Help me choose a router

**TomP** · 03-16-2009 07:35 AM

Whatever other features you may be looking for, I would suggest adding Gigabit Ethernet to the list. You may not need it right now, but if you ever decide to add network storage or similar bandwidth-intensive functions to your setup, you'll be glad you have a router that can handle it. While dlink may not be a favorite of everyone, I've had a good experience with the DIR-655. Looks like Newegg had this on sale for $80 no too long ago.

**buckethead** · 03-16-2009 10:18 AM

Originally Posted by TomP

Whatever other features you may be looking for, I would suggest adding Gigabit Ethernet to the list. You may not need it right now, but if you ever decide to add network storage or similar bandwidth-intensive functions to your setup, you'll be glad you have a router that can handle it.

I thought about both N and GigE, but just have no need for the next 3 - 5 years. Current WHS box (only thing besides printer and ATA even using LAN ports, rest is wireless) only has 10/100 and I am not upgrading that soon only one laptop has N. When I upgrade WHS box and add another laptop with N then will do it all at once.

Anyone have experience with the ASUS WL520gU? It is $20 less than the wrt54gl and both Tomato and DD-WRT support it. I do not need the USB support so that is a non-issue. Thinking if it will run the software it should be as good as the wrt54gl, although just not sure.

**burris** · 03-16-2009 11:27 AM

Originally Posted by buckethead

I thought about both N and GigE, but just have no need for the next 3 - 5 years. Current WHS box (only thing besides printer and ATA even using LAN ports, rest is wireless) only has 10/100 and I am not upgrading that soon only one laptop has N. When I upgrade WHS box and add another laptop with N then will do it all at once.

Anyone have experience with the ASUS WL520gU? It is $20 less than the wrt54gl and both Tomato and DD-WRT support it. I do not need the USB support so that is a non-issue. Thinking if it will run the software it should be as good as the wrt54gl, although just not sure.

You've just portrayed my exact thoughts of router selection.

I tried all the ones mentioned and until I got the ASUS, I found I didn't know just how well a router was supposed to work.

Mine is absolutely a joy. Works right out of the box, maybe a few tweaks..QOS-DNS, etc. It just sits there and rocks. The functions are all menu driven and there are plenty of them.
I made this suggestion elsewhere, but if you could buy one from a place where you could return it without penalty, I would strongly suggest giving it a whirl.
I have to say that the initial reasons for trying this box was that it had a rebate and was returnable, as everything I buy must be. It turns out that in my apartment I must use wireless as cables can't be run, and this is the first that reaches across and hasn't missed yet.
If you do get one, be sure to upgrade the firmware to 3.0.0.5. if it's not already there. Has many more goodies and screens to see what's going on and to adjust things.

Although it is upgradeable to WRT and such, I have no need for any of this since it gives me perfect VOIP..runs 4 pcs-1 laptop..my DSL modem is bridged and the ASUS does PPPoE...and I get my full rated DSL speed.

**buckethead** · 03-16-2009 01:05 PM

Originally Posted by burris

Although it is upgradeable to WRT and such, I have no need for any of this since it gives me perfect VOIP..runs 4 pcs-1 laptop..my DSL modem is bridged and the ASUS does PPPoE...and I get my full rated DSL speed.

I just ordered the ASUS through Newegg - after reading through a ton of reviews on there hard to justify paying $20 extra for the Linksys name. While I probably could just upgrade the ASUS firmware and it would work my need to tinker a bit says that I have to put Tomato or DD-WRT on it. Now to spend the next few days reading on the two - differences, pros/cons of each - and wait for box to get here.