I need a new wireless router

BathTubb

I currently have a linksys wrt54gx router. I am looking for something better. I am looking for something that is easy to set up and easy to configure. I don't have a price point. Anything I didn't think of just ask. Thanks for the help.

Hlubocky

I know that G routers are kind of outdated now, but I bought the WRT54GL (the L is important) online and slapped the open-source dd-wrt firmware on there and haven't had one problem since. Before I used to buy those junky Netgear routers that would need replacing every so often, have to be reset/unplugged once a week when the wireless decided it wasn't going to cooperate, etc. IMO, the firmware makes all the difference. If I was buying a new router, I would check the dd-wrt compatibility website to see if it is supported (www.dd-wrt.com).

PeregrineFalcon

If he wants easy to set up and configure I'd suggest Tomato before DD-WRT.

Buy one of the supported routers there, reflash, and enjoy.

Improvolone

I got a wonderful and cheap Asus router off newegg not too long ago. It's not n, but then again I don't need n.

Chanus

I've never had a single problem with my NetGear router, had it for three years now. I hear Buffalo is a good lower-price brand, but I haven't used one myself.

Belkin has never been anything but a pile of crap in my experience.

Dr. Gero

What's the chance of bricking my WRT54GL if I decide to flash Tomato onto it?

PeregrineFalcon

Dr. Gero wrote: »

What's the chance of bricking my WRT54GL if I decide to flash Tomato onto it?

Practically none. Just don't do it over wireless in the middle of a thunderstorm with the microwave running and a low battery on your laptop. :P

Oh, and if you're upgrading from DD-WRT, make sure you check the FAQ about getting the unencrypted password from the NVRAM first.

Wulf

Airports are reliable, and easy to set up.

Count Funkula

I have an Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station. It works great with all of my wireless devices and has the ability to share a hard drive or printer. Very stable and reliable.

http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB763LL/A/AirPort-Extreme?fnode=MTY1NDA0Mg&mco=NDE4NDQ3OA

Hlubocky

I love paying the Apple tax on laptops and iPods, but I think I draw the line at the $180 wireless router.

Wulf

Hlubocky wrote: »

I love paying the Apple tax on laptops and iPods, but I think I draw the line at the $180 wireless router.

[/facepalm] Oh god, not one of those people. You know that was a stupid marketing scheme that was proven to be a lie... right?

VoodooV

Hlubocky wrote: »

I know that G routers are kind of outdated now, but I bought the WRT54GL (the L is important) online and slapped the open-source dd-wrt firmware on there and haven't had one problem since. Before I used to buy those junky Netgear routers that would need replacing every so often, have to be reset/unplugged once a week when the wireless decided it wasn't going to cooperate, etc. IMO, the firmware makes all the difference. If I was buying a new router, I would check the dd-wrt compatibility website to see if it is supported (www.dd-wrt.com).

I also did this. zero complaints other than just it took a while to figure out what was involved. I won't deny that I was a bit timid about it since I had never flashed a router with anything other than official firmwares before. But everything turned out good

Klundtasaur

I've always, always had good luck with linksys routers--Cisco makes some of the best networking hardware on earth, but their firmware...well, not so much. An IT majoring roomate converted me to a DD-WRT firmware user. Rock solid, more options than you can possibly ever use, and free. Way better than the default firmware.

Never used tomato, but heard a lot of good about it.

Direct link for DD-WRT to see if your router is supported: Supported Hardware
And, of course, newegg.com will almost always have the best prices.

And, for a bit of anecdotal evidence, I've had two Belkin routers die on me (of the 4 routers ive purchased). I don't trust 'em at all, but YMMV.

Figgy

Wulf wrote: »

Hlubocky wrote: »

I love paying the Apple tax on laptops and iPods, but I think I draw the line at the $180 wireless router.

[/facepalm] Oh god, not one of those people. You know that was a stupid marketing scheme that was proven to be a lie... right?

Doesn't change the fact that it is a wireless router that costs $180.

So, what's wrong with your Linksys wrt54gx? Has it died or are you having issues and wanting to buy a new one to fix it? You might be able to flash your current router and be fine.

RenegadeSilence

Be careful though I bought a linksys router that was n, but it would keep on dropping the signal, installing the dd-wrt firmware fixed it. However the version 2 of the router uses different hardware and is not supported by dd-wrt. Apparently it is a huge issue with that line of routers, and not supported by linksys. I'll try to find the exact one, but it is at a different house now.

BathTubb

Figgy wrote: »

Wulf wrote: »

Hlubocky wrote: »

I love paying the Apple tax on laptops and iPods, but I think I draw the line at the $180 wireless router.

[/facepalm] Oh god, not one of those people. You know that was a stupid marketing scheme that was proven to be a lie... right?

Doesn't change the fact that it is a wireless router that costs $180.

So, what's wrong with your Linksys wrt54gx? Has it died or are you having issues and wanting to buy a new one to fix it? You might be able to flash your current router and be fine.

It has died on me. I am currently running on my Belkin one which is horrible. I just wanted to see what is out there now because I had been running on the linksys for the last 4 years.

Wezoin

I've used a D-Link Extreme N, and loved it for a long long time. Just replaced it with a time capsule cause I need storage.