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Yet Another "which router should I get?"

B

blackbunny

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Oct 14, 2006
11
0
I know that this question comes up over and over again, as recently as today. I have just read threads upon threads on this until I got a headache, and I am not lazy or dumb, depending upon who you ask.
I am looking at (and possibly bidding on) Linksys G54S (with "Speedbooster", various Volume #s) on ebay. I am getting all sorts of conflicting info on these forums about Linksys. Auctions end Soon, no big deal as more stuff to buy comes on every two minutes.
I just purchased a gorgeous shiny gently used MacBook (2GHz Intel Duo Core, Superdrive, with a paltry 512Mb RAM, OS10.4.8) last week, and only want a Reliable wireless router for my Cable Broadband connection (which I may switch to DSL). I do not want to jump through a billion hoops to have wireless, and don't need huge range. I don't really want to spend hours on the phone with some tech support, tho, nor can I spend much over $100 unless it's warranted. I do plan to download Music, but not much else, yet. I just feel like AirPort is Overpriced, but maybe not? I invite the floodgates of wisdom and opinion to open yet again on this....
 
I love my D-Link DGL-4300, if you plan to have multiple macs it is amazing to transfer files at gigabit speeds I can copy 10GB of files in about 10min!
 
Linksys and Netgear both make good routers. I prefer the latter, but others will say the opposite. Either one will work fine for you. I have had many problems with D-Link. However, I discontinued purchasing their products a few years ago. So, perhaps they have improved.

Usually the hardest part of the configuration process is to configure the router to join your Internet Source. Do you have a cable modem, DSL, or something else? That is where the variability comes in. Each ISP will have their own method for connecting a router (if you use the wizards). Just a couple years back, the ISP would give you the stock response to technical questions, "We do not support home networks". So, you had to actually know basic networking. However, because of the proliferation of home networks, they usually provide instructions for performing this task.

Both Linksys and Netgear have decent embedded interfaces for configuring their devices. If you are absolutely clueless about networking, your best (and least frustrating) strategy is to get technical assistance from a friend, relative, etc. If you have to call tech support, you are 'spinning the wheel'.

Over the past year, I have called Linksys twice and Netgear once. Each call was for technically advanced issues. Linksys completely failed over one issue, and had to escalate the issue two levels to resolve the second. Netgear did not have the answer immediately, but after 4-5 minutes on hold, did provide the solution.

I am not sure if that helps you much, but there it is.
 
lots of good insight, thanx

That was very helpful. My new MacBook is my first venture into WiFi, as my old computer (I'm writing from it now) is an ol' iMac G3 350mz still using 9.2!
I'm hooked up to Cable broadband from Comcast, but am considering switching to DSL for various reasons. So what I have is simply a cable sticking through the wall into the beloved old iMac via a not so new Motorola modem (thinking of getting a newer better one). Just want to sit on my couch downstairs and surf the net safely, maybe download some music...simple playful stuff, nuthin' fancy.
 
I have to strongly recommend AGAINST Netgear routers. I had two MR814s and two WGR614 routers and they ALL failed. And it wasn't just me, my friend also had one of each of those models and they eventually failed him as well. In each case except one (which simply locks up across the board), the wireless stopped maintaining a connection to client devices. We initially bought them because they were inexpensive; well, you get what you pay for.

Also stay away from Belkins. Possibly the only company worse than Netgear.

Some people really like D-Links, and I have found those to be pretty stable, but their configuration interface is the worst thing I've seen since Windows 3.1.

These days, I only run and recommend Linksys routers. They're solid and stable, and many models can easily run third party firmware that opens up a whole new world of networking possibilities. I run DD-WRT on my Linksys WRT54G v3.1, and utilize things like QoS and signal amplification that the stock Linksys firmware does not allow. You really shouldn't start flashing your router unless you know what you're doing, but it's good to know the potential is there I think.
 
which Linksys? & How about Buffalo?

