DSL routers

[dolluper]

Well finally we are going to DSL [phone line] Do you guy's have any thoughts on a good router to use either a wire-d or wireless one,so many to choose from and they all say they are the best.let me now what you think is the best that won't break the bank of the two different types wired or wireless.Sort of leaning towards the wireless but I'dd like to hear Also what kind of extras would be required like cards or connectors......Thanks guy's

 

[ndemge]

Re: DSL routers

Linksys would be my choice.. now owned by Cisco.


I have the Linksys 802.11g Wireless Router
Model: WRT54G at home...
Has a built in 4 port switch so you can do wireless and wired off the same piece of equipment. EASY setup.

At work I have the Microsoft wirless kit, it's not the most user friendly. I would vote NO on this one. It does the job.


at my parents house, they have a D-link wireless router/switch, it's very similar to the Linksys... The setup was very easy on it.

$50-60 for either the D-link or the Linksys and you'll be set.

 

[Xcusme]

Re: DSL routers

Yea, Linksys WRT54G or GS router. The later versions of the WRT54g (ver. 5 and up) aren't as desireable from a firmware point of view. The ealier versions 1==>4 are OK.

I run the WRT54G with DD-WRT firmware (linux based) and it works a treat. Rock solid and very flexible.

Someone on Ebay is always selling the older versions for 30-40 bucks.

Here's a c/p with more info:

Unfortunately in some cases you can't tell what version of the router is inside the Linksys WRT54G/GS box. Here's a helpful table. The first three letters and number in the Serial Number on the Back of the Box will tell you what version is inside:

WRT54G

# CDF0 = WRT54G v1.0 / ADM6996L Chipset 16MB RAM/4MB Flash ROM
# CDF1 = WRT54G v1.0 / ADM6996L Chipset 16/4
# CDF2 = WRT54G v1.1 / ADM6996L Chipset 16/4
# CDF3 = WRT54G v1.1 / ADM6996L Chipset 16/4
# CDF5 = WRT54G v2.0 / ADM6996L Chipset 16/4
# CDF7 = WRT54G v2.2 / BCM5325EKQM Chipset 16/4
# CDF8 = WRT54G v3.0 / BCM5325EKQM Chipset 16/4
# CDF9 = WRT53G v3.1 / BCM5325EKQM Chipset 16/4
# CDFA = WRT54G v4.0 / BCM5352E Chipset 16/4
# CDFB = WRT54G v5.0 / BCM5352EKPB Chipset 8MB RAM//2MB ROM(VxWorks OS, not Linux)
# CDFC = WRT54G v5.1 / BCM5352EKPB Chipset 8MB RAM//2MB ROM(VxWorks OS, not Linux)
# CDFD = WRT54G v6.0 / BCM5352EKPB Chipset 8MB RAM//2MB ROM(VxWorks OS, not Linux)

WRT54GS SpeedBooster

# CGN0 = WRT54GS v1.0 / ADM6996L Chipset 32MB RAM/8MB ROM
# CGN1 = WRT54GS v1.0 / ADM6996L Chipset 32/8
# CGN2 = WRT54GS v1.1 / BCM5325EKQM Chipset 32/8
# CGN3 = WRT54GS v2.0 / BCM5325EKQM Chipset 32/8
# CGN4 = WRT54GS v2.1 / BCM5325EKQM Chipset 32/8
# CGN5 = WRT54GS v3.0 / BCM5352E Chipset 32/8
# CGN6 = WRT54GS v4.0 / BCM5325E Chipset (only 4 MB Flash ROM/16 MB RAM)
# CGN7 = WRT54GS v5.0 / BCM5325E Chipset (not Linux OS but VxWorks; 2 MB Flash ROM/16 MB RAM)
# CGN8 = WRT54GS v5.1 / BCM5325E Chipset (not Linux OS but VxWorks; 2 MB Flash ROM/16 MB RAM)
# CGN9 = WRT54GS v6.0 / BCM5325E Chipset (not Linux OS but VxWorks; 2 MB Flash ROM/16 MB RAM)

Best Bet WRT54GS: Purchase the Linksys WRT54GS SpeedBooster Routers, Versions 1.0-3.0. They all have the Linux OS and 32 MB RAM/8 MB Flash ROM. You need the extra Flash ROM for all the new full-featured firmware that is available (and more to come in the weeks and months ahead).

Best Bet WRT54G: The Linksys WRT54G Wireless Routers only have 16 MB RAM and 4 MB Flash ROM. More bang for the buck with the SpeedBooster models as long as you purchase the right version. However, the WRT54G Versions 2.0-4.0 are supported by 3rd Party Firmware and may be available in retail stores for around $49.00, although some of the better versions are hard to find. Copy/paste this page and take it to the store with you to make sure you purchase the right version of the WRT54G/GS.

WRT54GL (CL7A, CL7B) is Linux based with 16 MB RAM and 4 MB Flash ROM. DD-WRT Firmware is available for this unit. Check Brainslayer's DD-WRT site below.

WRTSL54GS (CJK0) is also Linux based but with 32 MB RAM and 8 MB Flash ROM a 266Mhz Processor and USB 2.0 port for network storage. Check Brainslayer's site for his new release of firmware for this unit.

