Choice of router

[Juan]

I'm looking to get router but I don't alot about the terms they use in the specs like DMZ etc so I wanted a bit of advice. After reading a similar thread on here I'm looking at the following models:

http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/produ...duct_uid=52897

http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/produ...duct_uid=44088

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...282138-5719610

The spec for the Linksys router says it gives 100Mbit transfer to each of the four ports but the others don't say if they do this; or is this a standard feature of all routers? Also the Ebuyer and USR routers both have a 'Print server' feature but the Linksys doesn't but I'm wondering is it better to stick with a well known networking make like Linksys instead of having this extra function.

[Paul K]

From the 3 I would go with Linksys as I have heard good things about it's reliability and ease of use from a lot of people who know their hardware

[Ramrod]

This works fine for me

[Juan]

Originally Posted by Ramrod

This works fine for me

That link goes to a motherboard !

[Juan]

I was also wondering if it's possible to buy a router with a built in ADSL modem, incase I decide to change over to ADSL at a later date but connect it to a cable modem at the moment? Will the signal from the cable modem bypass the ADSL modem and go to the router part or is this not possible?

[Jarandco]

I would go for the linksys one, ive got that one, and it was easy to set up and has been working fine ever since, also amazon were very quick at delivering it even for free!

[tkiely]

Originally Posted by Juan

I was also wondering if it's possible to buy a router with a built in ADSL modem, incase I decide to change over to ADSL at a later date but connect it to a cable modem at the moment? Will the signal from the cable modem bypass the ADSL modem and go to the router part or is this not possible?

Hi Juan,

I have linksys wireless router and have to say it has been great.

A function called uPnP is very important with routers to ensure that messenger and file transfers work ok and the Linksys (as well as others I am not familiar with) will do this fine.

Generally 'ADSL' modem/routers don't have the WAN input port that is required to connect to your cable modem. There's no harm in getting an ethernet based router now to use for cable and then IF you move to ADSL you jist need to get an ethernet ADSL modem like the D-link 300g, and carry on using your old router.

Different people like different stuff. For the most part all the routers you see on the market will do the job.

Terry

[zovat]

Originally Posted by tkiely

Hi Juan,

I have linksys wireless router and have to say it has been great.

A function called uPnP is very important with routers to ensure that messenger and file transfers work ok and the Linksys (as well as others I am not familiar with) will do this fine.

Generally 'ADSL' modem/routers don't have the WAN input port that is required to connect to your cable modem. There's no harm in getting an ethernet based router now to use for cable and then IF you move to ADSL you jist need to get an ethernet ADSL modem like the D-link 300g, and carry on using your old router.

Different people like different stuff. For the most part all the routers you see on the market will do the job.

Terry

Another Linksys fan here ...

The only one I've heard of people having issues with on NTL was a belkin that was being sold really cheaply - but IIRC a firmware update solved the problem..

I run a Linksys BEFSR41 router with a Netgear ME102 WAP, all works great...

I agree with tkiely that you are best off buying just a router rather than a router/modem combo - this will make sure you do not have to buy a complete replacement if you schange to ADSL etc.

The linksys has DMZ controls and simple port forwarding (abit limited but enough for most).

The others will probably do as well, but I can only speak from personal experience on the Linksys..

HTH

Zovat

[Ramrod]

Originally Posted by Juan

That link goes to a motherboard !

LOL, now its to psu covers!
My router is the netgear WGR614
...have a look on e-buyer

[Charlie_Bubble]

I've got the Netgear WGT624, which I can heartliy recommend!

http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/produ...duct_uid=52450

[cjmillsnun]

Originally Posted by zovat

Another Linksys fan here ...

The only one I've heard of people having issues with on NTL was a belkin that was being sold really cheaply - but IIRC a firmware update solved the problem..

I run a Linksys BEFSR41 router with a Netgear ME102 WAP, all works great...

I agree with tkiely that you are best off buying just a router rather than a router/modem combo - this will make sure you do not have to buy a complete replacement if you schange to ADSL etc.

The linksys has DMZ controls and simple port forwarding (abit limited but enough for most).

The others will probably do as well, but I can only speak from personal experience on the Linksys..

HTH

Zovat

Yet another LinkSys fan here. I have the wireless version of the same router connected to my cm, running 2 desktop pcs, 1 old laptop pc (wired connections) and occasionally up to 3 Centrino equipped laptops (3 people who work in the IT industry living at my place.) It does this without a hitch straight out of the box. Also LinkSys are now part of Cisco systems.

My second choice would be the USRobotics router (owned by 3com)

Both provide excellent and easy to use solutions, and superb backup should anything go wrong (unlikely, but very handy for any noob.)

[SOSAGES]

routers are funny things you will find just as many fan boys for each maker and just as many haters for each maker routers i hear good news about are made by dlink but you wont know until u try it some dsl routers have problems keeping a connection some just reset randonly come cant keep up with all the traffic on your connection its a mine field

[Millay]

Would like to throw in the suggestion (again) of using an old PC as a NAT's box and connecting your machines via a switch, cheaper on itnitial outlay and at least you can re-start the computer if something goes wrong.