Which Wireless Router Is The Best?

Hello Again, I currently have the d-link 514 and for a old router i am more than impressed with the firewall on it however it is just too slow... so now i am going to buy a new one... i have seen some on ebay and claim to have a 104mb/s rate which is good because i am always transfering files from my pc to my laptop... do any of you know any wireless routers with a high transfer rate but which also have a good firewall?

p.s I Also like to run game servers and voice servers from my pc... so if it is possible i would like one which is easy to set up so i can run servers, but still not get hacked

Thanks,

 

Linksys WRT54GL. That's the Linux-based version, superior to the slightly cheaper WRT54G. Ignore anything other than plain ol' 802.11g (54Mbps) for now, most of the time the higher speeds don't work that well. If you want to do serious file transfers there's no substitute for a wired connection.

 

Agreed on the linksys; if you want to experiment with the pre-N routers, they have higher internal network transfer rates, but may get old quick when they get the N spec figured out. You'll be happy with a G router, it is much faster than your current one

 

I don't think "which one is the best" is a valid question anymore Its finding the right one to work with your current laptop, wi-fi internal/external card, ISP provider, physical location of the router in the house, etc. In the last few years I had 2 versions of infamous Linksys router which did their job, but didn't lasted for too long and had a limited coverage range due to a weak signal across 3 floors in my house. With my new T60 I got Belkin N1. First unit was defective, had to replace it after about a week. Next unit was better, but I had too many dropouts. Now, I got D-Link DIR655 and couldn't be more happier with it. Very strong signal everywhere in the house, stable connection, and a sweet price of $129 (on sale @ Best Buy).

 

I think the Dlink's DGL-4300 is probably the best at this time. Linksys has fallen off my list since the cut the ram to 1/2 and moved away from the linux firmware.
I do agree with the others on 11n and anything better than 54mbps. They do work but require the same mfg client card, more cost. 11n is not worth looking at unless you want constant problems and are willing to replace it again when ever the std is ratified, 1+yr. Current hardware will not meet the finalized spec.

Check out this chart by Tomshardware. http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/component/option,com_wrapper/Itemid,156/

 

I forgot that the N routers also require the same wireless card. I'd say dont bother with the N at all until they ratify the standard. I have had limited luck with dlink routers - however, they always took them back on RMA, which is a positive sign of their support! I have to admit I always bought the cheapo dlink routers

 

The same wireless card? My new T60 with built-in internal Atheros card connects at N rate without a problem, and T42 with built-in internal Intel card connects at G rate. If you're using Buffalo AirStation routers or any other "speedbooster" combinations, than you need a matching pair. Of course, it helps to have a matching chipset pair in the router and wifi card to ensure a full compatibility, but its not necessary. For example, Belkin N1 router had Atheros chipset just like my wifi card and I had problems with it. The new D-Link works great at both N and G, and I am not sure if it uses Atheros or Broadcom chipset.

 

the best router?
the one that gives u NO headache, meaning, turn on and go, no mysterious signal dropping and bla bla bla - advertised speed is an oxymoron since it depends very much on ISP and environment
my 2 cents, as always

cheers ...