What Router?

[Bob Reeves]

Thinking we may have some computer guys on here.. I am on Point-to-Point wireless for my internet, out in the boon docks and only affordable option available. I have been using LinkSys BEFSR81 wired routers for my main access point and peer-to-peer network with a LinkSys wireless tied in on a different subnet so guests can access the internet from laptops etc. I say routers because I have went through 3 of the BEFSR81's and just had to change to another one.

 When the first LinkSys died I bought a Net Gear locally because that is all I could find. For some reason was not able to get it working so I bought 2 more BEFSR81's off eBay. Managed to fix the original BEFSR81's but it eventually died again. The first eBay LinkSys just died and now running on my last good LinkSys.

 In the market for an 8 port wired router and wondering what brand or model may be more reliable than the LinkSys or maybe a new model LinkSys will not die after a couple years in service like mine have. Any recommendations?

 Thanks....

[Paul Taylor]

Hey Bob
I'm a VM / storage computer guy. I think you may need a network guy.

Linksys is owned by Cisco. What are your requirements?  Linksys has a business class router but you will pay $400 compaired to $40 for the consumer product. 

I'm sure you know that heat is a major killer of electronic gear. Maybe make sure it's not getting hot.

Good luck

[Eric Viglione]

Unfortunately, Cisco sold off what they considered to be the home office part of Lynksys to Belkin recently. Ugh...

One of your few remaining options is rather pricey...(well, cheap compared to a juniper or something) but you get what you pay for. The price hit is because of the Dual WAN and VPN capability, which, if you don't use, makes buying this a bit overkill, but you do end up with a solidly built unit with good firewall.

http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/Cisco-RV082-8-port-10-100-VPN-Router-Dual-WAN/557414.aspx

BTW... if you need a power brick for the old style BEFSR81 (and 41), I had stocked up on a few a long time ago, as they did like to burn out...so I still have 1 or 2 NOS kicking power bricks around on a shelf.

There is a good many plastic fantastic 8 port firewall w/ wifi out there, of many a name and brand that will work just fine for a while... just depends on your expectations.

EricV

Hey Bob
I'm a VM / storage computer guy. I think you may need a network guy.

Linksys is owned by Cisco. What are your requirements?  Linksys has a business class router but you will pay $400 compaired to $40 for the consumer product.  

I'm sure you know that heat is a major killer of electronic gear. Maybe make sure it's not getting hot.

Good luck

[Bob Reeves]

I remember when the first LinkSys died I went to Best Buy thinking it shouldn't real hard to find an 8 port wired router.. Wrong.. All they had were 4 port wireless. I already have two switches and the Router I am using for Wireless access, really need 6 ports or have to add another switch.

Thanks for the power brick offer, I use the same 12 volt 1 amp wall-warts in the package I sell for Coaster Photos and get them for about $6.00 from MPJA. I probably have a dozen of the things laying around.

Dual WAN + VPN is a bit overkill for what I need but will keep it in mind.

Thanks..

[Tim Wescott]

Couldn't resist:

http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-1617EVSPK-4-Horsepower-Variable-Collets/dp/B00005RHPD/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1407530409&sr=8-3&keywords=wood+router

Good luck in your search!

[Phil Krankowski]

Dirty power is as bad as heat.  Make sure the provided brick puts out more amperage than the router requires at the correct voltage.  It shouldn't be surprising that the included brick barely meets spec in the owners manual.  Start using it fully and it is underpowered.

Put the brick on a surge suppressor, or better still a battery backup. 

Phil

[Randy Powell]

I use a Dlink myself. Works well.