Router Research

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My D-Link 713P router (small home network) has started to exhibit intermittent favoritism – my wireless computers are not having any connection problems but anything connected via ethernet cables report that the “network cable is unplugged” although it is not. If I mess around with the router box, unplugging and plugging, sometimes the wired connections will come back to life only to die again later. But since I’ve not made any changes to my network recently I assume that the problem is an aging router so I’m shopping for a new one.

If anyone on this forum has any words of wisdom regarding ‘gotchas’ with any particular router, that would also be useful information. I have a combination of wireless and wired computers running Win2K and WinXP, also connecting to an HP printer and a ReplayTV unit – all connected to the internet via DSL. I don’t do gaming and parental controls are not needed, but I do use VPN.

I’ve looked at router reviews on ePinions and CNet. I would like to look at more reviews and consumer opinions to get a feel for general experiences with the different brands. Can anyone suggest good websites for doing further research?

Thanks in advance for any and all advice or opinions,
Virginia

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A Google on “router reviews” will give you an evening’s worth of reviews and opinions. I’ve had a Linksys running 24/7 for almost 2 years now with absolutely no problems.

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Edited by Bigaldoc to add URL code.[/i] See the Quick Guide or 1-Click TagPanel.[/size]

Dear Virgina,
I have been using Linksys routers for years and have found them to be an excellent value. Web site, http://www.linksys.com/%5B/url%5D The product I recommend would be the Wireless-G VPN Broadband Router, http://www.linksys.com/products/product.as…35&prid=565%5B/url%5D This provides wired and the latest in wireless use. Also a VPN set up is included. If you decide to go with a less expensive version please make sure that it is still supported by Linksys. I have a router, 3 years old, which is still being sold but not supported any longer. It is version one and Linksys is on version 2 now. I noticed big discounts on the verion one in many retail stores and online shopping. The set up is very simple with an installion CD provided and easy settings via an Explorer window.
Good luck to you in your search and happy networking!
(PS I apologise but just have to say this! Yes Virgina there is a Santa Claus!)

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…you’re already in the mood and Christmas is still three months away!

Thank you for the recommendation and link. Is the WRV54G also a print server? It didn’t specifically say anything about being a print server in the details so I’m assuming I would have to buy a separate print server box to add to it. Most of the 802.11g devices I’ve found that include a print server are more than a year old and I know the technology has changed/stabilized/improved? a lot just in the past six months.

The online opinions about this technology seems to be all over the map! I laughed at the testing/review PC World did. They stuck the wireless router and computer into an interference-free box, 1 foot away from each other. Now that’s useful real world testing for the consumer! Not!

Thanks,
Virginia

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Dear Virginia,
Well not necassarly in the mood for Christmas but I saw the name and just had to say that line (the reason I apologized in advance ). After rereading your original post I will have to do some further research into a router/combo print server that handles wireless/wired and VPN. I did find a Linksys print server, http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?prid=438&scid=37 or this one, http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?prid=584&scid=37 , but I am sure you rather have just one unit. I take it your printer is not network ready which is why you need a print server? I ask because in my small network I use a HP OfficeJet D155xi that came with a Direct Jet unit and attaches directly to my router. Then any computer, after software install, can use it. The other issue, as always, is how much money you want to put out! I will write back after further research.

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Thanks, TravlingMan, for the print server links. You’re correct in guessing that I would prefer to have just one box that is both router and print server but if I can get better technology and flexibility with two units I’ll certainly consider it. Unfortunately, at the time I bought my printer I didn’t have a network so it didn’t occur to me to get the network-ready version.

It looks to me like Linksys does not offer a router/print server combo in one box. I found a couple of other possibilities: the Netgear FR114P and D-Link DI-824VUP. But I can’t tell whether those units are new or ‘old’ technology, or whether they are good value or to be avoided. The reviews and opinions are all over the map. Also, I’ve found stores and web sites that are still selling the router I currently own [D-Link 713P] but D-Link no longer supports it. I certainly don’t want to buy something that’s going to be abandoned by the manufacturer in six months.

