Need a router recommendation

[Paratus]

I only have 802.11B devices (2 PDAs & an Centrino circa 2003)


I'm looking for something around or under $100 with at least 4 port 10/100 (10/100/1000 would be better) ethernet and possibly draft N for when I upgrade my systems.


Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Paratus]

Does anyone have experience with this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16833127215

Should I be looking at D-Link, Linksys, Netgear?

 

[Motorheader]

If you want a solid router - look here:

Zyxel unit at Newegg

I've been a zyxel user/installer since 1997 and I've always had great luck with them.

I know it's not draft N or gb ports - but it is a solid unit.

 

[Paratus]

Price is good and it's got the same features as my DI624

How's the range?

 

[Motorheader]

Decent range. It's the type of unit you setup and forget about - it just works.

 

[kevnich2]

Just my .02 but if your interested in trying out DDWRT, you can look at either a WRT54GL or an Asus WL-520GU. I love DDWRT, very stable and has lots of feature (if you want to mess around with them). The asus has very new wireless and is a very stable unit.

 

[JackMDS]

Option 1. Asus WL-520GU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16833320023

Inexpensive Flashable with DD-WRT*.
--------------------

Option 2. Linksys WRT54GL

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16833124190

Very Solid with DD-WRT (Mediocre Wireless).

--------------------
Option 3. Zyxel 550 -

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...181218&Tpk=zyxel%2b550

Not compatible with DD-WRT but as is features rich and Good Wireless.

------------------
*What is DD-WRT?

http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/ind...hat_is_%22DD-WRT%22%3F

 

[dandragonrage]

Anything supported by this firmware (which is much better than DD-WRT, especially in QoS but also ease of use): http://www.polarcloud.com/tomato

 

[geokilla]

Originally posted by: dandragonrage
Anything supported by this firmware (which is much better than DD-WRT, especially in QoS but also ease of use): http://www.polarcloud.com/tomato

Why do you say it's much better than DD-WRT? DD-WRT has been great. Maybe you've had something bad with your router while using DD-WRT....

I personally use DD-WRT V24 Micro on my WRT54GSv7 and I love it. Even though it's s stripped down version of the normal build, it's much better than the stock firmware.

Oh, and I recommended the ASUS WL-520GU as well.

 

[dandragonrage]

I've used DD-WRT successfully but Tomato just... wins. Especially, as I said, in QoS.

http://www.google.com/search?c...pera&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

 

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: dandragonrage
I've used DD-WRT successfully but Tomato just... wins. Especially, as I said, in QoS.

http://www.google.com/search?c...pera&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

Can you please explain in technical terms what the Qos setting does that is different than DD-WRT?

 

[kevnich2]

Originally posted by: JackMDS

Originally posted by: dandragonrage
I've used DD-WRT successfully but Tomato just... wins. Especially, as I said, in QoS.

http://www.google.com/search?c...pera&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

Can you please explain in technical terms what the Qos setting does that is different than DD-WRT?

I'm wondering the same thing. QOS in DDWRT works....just as it's supposed to. How does tomato do it any better? Tomato is ok, it just depends on your preference. I've tried tomato, I didn't like it. So I switched back to DDWRT. DDWRT is definately my favorite firmware and it works marvelously, with or without all of the advanced features.

 

[dandragonrage]

It gives you more classification, it shows you graphs, it lets you easily set bandwidth limits for each. In DD-WRT, without digging through the console, I tried specifying certain things to low priority (or whatever the one just above bulk is called) and it was slowing them WAY down even when it was the only traffic on my network, and it didn't even have graphs to show me what it was doing.


Tomato QoS is MUCH better. Fact, not opinion here. It boggles the mind that you would have to ask this if you've really used both.

 

[kevnich2]

Originally posted by: dandragonrage
It gives you more classification, it shows you graphs, it lets you easily set bandwidth limits for each. In DD-WRT, without digging through the console, I tried specifying certain things to low priority (or whatever the one just above bulk is called) and it was slowing them WAY down even when it was the only traffic on my network, and it didn't even have graphs to show me what it was doing.


Tomato QoS is MUCH better. Fact, not opinion here. It boggles the mind that you would have to ask this if you've really used both.

Having graphs to show qos isn't important to me at all. I use qos actively on my network as I have, at times, a lot of VOIP traffic. qos works just the way it's supposed to. Web & FTP transfers slow down when my VOIP kicks in and goes back up when I'm off the phone. I don't see why you'd need a graph to set that up. The only graphs I need (and DDWRT now has them) is for my bandwidth usage overall and in real-time.

Also, in technical terms, the qos is the exact same, fact. In your opinion, you like seeing graphs (for what purpose I still don't know). Adding graphs for qos is a personal opinion, has nothing to do with the technical aspect of whether qos works or not. Please keep your facts and your opinions straight.

 

[dandragonrage]

I don't believe graphs are the only things I mentioned. Please stop having selective vision, and then go Google Tomato vs. DD-WRT. Landslide victory for Tomato. Just about every link prefers Tomato.

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: dandragonrage
I don't believe graphs are the only things I mentioned. Please stop having selective vision, and then go Google Tomato vs. DD-WRT. Landslide victory for Tomato. Just about every link prefers Tomato.

They both use the same mechanism, technically there is no difference between the two and it's a shame they call it "QoS" because it really isn't.

I think this is another case of "if you read it on the intarweb, it must be true!"

 

[JackMDS]

In addition to kevnich2 sentiment (which is mine too).

Saying that something is better has technical aspect, and Subjective aspect.

Tomato has a different Interface that some people like (That is a subjective aspect).

It is OK to like it and prefer it, but in order to be honest and really help other people it should be mentioned why one prefer one device/application in lieu of the other.

I use DD-WRT because it has more features and flexible and it support more Routers.

I also noticed that many time pros state that they actually like the DD-WRT interface better.

I personally do not care about the interface of devices that are not set very often.

It is not as if every day One has to set his Wireless Router.

As for the OP. You can try both, if you like, Tomato has interface better, and it has the features that you are looking for it your personal call.

They are both free and you are free to use whatever makes you happy.

 

[dandragonrage]

In addition, by supporting DD-WRT, you're supporting a guy modifying GPL code, not releasing the code even when asked, violating the license. He claims that he can just change the license when he modifies the code. And then he sells it for $25 a pop.

funny, considering DD-WRT started off as an alternative to Alchemy, claiming they'd never do that shit.

 

[kalster]

personally i have found tomato is much better suited to my needs, the qos seems to work much better than it did on dd-wrt and its much more stable for me, of course it doesnt offer all the features that dd-wrt has to offer but that is not a big deal to me

 

[Motorheader]

Originally posted by: dandragonrage
In addition, by supporting DD-WRT, you're supporting a guy modifying GPL code, not releasing the code even when asked, violating the license. He claims that he can just change the license when he modifies the code. And then he sells it for $25 a pop.

funny, considering DD-WRT started off as an alternative to Alchemy, claiming they'd never do that shit.

Thread hijacking and FUD will not help the OP here.

To the OP - have you made a decision?

 

[geokilla]

Sorry for the hijack but i HAVE to post this.

Did you try using DD-WRT V24 STABLE? Not the RC, but the STABLE version. And if your router supports it, have you tried the mega builds? I did a few quick searches regarding Tomato vs DD-WRT, and those articles were dated back in 2007. The year is now 2008, and there has been many technological improvements. Give DD-WRT V24 another try?

@OP, hope you'll make a choice soon. If you don't need much functionality, you can also use the Linksys WRT54G/WRT54GS as long as they're cheap (like $30). Otherwise, get the ASUS WL-520GU or the Linksys WRT54GL. I'd recommend the ASUS over the WRT54GL though.

 

[Paratus]

Originally posted by: Motorheader

Originally posted by: dandragonrage
In addition, by supporting DD-WRT, you're supporting a guy modifying GPL code, not releasing the code even when asked, violating the license. He claims that he can just change the license when he modifies the code. And then he sells it for $25 a pop.

funny, considering DD-WRT started off as an alternative to Alchemy, claiming they'd never do that shit.

Thread hijacking and FUD will not help the OP here.

To the OP - have you made a decision?

Actually no!

Turns out I had to work two 13 hour shifts this weekend and haven't had time to do anything about it. (I did however find this thread fascinating to read at work so thanks everyone!)

I may get a chance to hit up my local Fry's tomorrow and see what they have.

But basically it sounds like I can buy a similar router to the one I have and load a kick ass firmware or spend a little more and get faster hardware that I may have a use for in the future, after upgrading my machines, but that will come with a more standard set of firmware features.

BTW what is Qos?

 

[JayBlay77]

QoS stands for quality of service. Essentially it allows you to set priority to different applications that are using bandwidth. Using a previously posted example, lets say you have a VOIP phone and are moving around files via FTP and on the internet. You can set the VOIP phone to have top priority. That way when you're on the phone bandwidth going to downloading and web surfing will be limited so you get the necessary bandwidth to have a quality call. Once you're off the phone the bandwidth gets redistributed back to your FTP and web surfing.

VOIP is Voice Over IP. So basically using the internet to make phone calls instead of through your phone line. Didn't want to explain one acronym only to leave you with another unknown.

 

[ryan256]

I'm kinda in the same boat as the OP. My DI-604 has croaked and I need to replace it. However I often transfer large files between my machines so I really kinda need a gigabit router. I'm looking at the DGL-4300 but it doesn't support DD-WRT or Tomato. Anyone have a recommendation for a gigabit router these support?

 

[NickOlsen8390]

I used a DGL-4300 with 1.8 firmware from dlink and it was great. If you want Gigabit speeds but want something that can run DD-WRT or tomato get a WRT54GL, note the GL NOT G. And hook up a small gigabit switch behind it.

Something I came across today:
Fast, Stable, Cheap.......Pick Two.