Which Linksys Router should i get for my household?

3002 Views 58 Replies 14 Participants Last post by crazydj, Mar 8, 2010

crazydj

Discussion Starter · Dec 3, 2009

Hi all!

I currently have a Linksys BEFW11S4 Wireless-B Boradband Router. This router has been with me for over 5 years now and its time to change to a newer one. This router is currently configued to not display the SSID Broadcast and has a MAC filter. There are no other forms of security as WEP/WPA will give the other PCs in my home unstable connectivity and connection errors. The firmware has already been updated.

Connected wirelessly to the router are:-
1 Desktop
5 Laptops
4 Wifi Phones

I have shortlisted the models of the Linksys that i am interested in. I want a router can can provide an easy and stable connectivity as well as reliability. I have a preference for Linksys routers. The 4 Wireless Linksys routers are listed below with their prices.

Models:-
1) WRT54G2 -->US$45
2) WRT54GL -->US$60
3) WRT120N -->US$53
4) WRT160N -->US$79

Which model do you guys think i should get? Thanks in advanced!

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stanglx302

· #2 · Dec 3, 2009

If I absolutely had to choose from that list, #4 gets my vote because it is DD-WRT capable. You might as well go "N" since you are upgrading. No sense in 'upgrading' to 5 years ago technology (wireless G).

I was a die hard Linksys fan too. Then I got this one: http://www.buffalo-technology.com/pr...-access-point/ and haven't had any problems what so ever. These randomly go on sale for under $40.

P.S. Hooked up to it are 2 desktops, 1 laptop, 1 PSP and 1 Wii.... all wireless. None of them have ever dropped connection.

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crazydj

Discussion Starter · #3 · Dec 3, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by stanglx302

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If I absolutely had to choose from that list, #4 gets my vote because it is DD-WRT capable. You might as well go "N" since you are upgrading. No sense in 'upgrading' to 5 years ago technology (wireless G).

I was a die hard Linksys fan too. Then I got this one: http://www.buffalo-technology.com/pr...-access-point/ and haven't had any problems what so ever. These randomly go on sale for under $40.

P.S. Hooked up to it are 2 desktops, 1 laptop, 1 PSP and 1 Wii.... all wireless. None of them have ever dropped connection.

What is DD-WRT? How will that benefit me?

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Slider46

· #4 · Dec 3, 2009

2

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazydj

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What is DD-WRT? How will that benefit me?

Open Source firmware. You get better administrative options (over stock firmware) (Security settings / etc) and some people notice better connectivity (less signal dropping).

Works for me

Edit: DD-WRT site: http://www.dd-wrt.com/site/index

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crazydj

Discussion Starter · #5 · Dec 3, 2009

Oh yes! I recall this software! 3 years ago, i got a WRT54G from a friend of mine for 5 bucks, installed DD-WRT. Somehow, something wrong happened and i bricked that damn router. Haha.

Let's say i do not want to have DD-WRT installed, how would the WRT120N compare to the WRT160N?

Lord Xeb

· #6 · Dec 3, 2009

I got a WRT54GS with DD-WRT installed on it and it is FAST! I have had 6 computers on it including 2 of them were gaming (one playing EVE online and me playing COD4)!!! <.< Oh an did I mention that my router is overclocked from 200Mhz to 250

But I would go for #4 and flash it.

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stanglx302

· #7 · Dec 3, 2009

Don't be scared to flash it. Just make sure you follow the instructions TO THE LETTER. Heck, mail it to me and I'll do it for you. I've done quite a few for people. If your still leary about it, get the #4 in case you change your mind down the road. PLUS it's a good selling feature (being DD-WRT capable even though it's not installed) in case you ever sell it down the road.

crazydj

Discussion Starter · #8 · Dec 3, 2009

2

Quote:

Originally Posted by stanglx302

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Don't be scared to flash it. Just make sure you follow the instructions TO THE LETTER. Heck, mail it to me and I'll do it for you. I've done quite a few for people. If your still leary about it, get the #4 in case you change your mind down the road. PLUS it's a good selling feature (being DD-WRT capable even though it's not installed) in case you ever sell it down the road.

Haha. I wouldnt wanna trouble by mailing it to you man. Thanks anyway.

I'll have to agree about what you said about it being a good selling feature.