Linksys WRT54G/GS Firmware

Why is all this cool firmware available for the WRT54G/GS and other Linksys Products? The Linux software that runs the WRT54G/GS routers (actually it is embedded in a chip made by Broadcom for use in Linksys Routers and Access Points) is distributed under the the GNU General Public License (GPL) which the Free Software Foundation created in 1991. Under the license, if you distribute GPL software in a product, you must also distribute the software's source code. In other words, when an organization or company uses open source software under the GNU General Public License (GPL), instead of paying a licensing fee, it is required to make that code -- and any "derivative" works they have created -- available to the public for free. Linksys and Broadcom have done just that (with pressure from the general public and the Free Sofware Foundation.) What we see now is a nice selection of free firmware to use with our Linksys Routers and Access Points (thanks of course to all of the firmware developers). You can now easily download the source code for various Linksys Products including the WRT54G/GS at the Linksys GPL Code Center.

CD-ROM Firmware. The 3rd Party Firmware included on the CD-ROM all have the capability of boosting the Transmit Power on the WRT54G/GS units (most versions) from 28mw to 251mw: DD-WRT v.23, Talisman Basic 1.1, and Alchemy v1.0. (See the screenshots below.) Our favorite firmware included on the CD-ROM, and one of the most stable, is DD-WRT v.23 (developed by BrainSlayer) which has many features and the only program with Hotspot software already embedded in the firmware. Click on 3rd Party Firmware Comparison to see all the features that are available for each of the firmware packages included on the CD-ROM and which firmware will support the different versions of the WRT54G/GS units.

Click on PIP's WRT Routers for lots of information on all the WRT54G/GS units and other Linksys Routers. A very nice site.

To Flash your WRT54G/GS the "Right Way" click on DD-WRT for lots of helpful information.

Want to use your WRT54G/GS as a Repeater or for Bridging? Click on Justin Olanin's Guide to Setting up WDS on the SRT54G/GS.

Want to monitor Wi-Fi signals that are being broadcast in your area on your WRT54G/GS? Click on Nate True's firmware Wi-viz Wireless Network Visualization.

Want to peak inside the WRT54G and WRT54GS to see how each of the versions differe? Click on James Depew's Linksys Internal Anatomy. Scroll down to the bottom of the page for a comparison of the WRT54G/GS units.

Click on Linksys Support for the latest firmware upgrades from Linksys. For a link to Linksys Product Description click on Linksys WRT54GS.

Popular Linksys Forums: Click on Broadband Linksys Discussion Forum and Linksysinfo.org Forum and Brainslayer's Forum (the creator of the DD-WRT Firmware) at DD-WRT Forum (click on Forums at the top of the page) to learn how Linksys owners are tinkering with their Access Points and Routers to boost the broadcasting power and adding additional features which are very nice. Something new is always cookin' in the Forums.

WARNING: You risk damaging the unit (blowing the Broadcom Chip) by installing the firmware. We have installed firmware onto 100's of these units and have not destroyed one single router. If you are not an experienced Wi-Fi user it is best for you to leave the original Linksys firmware installed on the WRT54GS. If you happen to "brick" your unit click on the BrainSlayers WRT54G/GS Revival Guide for help. All of the Forums mentioned above have help available.

Stop by the The Techwireless eBay Store for cool deals on Wi-Fi products: Wireless PC Cards, 10' (3.0m) RP-TNC and RP-SMA Jumper Cables for your Routers and Access Points, 72-inch Pigtails, Cantenna Kits, 7.0dBi OMNI Magnetic Mount Antennas (RP-SMA, RP-TNC, MMCX connectors) for your PC Card, PCI Adapter, Routers, and Access Points and our newest listing: Buffalo High Power Turgo G Wireless PC Card w/7dBi Omni Antenna. Very nice!

 

[ndemge]

Re: DSL routers

wow, you are really into your linksys

 

[KaGee]

Re: DSL routers

I have NETGEAR. No problems at all. I like some of the set-up features it has. I just switched from Cable to DSL ELITE. It's actually faster than my cable was.

 

[i386]

Re: DSL routers

I buy Netgear because of Linksys tech support hell I went through several years ago (this was in the height of the outsource to India era). This was specifically with Linksys routers and Charter Pipeline cable internet access. I've never had any problems with either one with Bellsouth DSL (what we have around here). I think either one is a good choice. The Linux firmware is interesting so I'll check that out.

I'd stick with those 2 and stay away from Belkin and Dlink. Actually, the DLink's products aren't that bad but people are familliar with Linksys and Netgear so your "community" support is better.


Go ahead and get a wireless router even if you don't use that functionality. You might one day.

A "wired router" is basically a n-port switch + router.
A "wireless router" is basically a n-port switch + router + wireless access point.

In essence what I'm saying a wireless router makes just as good a wired router as a wired router proper.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: DSL routers

I've had my Dlink wireless router for 6 years now, without a single hickup. I literally haven't even had to unplug it or restart it even ONCE. On the other hand I've never been happy with a Linksys product, and I've used a lot of them.

