Yet Another "which router should I get?"

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.

 

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.

 

routers

I have had very good luck with my Linksys... I bought a D-link before this and returned it cause I couldn't get it working... their customer service sucked too.. granted setup isn't as easy with a mac as a PC.... but don't be scared its still not too bad..

read: http://trialsoftheswitch.com/index.php/2006/09/30/25/

good luck..

DD

 

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!

 

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 ), 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.

 

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

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.