Ok, we have a Linksys Wireless B router that is going out pretty often. A new Belkin Wireless G came with a new computer we recently got, and it is a lot smaller than the linksys one (does this mean less power?) The Linksys router was out for like 5 hours today and I don't even know what the problem is. Originally we had a Dell Desktop connected to a DSL modem with Verizon Online. Then, we got the Linksys B router and connected our old Gateway Desktop to it via Ethernet (they're in the same room). I connect to it wirelessly on my Compaq, but we have been having troubles connecting our Dell and Gateway Laptops to it (the connection goes out, or is very slow, or else I get that "Limited or No Available Connection" BS). Anyways, I'd say this wireless router we currently have is maybe 1-2.5 years old. So with one of the new laptops, we got the Belkin Wireless G router, and I tried installing it when my Linksys was hung up tonight. Man, was that a waste of time. It did like 5 different tests and then tested to connect to the internet for 15 minutes and it didn't even work, yet my main computer (Dell Desktop) that is connected via Ethernet directly to the router still worked before I installed the Belkin router, although my Gateway Desktop (also Ethernet'd) did not. Why didn't the Gateway work then?

Anyways, so after fooling around with the idiot Belkin router for almost an hour I got pissed and just reconnected everything back to the Linksys router so my Dell Desktop would at least have internet access. Now, my Compaq works connecting wirelessly too (when it didn't 2-3 hrs ago). Why does this happen?!

And more importantly, what is the best router I can buy that is user friendly and works?!

Thanks in advance, and sorry for the bitching
Natalie

1/19/2006 12:21:13 AM

Belkin, IME, has the nicest UI, and is the most user friendly, but it dies under load. D-link also has a nice UI (less nice, I think), but it is more likely to go down than the Belkin. Linksys easily has the most reliable routers for home use. I have one, and it has never gone down due to load (or any problem of its own). The UI is somewhat cluttered, but it's setup program is easy enough to follow (if you have Windows).

The Linksys WRT54G is a good model to get. Are you sure the issue wasn't with your internet connection itself or the ISP?

1/19/2006 12:55:38 AM

the belkins are nice but yeah I have to restart them more that I would care to

1/19/2006 12:58:34 AM

Quote :

"The Linksys WRT54G is a good model to get."

1/19/2006 1:21:30 AM

Nope, the internet worked fine on our desktop that is primarily connected to the router, although our Gateway desktop's internet didn't work. *shrugs* it's weird.

Could the wireless have just blown due to a heavy load?

1/19/2006 1:27:34 AM

if it keeps on losing the connection, it is most probably channel interference

or

your apartment is using a lot of Bittorent.

1/19/2006 1:45:46 AM

what's channel interference? and I don't live in an apartment i live in a house, at home with my family...unless some random neighbor is mooching our connection, since it's unsecure? how do you make it secure anyways?

1/19/2006 1:49:52 AM

Interference is when someone near you uses the same wireless frequency for a non compatible operation. eg. an older 2.4ghz cordless phone.

Do you use BitTtorent

1/19/2006 1:55:26 AM

Quote :

"The Linksys WRT54G is a good model to get"

If anybody gets wireless I recommend these things ... Wal-mart sells them for $50-$60 if you are looking for cheap. However, buying a new router doesn't guarantee it will fix the problems you currently have. I personally would say you hire somebody (from TWW maybe?) to come over to fix the problem/secure your network/etc. Probably won't take more than an hour and will only cost you $20.

From an internet surfing standpoint, there really isn't much difference between a b and a g right now. From a file transfer standpoint with computers connected to the router it makes a huge difference ... but not so much for internet surfing.

1/19/2006 6:31:51 AM

WHATEVER YOU DO, DO NOT GET A LINKSYS.

worst fucking routers on the market.

you run bittorrent on them for a few hours with a couple hundred tcp connections, they're dead in the water, needs reboot. repeat process multiple times in the day, gets annoying.


BUY A NEW BELKIN.

1/19/2006 7:36:53 AM

Calling belking great, while calling linksys shitty. That's like the chevy vs ford arguement.

Here is my experience and you can take what you want.

US Robotics. Every single router I've had from them had issues with data transfer and if it went too high for a long period would lock up. Specifically bit torrent.

Belkin - I've had two and both had shittons of issues with wireless cards. SMC, it's own brand except Linksys (go figure).

Linksys - I've had 3 of these. The first one was utter crap I'll agree. The last one i had wasn't wireless and I still have it. Never one issue at all. I wanted a firewall and wireless as well so went with one of the newer ones you can find in best buy today. It's the 54gmb one with the speedbooster (don't waste money on speedbooster it was on sale is all). I've had 0 issues with wirless connectivity, bittorrent issues, firewall etc. Hell the interface is kindergarden easy.

So in my opinion Linksys worked best for me. I can go halfway to the clubhouse on it's signal it's great. Only problem is that it absolutely fucks up 2.4ghz phones. I have a 5.8 so it's not a big deal.

I would try the linksys ($69 without rebate) and if you like it keep it. If not return it. It's easy as hell to set up.

1/19/2006 8:04:34 AM

I've got a Netgear Wireless router and a Netgear Gig switch and have never had a problem with either one.

1/19/2006 9:34:58 AM

Netgear is good especially their commercial grade stuff. It's a bit pricy ($150ish) for the commercial stuff. I recently had my first Netgear WAP go bad. It would reset itself and deny connections from all wirelss objects.

Put another one in it's spot and bam good to go.

1/19/2006 11:25:21 AM

One brand is as good/bad as another.

Just like cell phone service.

1/19/2006 11:32:40 AM

yea seriously

I have used Belkin and found them totally great.

1/19/2006 11:39:43 AM