My advice would be to get the sunday paper this weekend and get whichever one is on sale for $14.99. You won't regret it. Even if something goes wrong, you're only out $14.99, but there isn't a whole lot going on in a router, and there fore, not a lot to go wrong.

There is NO reason to spend $60+ on a name brand. They all do exactly the same thing at exactly the same speed. Many of them have exactly the same electronics inside. Unless you're a geek and you want to play with all the extra features.

 

[Xcusme]

Re: DSL routers

I guess it's like Chevy's and Fords, get what you feel most comfortable with. I personally prefer the routers with more advanced features in the firmware. Certainly just about any router is better than running without one.

The choice between wireless and non-wireless routers is pretty much mute. Most routers today are of the wireless kind. If you aren't planning on using wireless NICs, just disable the wireless function until you are ready. You can add an additional wireless router to an existing LAN too. Just disable DHCP on the second router so it doesn't give out IP addresses, (thats the job of the first router in your system). By disabling DHCP in the second router, you make it a wireless access point. Why spend extra bucks for a dedicated Wireless Access Point, they usually cost more than a wireless router anyway. If you do opt for 2 routers configured like this, Give them both the same SSID, but give them different channels, say channel 1 for the first router, and channel 11 for the second. This allows you to roam your LAN and provide wider coverage. You won't see your laptop get 'handed off' to the stronger wireless router signal as you move around.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: DSL routers

I personally prefer the routers with more advanced features in the firmware.

Other than geeking out, what do those extra features do for you? What does your router do that a $9.99 Airlink router doesn't? You can increase the radio power, but most the time you don't need that in a normal house, and that causes interference problems. I have a feeling that most of the members on this forum wouldn't have the slightest idea what to do with a linux powered router.

Don't get me wrong, I love playing with the features and hacking all my hardware too...but there isn't really any good reason for it. My other router is a dual processor server running windows 2003 with 10 NICs, load balancing, and automatic failover to one of three internet connections.....just because I had the crap laying around.

 

[Plainsman]

Re: DSL routers

"There is NO reason to spend $60+ on a name brand. They all do exactly the same thing at exactly the same speed. Many of them have exactly the same electronics inside. Unless you're a geek and you want to play with all the extra features"

I agree with Z.

 

[qaztwo]

Re: DSL routers

I'm running cable through a dlink wireless router that I paid $15 and had a $20 mail in rebate. Been about 2 years now no problem. Before cable had dsl and had no problems either.

 

[Xcusme]

Re: DSL routers

I agree with youz guys, a router running custom firmware isn't absolutely necessary, but it can have it's advantages. My firmware allows VPN connections from hotspots back to my router for safer surfing. It allows you to set static DHCP IP assignments by MAC address. This comes in handy with a few family members using P2P programs and port forwarding assignments. A feature I especially like is the router won't allow admin functions through a wireless connection, hard line only (selectable). Bandwidth throttling by MAC or IP based on time of day and days of the week. This can keep little Johnny off the Web after certain hours etc.

As I said, it's not absolutely necessary to run these features, but it's nice if you have the options and the need. These routers can be had for 30 bucks. I've installed all makes of routers, 3com, Linksys, Netgear, Motorola including AirLink. Each has it's own feature set and they will work just fine.

More importantly, I'd like to see more folks focus on the built-in security of even the most basic router. A few simple settings can help prevent the neighbors kids from associating with a router thats not theirs. It's simple theft anyway you cut it, but it won't stop until folks start reading a wee bit and taking the necessary steps to prevent it.

 

[tomatolord]

Re: DSL routers

One thing to check it is the megahertz the wireless works at - it may interfere with your portable phone, so make sure your phone and wireless router operate at different frequencies.

I had an older portable phone and it worked fine but when I added my 1st router it worked on that same frequency and i would get static on my phone so i had to get a new portable 900megahertz phone.

tomatolord

 

[dolluper]

Re: DSL routers

Great info guy's ,now you got me even more CON-Fused.What I'm planning is to hook up 2 computers and 1 laptop.all in different locations,2 desk tops in the house and the lap in the garage.I almost feel I should run wires but I'm still not sure as there seems to be lots of options.Doing all this before the modem arrives isn't the best I guess as I don't know yet what it is[company modem} Just looking for all the info I can get in the meantime so thanks a bunch guy's.

 

[Plainsman]

Re: DSL routers

Go wireless, it's very simple to setup and gives you some freedom to move around with the laptop.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: DSL routers

Wire together the computers that are easy to wire and don't have wireless network cards. If transfer speed between a couple computers on your network is important you'll want them wired too. Say you have all your photos on one computer and frequently view them on another one. Here the wire is going to give you at least a 2x speed advantage. But if the computer is just accessing the Internet or playing music stored on another, it doesn't matter which system you use.

Naturally, it's pretty easy and cheap to upgrade any computer with a wireless network card, so if it's difficult to wire for whatever reason then you can simply convert the computer to wireless.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: DSL routers

Yeah, I'd go completely wireless unless you plan on moving a lot of big files back and forth. Wireless speed is still way faster than your internet connection, so it works perfect for that.