Linksys or D-link?

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blairm

54 posts

Master Geek

#57192 5-Feb-2010 11:22

Hi,

Have decided the time has come to update my modem/router - a DSL 302g (yes, I know it's pretty much an antique).
Seeking advice on something reliable which will work without problems in both Windows and Linux without too much configuration. It's for home use, and I'd prefer a combined modem router.
Has anyone had experience (good or bad) with either of the following?

- Linksys WAG54G2 wireless modem/router
- D-link DSL-504T wireless modem/router

Alternately, does anyone have suggestions for another one? Would prefer to spend under $200, but may be convinced to raise limit that if the reason seems good enough.

Thanks,

Blair

Zippity

683 posts

Ultimate Geek

#296364 5-Feb-2010 11:42

the wag032n is a good un

oops - just saw your price range.

CarlosTheJackal

16 posts

Geek

#296373 5-Feb-2010 12:18

I recently picked up a Thomson TG585v7 off TradeMe for $55 after being recommended it as good value for money from some IT guys I know. They also said it's better quality than D-Link. It was dead simple to set up. As long as your ISP uses PPoA it will work a treat. Being a Telecom supplied unit it works perfect with their ADSL2+ & we see DL speeds of over 18mbps. I couldn't get over 5mbps with the old dynalink that slingshot gave us that was supposedly 2+ compatible. As for linksys, my old man has a fairly new one & it drops out all the time.

raytaylor

4014 posts

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#297728 10-Feb-2010 17:52

I'd go for linksys every time over dlink but like the above poster says, if you can get a thompson - even better

Ray Taylor

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freitasm

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Geekzone

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#297731 10-Feb-2010 17:59

Step away from that DLink router, sir!

farcus

1554 posts

Uber Geek

#297732 10-Feb-2010 17:59

I just bought a Cnet CAR 854 4 port wireless modem/router. Works way better than my previous D-Link 504T which is not ADSL2 compatible.

Brand new the Cnet routers are under $100.
I'm using with an Opensuse (linux) desktop and couple of win7 notebooks.

Ragnor

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#297744 10-Feb-2010 18:24

For an all in one unit I would go for the Dynalink RTA1025W ~$110-$120

http://www.gearbot.co.nz/store_products/search/RTA1025W

Dynalink has been making modems/routers/switches for the NZ and AU market for near on 15 years. Used to be a kiwi company, is now a wholly owned subsidary of Netcomm a publicly listed Aussie company that has been around for just as long.

ald

172 posts

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SimWorks

#297752 10-Feb-2010 18:39

Any reason why the Dlink's seem to be not so popular? We've got a Cisco here at the office and whatever it is that Orcon gives you at home so don't have any hands-on with Dlink.

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Aaron Davidson.

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Damager

2125 posts

Uber Geek

#297756 10-Feb-2010 18:49

My experience with D-Link modem/routers is they cant handle high speed connections and also lots of simultaneous connections at the same time.

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raytaylor

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#297768 10-Feb-2010 20:58

They have a low amount of memory and processor, so they just dont handle as well.
You can load some opensource firmware onto a linksys and get a much more reliable device with much more features.

Also if you go to your dsl user/password page in the dlink, right click and view source, guess what comes up in plain text?

Ray Taylor

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#297789 10-Feb-2010 21:36

I can say a lot of things about DLink right about to the lack of professionalism I found once when dealing with the company.

mcraenz

1140 posts

Uber Geek

#297921 11-Feb-2010 12:53

I'm sure most of these routers have the same chipsets and radios in them for the most part. I've had more than one Linksys that after a random period of time the wireless just stops and needs a reset. 2 different models too. I've used 3com and have been happy; using the a Tomson at the mo. To me all that counts is that they work and don't need to be reset. Ever! All the extra features is just marketing hype.

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blairm

54 posts

Master Geek

#298154 11-Feb-2010 22:40

Thanks everyone for your advice - between the replies here and the advice I've received from colleagues/friends it seems there is no definitive answer - although most people did warn to steer clear of DLink.
Ended up getting a Thomson one from Telecom for $200; fingers crossed it all works well!

Blair

CarlosTheJackal

16 posts

Geek

#298277 12-Feb-2010 10:17

You wont regret getting the Thomson. They're rock solid

blairm

54 posts

Master Geek

#298857 14-Feb-2010 14:48

Quick update on how things went; as mentioned, got a Thomson from Telecom and I'm very pleased. My speed (measured by Speedtest) went from 6.7Mbps to just under 13. (the DSL302g wasn't ADSL2 compatible, so that probably has accounts for the difference.)

I tend to distrust these tests, but browsing generally feels a lot snappier.

Would definitely recommend these for people like me who have only the vaguest idea of the details of networking and just want something that works.

Once again, thanks everyone for your advice.