Is it safe to use an old wireless router?

[exia]

I have a wireless B router and I want to know if it is safe to use. It is old (wireless B) so how does the wireless encryption compare with todays routers?

will it be a problem if I remove the antenna and use the ethernet cable to connect to my computer instead?

 

[zigzag3143]

I have a wireless B router and I want to know if it is safe to use. It is old (wireless B) so how does the wireless encryption compare with todays routers?

will it be a problem if I remove the antenna and use the ethernet cable to connect to my computer instead?

Hi and welcome

could we get info on router? why would you want to remove the antenna? cat 5 will work.

let us know

Ken J+

 

[exia]

hello

the router is a dlink dL-514 (or maybe dI-514)

wireless B is quite slow for transfers, so i plan to use the wired connection for my main machine (faster) and when i have people over they can still use the wireless since B is still good for internet

i don't want to get a new router if this one is working fine.

 

[nate42nd]

If you can use AES or TKIP (or both) it's good. If it only has WEP it's not so good.

Check on the wireless security settings. It should have the options listed there.

If you're just using it with cable, it will be fine. I don't think encryption is needed over cable...just wireless....

I just had to get a new router because my year old router (wirless B) was not compatible with Windows 7 so you may want to test the wireless if you plan to use it.

EDIT: WPA or TKIP (or both) or WPA2 don't know about AES

 

[stevieray]

You could also reflash the router with aftermarket firmware like dd.wrt, which has WPA and WPA2 built in. Not all routers can use dd.wrt, tomato, et al, so check around until you find an open source firmware package that works with your router.

 

[nate42nd]

You could also reflash the router with aftermarket firmware like dd.wrt, which has WPA and WPA2 built in. Not all routers can use dd.wrt, tomato, et al, so check around until you find an open source firmware package that works with your router.

This is what I just did with a brand new WRT160N Linksys (just for fun)

I flashed it with DD-WRT and it's very nice. I have used Tomato too. I think it's only for Linksys WRT routers.

DD-WRT has almost everything covered now. This is a good option.

 

[stevieray]

This is what I just did with a brand new WRT160N Linksys (just for fun)

I flashed it with DD-WRT and it's very nice. I have used Tomato too. I think it's only for Linksys WRT routers.

DD-WRT has almost everything covered now. This is a good option.

The only question is if dd.wrt is usable in his router, and that isn't always easy to figure out. There are many routers that can use it, but aren't listed in the official supported router db. The best way to find out is to register in the user's forum over there and ask around.

edit: PS... I like your idea of reflashing a new router to dd.wrt... its so much more flexible and user-friendly than the native firmware on most factory flashed routers.

 

[nate42nd]

This is what I just did with a brand new WRT160N Linksys (just for fun)

I flashed it with DD-WRT and it's very nice. I have used Tomato too. I think it's only for Linksys WRT routers.

DD-WRT has almost everything covered now. This is a good option.

The only question is if dd.wrt is usable in his router, and that isn't always easy to figure out. There are many routers that can use it, but aren't listed in the official supported router db. The best way to find out is to register in the user's forum over there and ask around.

The best way is probably to type the # in here.

Router Database | www.dd-wrt.com

But I agree, if you're going to use it, go to the forums. It's not for the "faint of heart"

Looks like the "DI" series is NOT supported.....DIRs are

 

[exia]

I checked the site and the router is not supported/not listed.

Can I just disable the wireless in the settings (and remove the antenna just in case) and use the router only with the wire? It will be secure correct?

 

[nate42nd]

I checked the site and the router is not supported/not listed.

Can I just disable the wireless in the settings (and remove the antenna just in case) and use the router only with the wire? It will be secure correct?

You don't need to remove the antenna. Just log into it and look around. Make sure wireless is disabled. (192.168.0.1 probably) try typing this into your browser and click the "wireless" tab on th interface. Make sure it's disabled.

Here are some FAQs about your router

http://support.dlink.com/emulators/di524/help_faq.html#09

 

[chev65]

In case the Op is still looking, there is one firmware that is supposed to work with the DI- series. I know the Op is using the DI-514 but this firmware should work. Your router shows no support at all for Windows 7, but there maybe a way around this. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/compatibility/windows-7/en-us/Search.aspx?type=Hardware&s=dlink%20dL-514&os=64-bit

The v2.04b02 firmware may also work for you, I just helped another person get is DI-524 D-link router up and running with it. I just read that the same firmware might also work for the DI-514.

