Decent, inexpensive router

K

kumquat

Supreme [H]ardness
Joined
Dec 7, 2005
Messages
5,269
I finally decided to replace my old Belkin 802.11b router with an 802.11g one.

I first tried another Belkin model, the F5D7230-4. It would periodically have incredible lag when playing games, even on new firmware. Back it went.

I moved to the D-link WBR-1310. It seems to slow down often, especially when using bittorrent, and periodically reset or die for no apparent reason. Back it's going.

I'd like a suggestion on a quality router that can handle a decent amount of game/BT traffic. Doesn't need to be wireless, but it's nice (I can get an access point for the laptops). Doesn't even need to have a built-in switch (I have those). I'm not afraid of configuration (I configure Cisco devices such as routers and PIXes on a daily basis at work).

It does need to be inexpensive. The cheaper the better.

Thanks!
 
Linksys WRT54G v1-4, nothing higher. then put DD-WRT on it ;)
 
The WRT54GL has all the goodness of the early WRT54G. Takes the regular DD-WRT just the same ;)
 
protias said:
Linksys WRT54G v1-4, nothing higher. then put DD-WRT on it ;)
Click to expand...
Why specifically 1-4, and what are the advantages of DD-WRT?
 
kumquat said:
Why specifically 1-4, and what are the advantages of DD-WRT?
Click to expand...

I believe the newer firmware takes up less ram so they reduced it accordingly.

The main feature that got me into DD-WRT was the static DHCP assignments. (Which I'd grown accustomed to from using D-link products.)
 
There is really no such thing as a cheap router that won't have trouble with heavy torrenting. If torrenting is your thing and you have an older box laying around, I'd suggest you look at Smoothwall, IPCop or any other of the myriad of *NIX based firewall distros out there.

With that said, if you're looking for an off-the-shelf solution:

BUFFALO WHR-G54S (G) -- $39.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833162173

BUFFALO WHR-HP-G54 (G/MIMO) -- $59.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833162134

The above routers are not great routers with their default firmware, you'll need to tftp DD-WRT onto them. It's easy to do so don't be scared off... just follow the directions.

If you want a performance SOHO router, look at any of the routers on this list.
 
u2slow said:
I believe the newer firmware takes up less ram so they reduced it accordingly.

The main feature that got me into DD-WRT was the static DHCP assignments. (Which I'd grown accustomed to from using D-link products.)
Click to expand...

The V5 and above WRT54G were switched to Vxworks so Linksys could exploit the good name the WRT54G had gained for itself while saving money. They cut the RAM in half and switched to vxworks instead of the open-source linux based firmware they previously used. They introduced the WRT54GL line to carry on the open-source linux support.
 
Orinthical said:
There is really no such thing as a cheap router that won't have trouble with heavy torrenting. If torrenting is your thing and you have an older box laying around, I'd suggest you look at Smoothwall, IPCop or any other of the myriad of *NIX based firewall distros out there.

With that said, if you're looking for an off-the-shelf solution:

BUFFALO WHR-G54S (G) -- $39.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833162173
Click to expand...
It would be more accurate to say I do "light" torrenting. Downloading maybe 3-4 things at a time a couple of times a month.

What do you mean when you say that Buffalo router isn't "great"? I really don't care about features.. my requirements there are very minimal. I just want something that will work and not disconnect/reboot/slow down/cry like a little baby during regular usage.

Will DD-WRT make the router actually perform better, or simply add more features?
 
kumquat said:
It would be more accurate to say I do "light" torrenting. Downloading maybe 3-4 things at a time a couple of times a month.
Click to expand...
That's fine. Just one thing to keep in mind- there's no such thing as light torrenting. :) Even a simple session can open hundreds of connections across a firewall. While the hardware going into "cheap" soho routers has improved over the last couple of years, many of the lower end models will still choke when confronted with this.

kumquat said:
What do you mean when you say that Buffalo router isn't "great"?
Click to expand...
I said it's not that great without DD-WRT. The hardware is sound, the firmware leaves a bit to be desired... which is why you should use DD-WRT with it.

kumquat said:
Will DD-WRT make the router actually perform better, or simply add more features?
Click to expand...
Both. It's literally a two minute process, just follow the wiki.
 
Orinthical said:
Both. It's literally a two minute process, just follow the wiki.
Click to expand...
I'm not worried about the process. I have no problem putting DD-WRT on. I've upgraded the software on many Cisco routers and switches.

Do you think the Buffalo router you suggested, with DD-WRT, will be sufficient?

Thanks for your help BTW.
 
I like these little guys for Belkins...

F5D8230-4


I just can't see going backwards and getting a wrt54g series...yeah, they were good "back in the day"......but even with DD-WRT...they've been surpassed..a couple of years ago.
 
kumquat said:
I'm not worried about the process. I have no problem putting DD-WRT on. I've upgraded the software on many Cisco routers and switches.

Do you think the Buffalo router you suggested, with DD-WRT, will be sufficient?

Thanks for your help BTW.
Click to expand...
Provided you do not get a 'dud', which all manufacturers have now and then, I'd say yes. Would you be better off with something from the higher performance list? Yes... but you said inexpensive.

The F5D8230-4 that YeOlde mentioned is a nice router for the price, provided you can find it for under $100.

YeOldeStonecat said:
I just can't see going backwards and getting a wrt54g series...yeah, they were good "back in the day"......but even with DD-WRT...they've been surpassed..a couple of years ago.
Click to expand...
Agree 100%... The WRT54G was a great router... for its time. But not any more.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top