Thanx mrogers. The replies to this thread just kind of keep me scratching my head, but I do find myself attracted to going back to Linksys, which you have just reinforced. The problem with getting them on ebay, or maybe just in general, is knowing which V. I'm getting. From what I have read, I shouldn't buy newer than V.3:confused: .Then I have been attracted also to Buffalo Technology routers...anyone heard anything about them? And then, back to expensive Airport...is it worth the extra bucks? Seems you get less but with ease of operation, or maybe not. And lastly, since I want to buy a new cable modem if I decide to stay with cable, has anyone tried to use one of them Motorola SBG900 wireless modems? It is unclear to me whether they support MacOS.
 
mrogers said:
I have to strongly recommend AGAINST Netgear routers. I had two MR814s and two WGR614 routers and they ALL failed. And it wasn't just me, my friend also had one of each of those models and they eventually failed him as well. In each case except one (which simply locks up across the board), the wireless stopped maintaining a connection to client devices. We initially bought them because they were inexpensive; well, you get what you pay for.

Also stay away from Belkins. Possibly the only company worse than Netgear.

Some people really like D-Links, and I have found those to be pretty stable, but their configuration interface is the worst thing I've seen since Windows 3.1.

These days, I only run and recommend Linksys routers. They're solid and stable, and many models can easily run third party firmware that opens up a whole new world of networking possibilities. I run DD-WRT on my Linksys WRT54G v3.1, and utilize things like QoS and signal amplification that the stock Linksys firmware does not allow. You really shouldn't start flashing your router unless you know what you're doing, but it's good to know the potential is there I think.
Click to expand...

Statistically, I find your statement almost impossible to believe. I am the Director of IT for a national construction company. Besides having several branch offices (Oregon, Hawaii, LA, Seattle) we have countless temporary job-site networks everywhere. Over 90% of our job-sites use Netgear, and have for several years. I have never had to replace a single one of them, except to change technology. Zero failures!
 
see why I have a headache?

It's like listening to a heated political debate, this topic of which router to buy! So far I am hearing that I should probably avoid D-Link, I had read mixed (mostly negative) stuff about Netgear, while googling, til now from SMM, I am lukewarm about Linksys....waithing to hear justification for the $$$ on Airport, which is not the best reviewed, and waiting to hear about Buffalo Tech, etc. Anyhow, it has all been helpful in a wild kind of way. My question to SMM about Netgear is, can I assume your experience is all with MacOS?
 
SMM said:
Statistically, I find your statement almost impossible to believe. I am the Director of IT for a national construction company. Besides having several branch offices (Oregon, Hawaii, LA, Seattle) we have countless temporary job-site networks everywhere. Over 90% of our job-sites use Netgear, and have for several years. I have never had to replace a single one of them, except to change technology. Zero failures!
Click to expand...

Um, good for you. I didn't feel the need to give my resume (because trust me, that doesn't make you sound pretentious at all :rolleyes: ), but I'm not a newcomer to networking. You don't know my background, but thanks for just outright calling me a liar anyway. Doesn't change the fact that I had four of four Netgear routers fail over the past three years, no matter what statistical probability dictates. All my other equipment -- two Linksys routers, a Linksys switch, an SMC switch -- has worked fine for years.
 
which one?

Hi mrogers, I sort of replied to you earlier in this but not quite in the right part of the thread, I'm new to this board & to messageboards in general. Enjoyed your huffy response to SMM (Tho I did find him, seems like a man, helpful). Anyhow, if you are still out there, it does matter which volume of Linksys I get, right? I understand that it's not a good idea for Macs to use above V.3? Your insight?, as several of these Linksys are still in my ebay watch list, despite my tepid feelings.
 
blackbunny said:
Enjoyed your huffy response to SMM (Tho I did find him, seems like a man, helpful).
Click to expand...

Yeah, I just don't like being called a liar by someone for no good reason.

blackbunny said:
Anyhow, if you are still out there, it does matter which volume of Linksys I get, right? I understand that it's not a good idea for Macs to use above V.3? Your insight?, as several of these Linksys are still in my ebay watch list, despite my tepid feelings.
Click to expand...

It can matter which version you get depending on what you want to do. For example, if you plan on flashing the firmware of your Linksys WRT54G to do some of the things I mentioned above, it's best to try to get a version 1, 2, or 3. Some firmwares will work on version 4, but it gets tougher I think. After version 4 (they're up to version 6 now) you can't flash it without at least some physical modification to the router. If you want to learn more about that kind of stuff, check out http://www.linksysinfo.org.
 
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