Thanks again for your help!
Virginia

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Virginia

Last time I looked, the “print server” options were simply for parallel port connections. I think if you check the (at-least-a-year-old) Netgear FR114P you will find that this is the case. With “almost everyone” having USB-attached printers, I suspect that print server ports on Routers will go the way of the dodo… And don’t you want a router with wireless capabilities?!

John

PS E & O E !

PPS and no, Bowlie, I didn’t mean that they would end up being eaten by predatory humans…!

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Virginia

Last time I looked, the “print server” options were simply for parallel port connections. I think if you check the (at-least-a-year-old) Netgear FR114P you will find that this is the case. With “almost everyone” having USB-attached printers, I suspect that print server ports on Routers will go the way of the dodo… And don’t you want a router with wireless capabilities?!

John

PS E & O E !

PPS and no, Bowlie, I didn’t mean that they would end up being eaten by predatory humans…!

Reply | Quote

Thanks, TravlingMan, for the print server links. You’re correct in guessing that I would prefer to have just one box that is both router and print server but if I can get better technology and flexibility with two units I’ll certainly consider it. Unfortunately, at the time I bought my printer I didn’t have a network so it didn’t occur to me to get the network-ready version.

It looks to me like Linksys does not offer a router/print server combo in one box. I found a couple of other possibilities: the Netgear FR114P and D-Link DI-824VUP. But I can’t tell whether those units are new or ‘old’ technology, or whether they are good value or to be avoided. The reviews and opinions are all over the map. Also, I’ve found stores and web sites that are still selling the router I currently own [D-Link 713P] but D-Link no longer supports it. I certainly don’t want to buy something that’s going to be abandoned by the manufacturer in six months.

Thanks again for your help!
Virginia

Reply | Quote

Dear Virginia,
Well not necassarly in the mood for Christmas but I saw the name and just had to say that line (the reason I apologized in advance ). After rereading your original post I will have to do some further research into a router/combo print server that handles wireless/wired and VPN. I did find a Linksys print server, http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?prid=438&scid=37 or this one, http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?prid=584&scid=37 , but I am sure you rather have just one unit. I take it your printer is not network ready which is why you need a print server? I ask because in my small network I use a HP OfficeJet D155xi that came with a Direct Jet unit and attaches directly to my router. Then any computer, after software install, can use it. The other issue, as always, is how much money you want to put out! I will write back after further research.

Reply | Quote

…you’re already in the mood and Christmas is still three months away!

Thank you for the recommendation and link. Is the WRV54G also a print server? It didn’t specifically say anything about being a print server in the details so I’m assuming I would have to buy a separate print server box to add to it. Most of the 802.11g devices I’ve found that include a print server are more than a year old and I know the technology has changed/stabilized/improved? a lot just in the past six months.

The online opinions about this technology seems to be all over the map! I laughed at the testing/review PC World did. They stuck the wireless router and computer into an interference-free box, 1 foot away from each other. Now that’s useful real world testing for the consumer! Not!

Thanks,
Virginia

Reply | Quote

Edited by Bigaldoc to add URL code.[/i] See the Quick Guide or 1-Click TagPanel.[/size]

Dear Virgina,
I have been using Linksys routers for years and have found them to be an excellent value. Web site, http://www.linksys.com/%5B/url%5D The product I recommend would be the Wireless-G VPN Broadband Router, http://www.linksys.com/products/product.as…35&prid=565%5B/url%5D This provides wired and the latest in wireless use. Also a VPN set up is included. If you decide to go with a less expensive version please make sure that it is still supported by Linksys. I have a router, 3 years old, which is still being sold but not supported any longer. It is version one and Linksys is on version 2 now. I noticed big discounts on the verion one in many retail stores and online shopping. The set up is very simple with an installion CD provided and easy settings via an Explorer window.
Good luck to you in your search and happy networking!
(PS I apologise but just have to say this! Yes Virgina there is a Santa Claus!)

Reply | Quote