Recommendations: Linksys wrt54g (ver 3), Linksys wrt54gs (ver2.1), D-Link, any cheap router?

[udonoogen]

Hi All,

I'm finally getting broadband Internet access at home (yay). Anyhow, I'm looking for something reliable and since my one-story house has walls ... a few of them. I've read up on routers and decided to go with a Linksys, D-Link, or Netgear router. There are so many versions out there and so many mixed reviews about every router that I'm now seeking help.

Obviosuly there's a huge fanbase for the WRT54xxx series so I decided I'd start down that path. I picked up a WRT54GS Version 2.1 from a local computer store (got the last one) and it came out to close to 80 bucks with tax. It seemed a lot to pay for a router so I'm now having second thoughts.

There's a guy on Craigslist selling a WRT54G Version 3 (also new) for $50. I've read that routers were reliable and that I could boost the power signal by flashing the firmware to Linux. These versions also appear to be okay per wikipedia.

Some friends have told me a router is a router and that I should get one of those $20 AR D-Links or something like that. Any opinions or thoughts?

Thanks!

Don

 

[James Bond]

Well how many walls are you talking and how large is your house?

Honestly, I wouldn't buy some $20 router because they put really sh*tty hardware in them and they tend to go out or just suck.

I was reading another thread just a minute ago and it sounds like the entry level Buffalo routers are pretty amazing for their price.
Thread: Most efficient/cheap wireless router?
Buffalo router: WHR-G54S 125M Wireless Router

 

[JackMDS]

udonoogen

Every day there at least one nice guy like you. They are coming with concepts that unfortunately do not work when it comes to Entry Level Wireless Devices.

I.e. Reading the ?Bizarre? reviews of users in the shopping sites, and still believe that there is a secret Best Wireless Router that is in Inexpensive.

May be this can Help, Wireless What Should I Get?

:sun:

 

[Isaiah]

I second the Buffalo WHR-G54S Router, it is cheaper then the Linksys wrt54g/gl and has better range. I also suggest you take a look at the dd-wrt firmware, it runs on the wrt54g/gl/gs, buffalo whr-g54s, whr-hp-g54 and maybe other different units.
I would never buy a crappy $20 router, you will have nothing but problems and be very unhappy, routers are NOT all equal!
If you want a nice cheap but good router that can run 3rd party firmware the Buffalo WHR-G54S wins hands down!


-Isaiah

 

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: IsaiahI would never buy a crappy $20 router, you will have nothing but problems and be very unhappy, routers are NOT all equal!

True, Not all Routers are equal.

However Not all needs and environment condition of users are equal too.

The Majority of users do not need Routers that cover a mansion, or and networks system with three computers using BT to obtain "crapware".

Many users have small homes, or a humble apartment, and they need the Wireless for general Internet use with Laptops. Most of these users do not need to spend more than $20 for a Wireless Cable/DSL Router to do what they need to do.

:sun:

 

[Goosemaster]

Originally posted by: JackMDS

Originally posted by: IsaiahI would never buy a crappy $20 router, you will have nothing but problems and be very unhappy, routers are NOT all equal!

True, Not all Routers are equal.

However Not all needs and environment condition of users are equal too.

The Majority of users do not need Routers that cover a mansion, or and networks system with three computers using BT to obtain "crapware".

Many users have small homes, or a humble apartment, and they need the Wireless for general Internet use with Laptops. Most of these users do not need to spend more than $20 for a Wireless Cable/DSL Router to do what they need to do.

:sun:

aye...I've seen MANY MANY people get by on a cheap netear 614 and never have any problems...

 

[Jeeper94]

I've heard lots of negative comments about D-Link routers, but I've owned both Linksys and D-Link products with success. I've also had problems with both brands. My reccomendation for you would either be a D-Link DI-624 or a DI-524 for an irresistable price (rebate is through D-Link, not TD so don't worry).

 

[Genx87]

Does anybody have any experience with the Dlink 634M? I am more interested in the reliabilty vs the range. Right now I have a Linksys that craps out on me about every 2-3 days and I have to reboot the thing. I have the latest firmware also.

 

[udonoogen]

Originally posted by: JackMDS

Originally posted by: IsaiahI would never buy a crappy $20 router, you will have nothing but problems and be very unhappy, routers are NOT all equal!

True, Not all Routers are equal.

However Not all needs and environment condition of users are equal too.

The Majority of users do not need Routers that cover a mansion, or and networks system with three computers using BT to obtain "crapware".

Many users have small homes, or a humble apartment, and they need the Wireless for general Internet use with Laptops. Most of these users do not need to spend more than $20 for a Wireless Cable/DSL Router to do what they need to do.

:sun:

Thanks for your help, Jack (and everyone else who responded). I read that review on EZlan which is why I was considering the recommended D-Link package. I have 7 days to return my WRT54GS (or resell it). I'm told this speedbooster technology won't really help non speedbooster products and my thinkpad already has an internal card.

My options are
1) keeping the WRT54GS ($80)
2) get the WRT54G ($50), or
3) D-Link 524 or other Buffalo model I'll have to order online

Out of these 3 options, what would give me the best range? I don't mind spending a little more either. I'm just trying to figure out my options.

edit: My 4-bedroom home is shaped like the capital letter "G" with the router being placed on the inside of that G. the outer "rim" (left side) of the G is like my hallway and there are rooms alongside it. The maximum # of walls a signal will have to penetrate is about 3 or 4.