Looking for a Router

[Creepin]

I am looking for a new router that will connect a USB printer (HP laserjet 2055dn) so that I can print wireless. I am currently using a cisco valet and would like to be able to stream videos and game better also. I am looking for options that are around $125 or less. I currently have two laptops, two smart phones, kindle fire, wii, and an ipod connected to my network.

thanks,

 

[Heller]

I dont know much about networking but a quick search for usb routers over at slickdeals brings back several hits, this being the first one that seems to fit your needs.

http://slickdeals.net/?sdtid=5944400&sdop=1&sdpid=58618964&sdfid=9&lno=1&trd=Http+www+newegg+com+Product+Pro+&u2=Http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newegg.com%2FProduct%2FProduct.aspx%3FItem%3D33-166-081%26amp%3BTpk%3D33-166-081

 

[JackMDS]

Money is Not an issue. Asus RT-N66U -RT-N66U N900
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833320091

Less expensive N-600. ASUS RT-N56U Wireless Router Dual Band N600

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833320062

Buffalo High Power N-600 Dual Band Giga.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833162070

I am broke I want Dual Band Wireless and do not care for Giga in the Router and USB storage

http://store.linksys.com/Routers/Li...-Router_stcVVproductId138177695VVviewprod.htm

If you need later on Giga you can add this for $24 -

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833156250

--------------
P.S, If your current Router is still in good working shape do not get rid of it, you can use it as an Access Point assign it to serve old Wireless client that are G only, and configure the new Router as a Dual Band for A/N only.

Using Access Points or Wireless Cable/DSL Routers as a Switch with an Access Point - http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html

 

[Creepin]

Thanks for the options. I am also seeing lots of good reviews on the refurbished Cisco Linksys E4200 Version 1. Is this one any good? and is it worth it to switch to DD-WRT firmware?

 

[JackMDS]

Thanks for the options. I am also seeing lots of good reviews on the refurbished Cisco Linksys E4200 Version 1. Is this one any good? and is it worth it to switch to DD-WRT firmware?

Yeah, I use to recommend it as best buy for the price.

http://store.linksys.com/Routers/Li...productId133604734VVcatId543906VVviewprod.htm

However it is declared as Temporarily Sold Out.

This Temporarily is rather long and seems to be beyond Temporarily, so I stopped mentioning it.

 

[rasczak]

I love this.

http://www.amazon.com/RT-N66U-Dual-B.../dp/B006QB1RPY

It's only $40.00 buck more, but it has so many awesome features. (VPN is my favorite)

 

[Creepin]

I found the e4200 on amazon for $125. Is the Asus 66U worth the extra $50?

 

[rasczak]

I haven't done a comparison, but i found this.

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2243271

As far as my own experience with the ASUS router, I have nothing but good things to say about it. I've got between 7 -10 devices hooked up to it at any one time. I haven't set up the wireless printing (my printer is wireless so no point in that) but have installed usb storage on the router (needlessy just to do it ) and it's rocked it for me. The gig speeds on the wired side have been phenomenal as far as moving large files and folders, all the while gaming. No problems there either.

 

[kbp]

^ +1 And I print from mine.

 

[JackMDS]

The e4200 is a good deal for the $79 when it is sold on Linksys Refurb.

Otherwise, this for $99 is the next deal.

http://www.amazon.com/Diamond-Dual-B...xp_grid_pt_1_0

Or - the $169 http://www.amazon.com/RT-N66U-Dual-B.../dp/B006QB1RPY

The extra money provides more robust Wireless and it is up to your specific situation whether you need it.

As an example if you live in New York in a studio apartment you probably do no need the more expensive one.

 

[s44]

and is it worth it to switch to DD-WRT firmware?

Tomato >>> DD-WRT

If you don't want to pay full price for the N66, get the E3200.

 

[daninfamous]

i recently purchased a n66u and its absolutely worth it. you can find them refurbished on ebay from newegg for about 130

 

[Zunhs]

Here is a nice overview of Tomato versions. Shibby Mod looks interesting but I haven't tried it yet.

 

[mango123]

have rt n66u the asus one... not the ac version then N one.
have latest tomato by shibby on it.

This thing is great. It's really a powerhouse. !
Prolly one of the best buys I've made since my 3570k.

 

[xperan.rich]

you could also just buy an external HP Jetdirect box, and plug your printer into your router via ethernet... (Then clients connect via wifi to printer) - this will be probably be the cheapest option, get googling

 

[Creepin]

Thanks for the help guys, just picked up a N66u and this think is much faster than my old one and connecting the printer via usb was no problem at all. Now, if i can figure out how to print from my iphone i will be in business. Also, I am not well versed at changing settings on routers, is there anything i should definitely change over how it comes from the factory?

 

[ImDonly1]

Thanks for the help guys, just picked up a N66u and this think is much faster than my old one and connecting the printer via usb was no problem at all. Now, if i can figure out how to print from my iphone i will be in business. Also, I am not well versed at changing settings on routers, is there anything i should definitely change over how it comes from the factory?

Definitely enable WPA2 wireless encryption and set a password.
Forward ports if you run torrents.
Disable WiFi protected setup if possible/you have it.

Otherwise, nothing really.

 

[fastman]

Yeah, I use to recommend it as best buy for the price.

http://store.linksys.com/Routers/Li...productId133604734VVcatId543906VVviewprod.htm

However it is declared as Temporarily Sold Out.

This Temporarily is rather long and seems to be beyond Temporarily, so I stopped mentioning it.

That's where I got mine from, like about two years ago with no problems and love it.

 

[Enigma102083]

HP laserjet 2055dn has a NIC on it, why does it have to be USB?

 

[rasczak]

Definitely enable WPA2 wireless encryption and set a password.
Forward ports if you run torrents.
Disable WiFi protected setup if possible/you have it.

Otherwise, nothing really.

Pretty much this. Glad to hear you like the router. It's a great pickup. :thumbsup: