Pocket/Travel Router Any preferences?

I have need of a wifi pocket (travel) router to use with our muni wifi service in places that I cannot connect to with my laptop as the signal is not stable enough in the whole town just yet. This way I can use the bridge they provide by attaching the wifi router to it...

I have pretty much researched it down to between two options. One Linksys (WTR54GS) and one Dlink (DWL-G730AP). I am loathed to buy another dlink product after the disaster that was a DP-G321 (rev.1) and the router (614+ model I think???) that simply died after 14 months service...

But the Dlink gets great reviews and seems to be a very solid option as does the Linksys.

Any personal experiences pro or con with either model? Or do you have another brand/model you have used in your travels. And I do not intend nor need this router to have exceptional range nor serve as a primary 24/7 router...it is a travel gadget after all and that is the need I am looking to satisfy. I might however also use it with paid services when we are out of town.

I am leaning toward the Linksys but the Dlink has a loyal following and seems to be a nice product. I do not care for the power plug on the Linksys as it could actually require adding an extension cord to the mix for places where it cannot have full access to a power receptacle. I like the fact I can power the dlink via USb but that will almost defeat the purpose of wireless to begin with as it will still need to be wired to the bridge. And if there is power for the bridge then there is power for the router. Unless of course it is at a pay for use location and we can share the connection between the two of us then the USB powered option is nice.

Actually part of me is saying buy both. But it's remodelling season and I have reduced my monthly gadget allowance a bit...hehehehe...can't buy everything I want as my better half needs to be kept in shoes. After all her 40 pairs of shoes simply are not enough...and here I thought I lived it up owning 3 pairs of regular shoes and a pair of boots. Who knew I was so unprepared??!!

Anyway, thanks for any and all input...

 

I think the Linksys WTR54GS was reviewed on this website, and had an overall good review.

 

oh cool I must have missed that review when searching...running off to find it now...thanks!!

 

I use a Linksys WRT54GC and a Hawking external antenna while on the road. Great little wireless router!

 

WackyT:

Actually the 54gc did catch my eye in researching. I am not sure why I dismissed it from the final list. I know there was something but most of the research was done at o'dark-hundred and well, things are often a tad foggy then...

I will put it back on the short list. I do like the ability to add an external antenna but for what I am looking for I could not forsee a time when it would be needed...actually yes I can now. There is one coffee shop I like to visit that has tables outside but oddly enough there is no strong enough signal in our downtown that is stable enough to use. Long story but part of the growing pains of a muni wifi I guess...anyway, it might just be nice to leave the bridge and router inside while I sit outside on a nice day. So the ability to have that external antenna might be really nice.

Thanks!! I think I might get one...dunno just yet, I seem to recall our local WallyWorld might have had some on the shelf. For $40ish it's not a bad deal even if the antenna is another $20.

 

I picked the 54GC specifically for the 4-port switch and external antenna connector. The 54GS is just too limited in what it can do. I got the Hawking 7 dBi external antenna for like $15 after a $10 MIR.

 

I think it was the fact I cannot ever see a need for the wired ports in a travel router so I just figured, eh..not so much...your reminder of the external antenna is a really nice selling point to me right now.

I just found the 54gc at amazon for just $35 with free shipping. That is a super deal I think. I am really considering this one now.

I have a question though. Have you ever configured it as a wireless AP to share a wifi internet connection at say Starbucks? That is one of the primary needs I know we will have. And I am assuming it is not an issue but want to be sure as there is no 3rd firmware for the 54gc that might be a work around otherwise.

 

You mean as a wireless repeater? No I haven't. I've used it in hotels that only have wired internet in the rooms, and on job sites with wired LANs.

 

yeah, right...d'oh!! repeater...

and thanks...easiest way I guess will be to buy one and see....and there I go AGAIN buying more gadgets...already bought a cool new drill with laser targeting What the heck, I am bach'in it right now so I only need to ask forgiveness when she gets home next month...hehehehe...

 

Here's the User Guide if you want to find out what it can do.

 

thanks...I am going to do a bit more research because there is a dim bulb in the back of my head saying the 54gc had problems sharing a wireless internet connection. But again I am not certain and will see what I can learn.

Thanks for the great suggestion!!

 

I've never had a problem with it sharing out an internet connection. Glad to help out Grumpy.

 

but that is a wired internet connection, right?

 

That's true.