Which of these TWO Lynksys routers are better???

[Lysimachus]

I am about to purchase a Lynksys router to network my two computers together so that I can do multiplayer LAN games, as well as play online via DSL/cable. My question is, which of these two routers should I get since they are both the exact same price at Newegg:


Click here and look at the top two routers, both for $61. Which one? The top or bottom one?

 

[Massonite]

Well the 2nd one has VPN capabilities, so if you plan to use VPN then I'd go for the 2nd one. That's pretty much the big difference, and overall I'd pick the 2nd one due to that fact, since you may be able to have some fun using VPN for a network game!

 

[Lysimachus]

The additional features on the second one would not slow down multiplayer game performance in any way, would it? Like sometimes these firewalls in routers make it difficult to host games...

 

[ShowdOWN]

in my personal experience, i never liked linksys. their routers worked and it was affordable, thats why i bought it.
but, i once had a problem with my router loosing connection in the middle of surfing the web,
tech support came to the conclusion that it was my cable modem that was at fault for loosing the internet connection.
they also went into detail that over time the toshiba cable modem that i owned wasnt sending a strong enough signal
to the router, and that it was fairly common that the two parts could not exist together for longer then 8 months.

so at the end, their suggestion for me to go buy a new cable modem, and that there was nothing wrong with my router.

what a bunch of bs. im never going to buy linksys again. half of the time i couldnt understand what the tech was saying
and had to ask him to repeat himself again and again.
the reason for that is that their support is located in india.

netgear all the way for me now.

:brokenheart:

 

[Massonite]

All routers have a firewall. Also, there's a web-based interface that lets you configure anything you want. You'll be able to make sure all ports are open that need to be, as well as set up other network settings.

The VPN would be quite interesting for a LAN game with someone not there, I'm kinda curious to try it now... lol

 

[Lysimachus]

ShowdOWN, very interesting indeed what you are saying to me, very interesting indeed. The reason I say this is because I have heard nothing but good concerning Linksys routers. It has been like the number 1 recommended router at most gaming sites. People used to complain how they couldn't host games in Empire Earth, etc., but then some of the gaming celebs directed us to these Linksys routers to solve the problem.

A lot of guys at my school say that Linksys are one of the best too. I mean, the REVIEWS! Have you read them? They are just all over the net praising these routers!

So now you are confusing me, for I was about to make a decision on getting this router. Now you just ruined it for me, thanx alot!

 

[Lysimachus]

anymore input concerning these routers before I go ahead and order?

 

[Fokks]

They're basically the same model, except for $1 more you're getting VPN support on the second. Sounds like the way to go.

The VPN capability will not have any effect on it's performance for gaming or anything else. It's simply an extra feature that would allow someone to connect securely to your home lan from over the internet.

 

[Lysimachus]

I want to know if this router is good for online gaming? Some say you should shun this router with everything you have if you intend to do online gaming.

Read the specs

Read the reviews---why does this one guy say to avoid this router like the plague if wanting to play games online??

It won't affect hosting games, will it?


I want a router that will work great for both LAN multiplayer gaming, and online gaming (where you and your partner go online together against other dudes).

 

[Lysimachus]

to top. Please folks, I'm falling asleep waiting for some responses, for I want my router to come with my motherboard in one shipping from newegg, and I don't want to ship them separately...

 

[BigFatCow]

i have the first router an i like it alot... i can play any game i want over the internet, i host lans all the time and it works great, and i can host games if i forward the ports...

 

[Lysimachus]

thanx for the input BigFatCow. It must be the second one (BEFSX41) that people are having problems with when doing online gaming. You see, too many features spoil the broth. The more complex options and features you add to a router, the more liable you are for having complications.

Correct? Or is this just a theory of mine?

 

[Lysimachus]

Hey question, I don't necessarily need a DSL/Cable connection/modem in order to hook up a LAN do I? I don't have DSL or Cable, but I want a router that will be capable for it when I do get DSL or Cable internet service. Will these routers work for a LAN connection for file sharing, etc?

 

[Antoneo]

Hey there,

I use the BEFSR41 here at home, and currently run three computers on it without a hitch. I've only had to restart (just unplugged it and then pluggled it back in) it because of a "lockup" once during the two and a half years of owning it. I've used DSL with it fine, and currently use cable with it without any problems. The NAT seems to be doing its job, I never see any stray connections in netstat.

Will these routers work for a LAN connection for file sharing, etc?

Yep, the basic LAN tasks will all work.

I'm not too familiar with the second router you have linked, it seems to be the updated version of mine, with more security features. I guess you could jump for that and try it out but the BEFSR41 works fine for me and does its job . I don't play games too often, just starcraft and that worked well. I didn't need VPN either so...

 

[Lysimachus]

I'll just go with the BEFSR41 I guess...can't figure out what I would need VPN for....cept for playing around when it comes to my networking classes...

 

[Izdaari]

I have a BEFSR41 and I'm happy with it. I use it with ADSL and play EverQuest with it. Needed some Port Triggering config for that, as detailed on the official EQ site, since EQ uses all kinds of random ports. No biggy, wasn't hard. Haven't had to do anything like that for any other game, EQ is just weird, but at least they documented it. I also use it to share connections with two other PCs, which it does perfectly. Haven't tried hosting any online games, so I can't say anything about that.

 

[Lysimachus]

I notice that on the front of the box for the BEFSX41 model it says:

"Dramatically Speed Up Your Network Gaming and Multimedia Applications"

But on the front of the box of the BEFSR41, it mentions nothing of the sort.


Does that really mean anything? Or maybe shouldn't I read anything into it?

 

[Lysimachus]

?

 

[Vic]

I've had the BEFSR41 for more than 2 years on my home network and have never had a single problem with it. For the money, it's an excellent value. One warning though: it can get slightly hot so never ever block the cooling holes.
You do not actually need to be connected to the internet (WAN) in order to use the LAN switch. The 2nd model is the same thing but with VPN added, you should only get that if you need/want that feature.

 

[thorin]

Originally posted by: Massonite
All routers have a firewall.

That's incorrect and misleading. A large percentage (like ~98%) of routers allow NATing which is NOT a FireWall.

Personally I managed to get a BEFSR41 for free when one of my co-workers switched to wireless and it was soooo simple to setup and admin, it work seemlessly with my DLink switch so I can now easily host lan parties with internal DHCP and full net access for everyone. Also it's PPPoE interface is great, I love not having to connect my machine at each boot (friggin windows PPPoE).

Thorin

 

[OverVolt]

I used to have the BEFSR41 before i went wireless. It ran without problems and it does come with a good firewall. I could game on UT2k3, Starcraft, BF1942, and lots more without a hitch. I know the Router has a firewall cause I had software firewalls on my computer (Black ICE) which stop gettin attcked once i installed the Router. I used ot get at least one attemp a day.

The 2nd one i heard is lousy. The Norton firewall is bull on that router, so i heard. You might need to suscribe to norton to get updates on your firewall which is also bull. But thats what some guy at Best Buy told my Dad (i never trust those guys tho).

Edit:I'd go with the BEFSR41 not the other one.

 

[Lysimachus]

Thanx for the input guys! It makes me feel better now about choosing the BEFSR41!