It's an older firmware that also happens to allow for compatiblity with Windows 7, both wired and wireless, 64 and 32 bit. You can get it from the link below. You may also need reduce MTU from the default 1500 to 1450 which can be accomplished from the router page. No guarantee's but it's the best chance you have of getting that old router to properly with Windows 7.

http://drivers.softpedia.com/get/FIR...ware-204.shtml

Original post here. http://www.sevenforums.com/network-...em-wireless-router-conflict-2.html#post480129

 

[exia]

what does it mean if the router doesn't work under windows 7? my main machine uses ubuntu so it doesn't matter much to me. but some of my other computers i have around run windows 7 and will that be a problem with this router?

 

[chev65]

According to the compatiblity report the DI-514 D-link router has zero support for Windows 7. So the odds are good that if you want all functions on that router to work correctly with Windows 7 both 32 and 64 bit with wireless you will most likely need to update your firmware to the one I linked too earlier.

No guarantees because I havn't seen that firmware tested on the DI-514 but it made the DI-524 work with Windows 7 as you can see in the other link. Both of those routers are very similar but also equally outdated.

 

[exia]

i am surprised. i have read a lot of computer hardware not working on windows 7, i myself have a scanner and a printer that don't have full driver support under 7. but a router? it is an independent box outside the system, i am surprised it would not work. more unnecessary junk to the landfill.....

 

[chev65]

Actually the network stack has been changed considerably since the XP days which is what your router was made for. The firmware I linked you too should keep your router out of the landfill for awhile longer anyway.

 

[exia]

In case the Op is still looking, there is one firmware that is supposed to work with the DI- series. I know the Op is using the DI-514 but this firmware should work. Your router shows no support at all for Windows 7, but there maybe a way around this. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/co...h.aspx?type=Hardware&s=dlink dL-514&os=64-bit

The v2.04b02 firmware may also work for you, I just helped another person get is DI-524 D-link router up and running with it. I just read that the same firmware might also work for the DI-514.

It's an older firmware that also happens to allow for compatiblity with Windows 7, both wired and wireless, 64 and 32 bit. You can get it from the link below. You may also need reduce MTU from the default 1500 to 1450 which can be accomplished from the router page. No guarantee's but it's the best chance you have of getting that old router to properly with Windows 7.

http://drivers.softpedia.com/get/FIR...ware-204.shtml

Original post here. http://www.sevenforums.com/network-...em-wireless-router-conflict-2.html#post480129

the middle link is not working (there is .... in the middle of the address)

 

[chev65]

In case the Op is still looking, there is one firmware that is supposed to work with the DI- series. I know the Op is using the DI-514 but this firmware should work. Your router shows no support at all for Windows 7, but there maybe a way around this. Windows 7 Compatibility Center search results - dlink dL-514

The v2.04b02 firmware may also work for you, I just helped another person get is DI-524 D-link router up and running with it. I just read that the same firmware might also work for the DI-514.

It's an older firmware that also happens to allow for compatiblity with Windows 7, both wired and wireless, 64 and 32 bit. You can get it from the link below. You may also need reduce MTU from the default 1500 to 1450 which can be accomplished from the router page. No guarantee's but it's the best chance you have of getting that old router to properly with Windows 7.

http://drivers.softpedia.com/get/FIR...ware-204.shtml

Original post here. http://www.sevenforums.com/network-...em-wireless-router-conflict-2.html#post480129

the middle link is not working (there is .... in the middle of the address)

Try this, not sure what was wrong but the ... was supposed to be there.
http://drivers.softpedia.com/get/FIR...ware-204.shtml

 

[exia]

looks good, i will try this out and report back

 

[ritesh]

How can a wireless router not be compatible with widows 7?
All wireless router is compatible with any OS.
I got a Dlink Airplus G 2.4 GHz and it works with windows 7.

 

[chev65]

How can a wireless router not be compatible with widows 7?
All wireless router is compatible with any OS.
I got a Dlink Airplus G 2.4 GHz and it works with windows 7.

Completely untrue IMO I have already fixed many routers both wired and wireless that would not work with Windows 7 until either the router was replaced or the firmware was updated. And it's easy for me to prove my point. > http://www.sevenforums.com/network-...em-wireless-router-conflict-2.html#post481683

Hundreds more just like it. Just to remind you ritish, You dont get to Guru unless you are correct a very large percentage of the time.

Still waiting to hear back from Exia on this. :sarc: