Linksys Or Netgear??

[MIKEJ3016]

Hi All,

Probably easy to tell what this post is gonna be about from the subject line. I am going to purchase a router soon to share my single @home IP address with my 4 computers. Now the million dollar question is what is the better router to get? I don't wanna spend money out the wazuuu!!! So my choices are either Linksys or netgear. Which is truley the better router of the two? I plan on using my home network for playing games mainly and sharing files. I want to know which of the two routers will meet my gaming needs and is more configurable(is that a word? ).

Also with the file and print sharing would it be best to install Netbeui as oppossed to using TCP/IP for sharing files? I mean these routers do have firewalls so how could it be a security issue using TCP/IP for file and print sharing.

thanks in advance for any help

[YeOldeStonecat]

The Linksys, while starting out with a bad rap...has matured into a pretty decent, easy to use, "entry" level router. Very easy firmware to work in it's web admin, easy firmware upgrades, does a "decent job" performance wise.

NetGear...a bit more bare in it's features, but much faster and much more stable than the Linksys. Dry web admin features, advanced functions have to be done through the old fashioned TelNet utility. Better quality hardware.

The latest darling, especially from more advanced users who demand performance, are Nexland routers. Mine is arriving today, replacing my 300 dollar Netopia SOHO router.

They have an entry level model router, costs about 180 bucks..but it's worth it, very fast, meant for gaming, and has quite a well equiped and easy to use web admin. I'm referring to the ISB SOHO model. Check out their website,

http://www.nexland.com

I build small to medium Windoze networks for a living, have done probably over 75 broadband router installs of various kinds. And hoppy on the side is hardcore online gaming. So trying to steer you in a good direction based on some experience.

[MIKEUSING@HOME]

Thanks for the reply

Not a bad price for the SOHO either, I've seen you post many times on the boards and you obviously know your shiznit I'm gonna order a SOHO today, thanks againa man.

Mike

[HalfLifer]

Im avoiding the netgear rp114 for this reason: It has a high pithced whine. No thank you. And the RT314 isnt out there anymore, so Im stuck with a Linksys.

[Syclone_A]

netgear

[Syclone_A]

linksys.....................netgear....................linksys......................netgear..................................linksys..........................netgear.........................

[YeOldeStonecat]

Originally posted by Syclone_A+
netgear

NetGear has well known issues with some online games, specifically ones based on the Unreal Tournament engine. I dealt with this last winter on many gaming forums with many people in organized hunts for the "ultimate gaming router"....or at least a reliable router. Believe me, many of us participated and ran many different routers through the ringer....at quite an expense.

It's a very strong router in all other aspects, especially for an entry level home market router, but the kid did specifically say "gaming" as a priority for his router, and, well, I wouldn't recomment one with well known issues on a popular game engine. I'm talking about hosting a server behind it....not playing as a client....which is works fine for the client part. It's a random WAN client kicking problem that the router has.

[XenaRule]

What about D-Link router?

[YeOldeStonecat]

Ick

[Syclone_A]

d-link? ummmm what about it? DON'T GET ONE!

[LinkLogger]

I like the ZyXEL ZyWALL 10 I'm currently using. Might try a Nexland next to see what all the fuss is about, but the Zywall has been solid so far.

Blake

[BlackSword]

Originally posted by LinkLogger
I like the ZyXEL ZyWALL 10 I'm currently using. Might try a Nexland next to see what all the fuss is about, but the Zywall has been solid so far.

Blake

If the Zywall is solid, and you are happy with it,,, then why change routers?

If the answer is you have the cash and you are only interested in comparing then sure go for it!

I went from the ONE port LINKY to the Nexland. My one port linky was connected to a 3COM switch. Now from all the posts I have read in this forum it sounds like the FOUR port LINKY has more problems with gaming and performance, than I ever had with my ONE port LINKY connected to the 3COM switch. NOW for ME, I stress ME, that tells ME that the switch side of the LINKY isn't solid. AGAIN, I HAVE never had a 4 PORT LINKY so I am only talking from the numerous posts I have read in this forum about performance with the 4 PORT LINKY.

AND finally the very IMPORTANT factor in good gaming is your ISP.

Take that for what it is worth, and if you think that is worth nothing then OK.

[LinkLogger]

Originally posted by BlackSword
If the Zywall is solid, and you are happy with it,,, then why change routers?

Actually I went from a Linksys to the Zywall and will go to something else, as I'm looking for worthy routers to port our Link Logger software to. So far I've liked both the Linksys and the Zywall, as both have different but valid market points. The Nexland seems to have generated some interest, which is why I might try one and see if its a candidate for a Link Logger port.

Blake