etc.

I have a D-link DI-604 router, for instance, that had problems with my BellSouth DSL connection until Dlink released new firmware that specifically fixed the problem with BellSouth. Any issues like that that people have dealt with would be GREAT!

Thanks for the replies so far!