Anyway, when i buy a new router and update its firmware, will i be voiding the warranty or is it totally okay with the company? Lets say in the case, Linksys.

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crazydj

Discussion Starter · #9 · Dec 3, 2009

A few questions.

1) Do i have to plug in the router then install the software or can i just plug it in and install at the same time?
2) Can i choose not to install the software and go straight to the "192.168.1.1" and access the router from there?

Thanks.

error10

· #10 · Dec 3, 2009

If you're getting a Linksys, you REALLY SHOULD install DD-WRT. It's FAR better than the piece of firmware it comes with.

stanglx302

· #11 · Dec 3, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazydj

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Anyway, when i buy a new router and update its firmware, will i be voiding the warranty or is it totally okay with the company? Lets say in the case, Linksys.

The warranty will be void. If you have an issue with it, you could always flash it back. If it goes totally dead. I don't see how they would be able to tell that you flashed it.

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stanglx302

· #12 · Dec 3, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazydj

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A few questions.

1) Do i have to plug in the router then install the software or can i just plug it in and install at the same time?
2) Can i choose not to install the software and go straight to the "192.168.1.1" and access the router from there?

Thanks.

1) Not sure exactly what your asking.....
2) That's the way I always do it. Just toss the included disc like a Frisbee. LOL

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crazydj

Discussion Starter · #13 · Dec 4, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by stanglx302

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1) Not sure exactly what your asking.....
2) That's the way I always do it. Just toss the included disc like a Frisbee. LOL

1) As in do i plug the router in fully or install the software first before physically installing the router?
2) So no installation required? Just access it by "192.168.1.1"?

Well, looks like i'm off to buy the WRT160N today. Will get it up and running and update you guys on its performance.

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stanglx302

· #14 · Dec 4, 2009

1) I set mine up just using my laptop and a short cat 5 cord. At that point I flashed it to DD-WRT. After DD-WRT was installed via the cat 5 cord and was up and running, I disconnected the cat 5 and set everything up in the house to be 100% wireless.

2) yes, 192.168.1.1. Use the disc that came with it for a coaster. There is no need to install the disc at all, even if you are not going to use DD-WRT.

jlchavis0844

· #15 · Dec 4, 2009

Augh, don't ever buy those pieces of crap. These new 160N stink. I've gone through 3 of these things with the ole Best buy RMA trick. They constantly drop signal, loose internet connectivity, and sometime just stop broadcasting wireless signal. Have to power cycle twice a day. Go with D-link or Net Gear, Linksys 160N's are the worst router I've ever used. Since mine is a Rev 3 there is no dd WRT at this time.

error10

· #16 · Dec 4, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlchavis0844

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Augh, don't ever buy those pieces of crap. These new 160N stink. I've gone through 3 of these things with the ole Best buy RMA trick. They constantly drop signal, loose internet connectivity, and sometime just stop broadcasting wireless signal. Have to power cycle twice a day. Go with D-link or Net Gear, Linksys 160N's are the worst router I've ever used. Since mine is a Rev 3 there is no dd WRT at this time.

Exactly the same with the 160N I had here in my house. It's a total piece of crap.

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crazydj

Discussion Starter · #17 · Dec 4, 2009

What. I have it lying in front of me and now you guys tell me. -_-

So i dont need to run the cd at all? Just "192.168.1.1" without having any problems?

kz26

· #18 · Dec 4, 2009

The WRT54GL and WRT160N are both excellent due to their compatibility with custom firmwares. If you want to wait a bit I suggest looking out for the Netgear WNR3500L, which is nothing short of amazing due to its DD-WRT/Tomato support, Wireless N, and gigabit ethernet.

GBob314

· #19 · Dec 4, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazydj

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What. I have it lying in front of me and now you guys tell me. -_-

So i dont need to run the cd at all? Just "192.168.1.1" without having any problems?

I actually found that installing the Linksys EasyLink Advisor off of the disc really helped me out if I get a random drop, I can just press repair connection and it will get it running again. I have the same 160N, haven't had any major problems with it yet, I've had it for maybe a year and a half.

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BenRK

· #20 · Dec 4, 2009

What might you do with the old one? I might be willing to buy it off you for cheap, I have some friends who could use a wireless router but don't need something blazing fast. Just something that works.

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