Windows 7: Recommendations for a solid, reliable router

I recently was doing 'maintenance' on my network and during the process, decided to upgrade the firmware on my routers/APs. All went well except that my trusty old BEFSR41 didn't survive. I tried the known fixes, but no response.

So, I'm asking for recommendations. I do have wireless covered with a WAP54G, but it may be time to update that as well.

Features I want are good security (inbound and outbound MAC filtering, IP Range limiting, port limiting, etc.), speed and reliability. I'm not opposed to a wireless router with ethernet ports (at least 4), but I would like the ability to turn the wireless aspect off, since I don't use it that much (at the moment).

I have several machines on site, connected to an 8 port gigabit switch, which was connected to the BEFSR41, which was connected to a cable modem. Netgear is not a preferred solution. At some point, I plan to connect my TV, if that is a consideration in choice. OK, I'm rambling now. Thanks for any help.

James

Hi James Colbert,

Consider a Dual-Band technology and please check these out.
Please check these out:
Buy.com - D-Link DIR-655 Xtreme N Gigabit Router
Buy.com - NETGEAR N600 Wireless Dual Band Router - WNDR3400
Buy.com - TRENDnet TEW-673GRU Wireless Router - 300 Mbps
Buy.com - ASUS RT-N16 Multifunctional N Gigabit Wireless Router

I have a little 10/100mb wireless D-Link router at home, and seriously the thing has never had a hiccup. Eventually when I upgrade to a 1gig wireless router, it'll be a D-Link. Highly underrated brand, and my four year old model can do everything you require (minus speed) so I'd imagine their newer models would as well.

Hi James

Your configuration sounds a little similar to Mine

I have a D-Link DIR-655. This is a cable router, and since I have ADSL 2 is connects to a D-Link DIR 526B ADSL modem, which is configured to run in bridge mode. There are two switches in the house, one downstairs and one upstairs. There are 21 devices in total connected.

I've also had a couple of Netgear, TP-Link ASUS and other D-Link models (Eg Gamerlounge). I also use D-Link DGS1008D and DGS1016D gigabit switches.

D-Link has many configuration advantages over all the others I've tried in terms of ACLs and filtering. For home use it's ok.

The wireless is also pretty good on the DIR655. 3 Antennas, and I live in a two storey house. I get 5 bars upstairs when the router is downstairs, about 20m line of sight.

D-Links RMA process is also acceptable. They are in Sydney and though I've had a couple of D-Link devices fail, they've replaced them without hassle, within a week of receiving my faulty device. Considering the load I place on my network infrastructure, I can reasonably expect a device to fail now and then. So please dont get the impression that they are unrealiable.

The netgear's and ASUS I found lacking in some security functions. However, these may have improved since I last bought one of those brands. The TP-Link was junk of course.

My two cents worth
Tanya

Thanks to all for the recommendations (and to 2xg for the links). I had to move pretty fast, as the old router I dug up and am using is iffy.

Last night I ran to best buy (who I never buy from...) and picked up the N600. It initially seemed ok, but as soon as I set it up and let it upgrade itself, the new firmware bricked it as well. Reading user reviews after the fact revealed that many are not happy with the N600. My own experience with Netgear tech support was dismal and frustrating. I returned the N600 this morning and ordered a WRT54GL from Newegg. It should be here in the next day or so.

The WRT is old school, but reliable and is open source, so it will give me a chance to check out some of the linux based firmwares. Plus, it cost me less than $50.

Given how much the router market has changed (much hype and fluff), this will give me the opportunity to bide my time in choosing a good, quality router after I finish my office renovations, at which time my bandwidth requirements and security needs will have increased. Plus, I can always use the WRT for a wireless extender or in an isolated network. Any recomendations here are appreciated and will be looked into for that upcoming purchase. Thanks for all of your inputs (and any subsequent recomendations as well!)

James

Our first Linksys WRT54G model lasted ten years without a hiccup. It still runs but needs resetting every month or so, so it has been on the shelf for a few years...

...because we got a Linksys Draft N WRT100 router which has been running now for 4+ years also without a hiccup.

This is what I hear about Linksys all the time. I'm not sure I'd get another brand based on almost 15 years flawless service in a normal sized house.

Linksys is the only brand I've used (since early 90s). It's always been low maintenance and served my needs well. Unfortunately, it's hard to know if 'present day' Linksys is of the same quality, esp. given reviews on some of their products (which seems to be the case with most brands...).

Regrettably, as a market grows, hype increases while quality often decreases, so it becomes increasingly difficult to divide the wheat from the chaff. The WRT54 should hold me over until I can take the time to thorougly research whatever products are currently (or in 6 mos or so) available. Truthfully, I considered buying a used or refurbished BEFSR41 .

You're Welcome and hope that the new router works well for you.
I'm actually on my second Linksys router just an upgrade to the previous one and it still works pretty good, I'll just have to keep up with the new firmware. We're with charter Communications and with a 20mbps bandwidth subscription it helps a lot.