[WLAN] Which router for streaming video files?

[Gantlett]

Hi everyone

I'm on the market for a wireless router. I've read so many problems people are having with these routers: Dial up disconnecting, network disconnecting, freezes, short ranges... D-Link seems to be the least reliable, while 3Com and Netgear seam to be good (although I've read a few horror stories of them too...).

Can anybody recommend a reliable one that will do the job properly? Mainly being able to stream video files without disconnecting...? Preferably one that's 100% reliable.

Thanx

[Guest]

I've only worked with a few wireless routers. The one I liked the best was D-Link's DGL-4300 because it has gigabit Ethernet built in and WPA2 (with the latest firmware). I've read that others have problems with range using it, but no complaints here. The antenna can be swapped for one with greater range, but it'll cost extra.

Personally, I'd recommend a router that's made by the same manufacturer as your wireless NICs. You should have far fewer problems and probably higher sustained transfer rates.

Edited May 10, 2006 by 5eraph

[Gantlett]

Thanks for your reply.

Can you tell me if you've had any problems of your router disconnecting, freezing or showing any type of instability behavior? Can you say it is ROCK SOLID?

At any rate, it seems quite expensive and totally out of my budget...

Thank you.

[Zxian]

Linksys WRT54G or GS model - before revision 5 hardware.

As long as you can get the Linux versions of these, then you're set. Download Thibor's firmware and flash your router with it. You should have no troubles with that setup.

I've got the WRT54G (rev 2) here at home, and it's rock solid as well. WPA2 works for me here, and there's no loss of connectivity.

[JuMz]

Linksys WRT54G or GS model - before revision 5 hardware.

As long as you can get the Linux versions of these, then you're set. Download Thibor's firmware and flash your router with it. You should have no troubles with that setup.

I've got the WRT54G (rev 2) here at home, and it's rock solid as well. WPA2 works for me here, and there's no loss of connectivity.

Just out of curiousity, I have a WRT54G and have come across the modding scence for this router but have often been scared about flashing my firmware. What exactly does Thibor's firmware do (i.e. Why do people use it / How is it better than Linksys's). I am simply asking because I simply do not know if it offers any advantages for me, though I am very curious!

[Gantlett]

What exactly does Thibor's firmware do (i.e. Why do people use it / How is it better than Linksys's

I found a similar project. It refers to Thibor's firmware on the lower portion of the page.

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OK folks

The next list is the list of options suitable for my needs and budget. I'd be very happy to hear from anyone here who has any of these units:

1. 3Com - 3CRWE554G72

2. Netgear - WGR614

3. Edimax - BR-6204WG

4. Linksys - WRT54G

5. Compex - NetPassage 27G (the most attractive one)

The Compex unit seems the most catching becuase it has two USB ports which offer print and disk server capabilities at the same price of the Linksys unit. It also incorporates the Atheros wireless chipset which is supposed to offer better range and reliability.

I've already heard one opinion of the Linksys (thanks Zxian), but more opinions of the other routers are very much welcome!

Thank you all!

Edited May 13, 2006 by Gantlett

[tain]

What exactly does Thibor's firmware do (i.e. Why do people use it / How is it better than Linksys's

There is an excellent comparison here.

I found a similar project. It refers to Thibor's firmware on the lower portion of the page.

That is an older project. Thibor's is the most current version.

[JuMz]

What exactly does Thibor's firmware do (i.e. Why do people use it / How is it better than Linksys's

There is an excellent comparison here.

I found a similar project. It refers to Thibor's firmware on the lower portion of the page.

That is an older project. Thibor's is the most current version.

Thanks. I will look into it in more detail.