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    Which router to buy - please advise

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by vytautasvaicys, Dec 10, 2006.

  1. vytautasvaicys

    vytautasvaicys Notebook Geek

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    Hello,

    I am looking into buying a wireless router, and I would like to be able to use all these holiday discounts. I have found two models that I would like, please tell me if they're good and what are your possible personal experiences.

    What I need:
    1. Stable router - no reboots needed
    2. Good range
    3. Skype compatible

    I'm either looking into Linksys WRT54GX4 with SRX400 or ZyXEL X-550 Xtreme MIMO Wireless Broadband Router. Both are similarly priced. I've read numerous reviews and they say that the linksys is not quite skype compatible, although it might offer a better range.

    Thanks!
     
    vytautasvaicys, Dec 10, 2006
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  2. zolo

    zolo Notebook Evangelist

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    I wouldn't go with either one of those mainly because they're overpriced and don't offer that much.. If you do alot of P2P sharing, then stay away from Linksys WRT54G V5, 6, 7 . If I wanted to buy a router I'd go with this one:
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833162134
    Or this
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833124190
    Check other routers in newegg.com and read reviews there to have an idea.

    Check out Tom's hardware review on wireless routers:

    http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/router-charts/
     
    zolo, Dec 11, 2006
    #2
  3. vytautasvaicys

    vytautasvaicys Notebook Geek

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    Well, I need router to have a good range and it must work with skype. I also need it to be stable, since I wont be able to reach it every time it crashes.

    I had SMC barracuda before, I couldnt have been happier. Decent range, but after firmware update it was extremely stable, handled 5 wireless connections with p2p for months without reboot. I had to give it up to my girlfriend however.

    Zyxel has only positive reviews throughout, thats why I'm tempted to get it. The only reason why I would go with the linksys is because of its extended range, although its reviews are mixed - people say it drops connections, crashes often.

    Because of holiday period both of them can be bought for about $50, which is more than half of its MSRP, so neither is that expensive.

    Please advise
     
    vytautasvaicys, Dec 11, 2006
    #3
  4. blue68f100

    blue68f100 Notebook Virtuoso

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    Linksys is good as long as you stay away from there non-linux firmware, which is on the WRT54G hw version 5 and greater. I think Dlink may make the best wireless right now. Stay away from the mimo and pre 11n hardware and you should be fine.
     
    blue68f100, Dec 11, 2006
    #4