I have a tall order. I need a router with a lot of features...

it needs to be Draft N 2.0 compliant. it has to have Print Server via USB, as I have a nice multi-function Samsung Laser I'd like to keep. I'd like it to do USB storage and/or support NAS. it would be good if it supported both N and G connections simultaneously as I see some G networking devices in the future (ie. PDA or Asus EEE). I say Draft N 2.0 as our two laptops both have the Intel 4965AGN, so their ability to communicate with each other and the NAS/USB Storage is paramount.

brand is unimportant and I'm willing to spend up to around $250 bones on this project, if necessary. the only hiccup I can perceive is perhaps my living in Canada, as the CRTC and the FCC have some different rules/regulations. I a not afraid to investigate importing a US model tho, if necessary

I guess it could also be said that a model that runs Linux could be nice, as a lot of the modders out there have some pretty impressive hacks/updates for the operability of the router!

I have considered the Asus WL-500W, but it's 10/100 switch is a big turn off. at the same time, my understanding is it's Draft N 2.0, but how can that be if it's switch is only 10/100? how would it possibly support up to 320mbit in connection speeds?

 

I'd say you'd probably need to split this up into a few things. Get (1) a dual-band G/N router with (hopefully) 10/100/1000 jack support, a (2) 10/100 cheapo print server, and (3) a 10/100 or 10/100/1000 NAS device. I cannot really see all of that being in one small package, though I wish it were.

 

that's fair enough Greg. I was thinking I would probably need something off the Draft N 2.0 router. can you make some recommendations for products that fit my needs? that way I can start looking with a better idea. I am a networking n00b...

 

Look into the Dlink DIR-655.

 

Do you have a computer that is always around? It would much easier to have the USB printer connected to it, and then have that PC work as the printer.

The best case is that the printer has an Ethernet port, and then it is very easy to set up. Since you can just put it on the router and give it an IP address - that being said most printers are either capable of being network printers or they aren't. When a printer just works off 1 computer it doesn't need lots or memory or any fancy job scheduling - it just relies on the computer it is connected to to keep it fed with things to print (but only as much as it can handle). Network ready printers usually advertise the amount of RAM the printer has since this dictates how many jobs it can handle. Chances are your printer is not network capable, and just having a router with a USB port wouldn't be enough. Since the printer wouldn't have the needed internal stuff (RAM, queue, ability to have an IP address)

Draft N routers only apply to the wireless features, a 10/100 Ethernet port pertains to the wired, and draft N pertains to the wireless.

There is a pretty good chance that a 10/100 wired NAS would feed a wireless N connection. You hardly ever see the advertised transfer rates of wireless, and N has results seem to vary quite a bit.

My recommendation (if you don't like networking hassles):
By a router that has 1 Gbit wired ethernet 10/100/1000, and that has wireless N.
Use a computer to handle the printer, and then make that computer your print server - if you go this route you may as well just put disks into it and make it your storage unit as well elminating the need for the wired 1Gbp


The alternative is to get a network capable printer - but the cost can skyrocket compared to regular ones.

 

Apple's Airport Extreme is an expensive option, but it has premature N, gigabit ethernet, and an USB port for a printer.

 

I was looking for a similar setup. I have 2 notebooks with draft N and g cards hooked up to a D link DIR-655. For printing I am planning on using bluetooth/usb adapter for the printer to connect to the bluetooth modules in the notebooks. I have yet to set up the printer (need to install the bluetooth in the notebooks) but the usb/BT adapter for the printer cost 30 bucks compared to most wireless print server around 100.

 

It's a little over your price range, but the new Apple Time Capsule would do most of what you want.

 

I second this.