Cabe/DSL Router question

JDookie · 12-24-05, 10:08

My Linksys BEFSR41 4-port wired router took a dump yesterday, and after using it as the brains of my network for the last two years, I never stopped to compare it to other routers on the market. The reason I'm bringing this up is because now that I don't have a router, I am directly connected to my cable modem (Linksys) with one computer, and my internet connection is WAY faster now. Websites load without any hesitation at all, and I can only assume this had to do with the router. After poking around on zipzoomfly and newegg, I saw some interesting reviews of the Linksys routers where people were complaining about the lag they were experiencing using Linksys routers like mine.

My question is, what's the best wired router with a 4-port switch to buy right now? Are there any that peform better than the rest, reducing the latency issues I have evidentally been experiencing for the last two years??

I actually noticed that a few people were pretty impressed with Netgear, but then I saw quite a few reviews that were the exact opposite. I am almost leaning toward DLink,....I don't know.

Anyone have any suggestions? I have a 5mb cable connection if that matters and I have to have at least a 4 port switch but the more the better.

Thanks!

kpounds · 12-24-05, 10:41

We have a D-Link 604 wired router at home and just upgraded its drivers yesterday. We have a 6mb cable connection and speed went up by 1MB after the upgrade. (nice! to 5.5MB) The thing I've liked about D-Link is you can call their customer support for free if you have any problem. I don't much about routers except they direct traffic....but I do like being able to call customer support anytime and having them walk me thru a problem.

chpsk8 · 12-24-05, 10:47

I have a Linksys 54g and it works very well.. MY first one dumped on me after 2 years, and I just bought a slightly upgraded one. I think it's a 54G... oh I don't know, some other letter. It's supposed to be "speed boosted" whatever that means.
I haven't had any problems with mine. I have a buddy that runs D-link stuff, and he doesnt' have any problems either. My range on my new router is insane. I had to lock it finally because the neighbors were getting on too much!

JDookie · 12-24-05, 10:56

Thanks for the replies guys.

Until yesterday, I never had a single problem with mine, but now that I have taken the router out of the loop and am now direct to the modem, I can see a big performace increase.

Anyway, like I said, I read where routers have a CPU in them and the various brands, types, etc. all have different speeds thus producing different latencies. From what I understand, the lower the latency, the faster you connect to websites and such.

The Netgear website boasts a 50% faster CPU than most others, but I just don't know about that. Manufacturer claims are almost always overly exaggerated.

I ver well may even just go back with Linksys since my whole network is made up of Linksys products, and their 24/7 Live Chat customer support is really nice too.

FYI, I just found a DLink gaming router that looks really cool, but it seems that it's optimized for gaming specifically, and I'd rather have something that is just faster all around.

CarWeenie · 12-24-05, 01:25

I have a D-link DI-524 (el cheapo).
It is both wired and wireless. Bought a couple of AirLink PCMCIA cards to go with other "roaming" laptops in the house. My main PC is wired connected to this router.
Works pretty well. I have cable modem (normal package) and I average around 3.2 Mbits per second. The wireless thingies were incredibly easy to set up (I work in hi-tech industry but am totally petrified when PC is involved).

JDookie · 12-24-05, 10:09

Well, after not being able to decide what to buy, I happened to be talking to a friend of mine, and he had the exact same router I was already using just sitting in a box in his office, so he gave it to me as a Christmas present. I can't argue with free!

kpounds · 12-24-05, 11:07

That rocks! Mery Christmas!

Check for any firmware updates if available, really made a difference on ours....very snappy connection now vs. a bit laggy before.

Pats300zx · 12-25-05, 01:18

Awesome....

AL-53 · 12-25-05, 08:43

I had a Netgear and a D-Link ..G mode...and both did not perform well...Then I got the WRT54G and all was good..no performance hit...speed was same as with just a straight connection...there is a good linksys forum that shows proper setup and tweaking...I run 2 desktops and 2 notebooks of this and all is well...plus the firmware is open source and there are a lot of modded firmware that really enhances the router....

AL