Wired/Wireless Router Suggestions

[ducttape45]

Good evening fellow Freepers. It's time for me to ask another in the long line of IT related questions, this time about suggestions for a new router for my home network.

Currently I have a Netgear WNR3500Lv2 router. It's a combo wired and wireless router. It is hooked up to a DLink Modem, Model DCM-301.

However, last month lightning struck right behind my place and it killed one of the ethernet ports on the router. Thank God the entire thing wasn't fried. But now I need to replace it, and I'd like to find something of a similar build in that I require four (4) wired ports, the ability to utilize wireless, AND to also have the ability to plug a USB storage device to it. Heck, if I can find something I can install an internal SSD into that would be even better.

I liked Netgear early on but I feel their products are becoming too complicated to use. I'm almost 62 and would like to keep things simple. I like the DLink modem so if I can find a DLink router to hook up to it, that would be ideal. I preferred separate units in the past that way if one went on the blink, I could replace it without being hit with a huge cost, but I'm willing to explore a combo unit now.

All that being said, if someone can point me in the right direction I'd be most appreciative.

Thank you all for your time and efforts to help me.

[zeugma]

One thing I’d recommend is something that you can load DD-WRT on. It will basically turn your router into a true high-powered network infrastructure component, with options for setting up VLANS and such for guests, segregating traffic and other stuff that you’d only expect in expensive corporate routers.

[ptsal]

Bkmk

[ducttape45]

I appreciate your long and thoughtful post. I am looking for something simple, that's for sure.

I've used Netgear for years, but that's only because that's what someone gave me. My place is only 900 sq ft so whatever I get, it doesn't have to put out over a large area. Wired and wireless are preferred because I always wire my PCs together.

The only wireless device in my place is my cell phone, and if the kids come over they'll sometimes use the wireless for their laptops.

So long and short, I'm looking along those lines and includes the option for attaching mass storage, like a large USB stick, or even a small portable drive.

I'll check out the ones you suggested, along with others from the posting.

Thanks again!

[ducttape45]

Do you have a particular model # of that device you would recommend?

[ducttape45]

HA!

[ducttape45]

Always!

[ducttape45]

I’m with you on that. I prefer separate router and modem units.

[ducttape45]

I preferred wired over wireless as well.

[ducttape45]

I’d like to get a newer unit because I’ve had this thing forever and if one port is gone, how long will it be before the rest go out? I’d prefer not to get caught with my pants down, metaphorically of course.

[ducttape45]

You know what, as much as I’m trying to get away from Netgear, that one looks interesting. Thanks for suggesting it, I’ll give it a look!

[ducttape45]

What model do you have? I like DLink and would welcome any suggestions.

[ducttape45]

Thanks to all for your thoughtful suggestions. This is the list I've compiled so far:

Amplifi Alien
ASUS AC-1300
ASUS AC1900
ASUS AX3000
Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000
EERO
Linksys WRT1900AC
Linksys WRT-32X
Motorola MG8702, DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem + Wi-Fi Router
Netgear WNDR4500-100PAS N900 Dual Band
TP-Link N300
TP-Link AC-1750
TP LInk 450
TPLink AX1800

I will go down the list see what appeals to me, and WHAT I CAN AFFORD!

I can't thank you all enough. I'll post further updates when I make the decision.

[spel_grammer_an_punct_polise]

I’m sorry that I misled you. My previous router was a D-Link. The router I have now is a Linksys EA8300.

[dennisw]

ping

[dennisw]

TP LInk 450 if you buy, only buy new so that you get the latest version which is 6.0. Version # is written on the box too.

[usconservative]

That's a good list of choices. It really comes down to what your needs are.

For example: If you're into online gaming the ASUS AX3000 is a very good choice. The really great thing about ASUS is that if you discover you have wifi coverage issues in your home, you can buy another ASUS and easily mesh them together to improve the wifi coverage and speed. To do so, they simply need to both be ASUS mesh compatible. They do not have to be the exact same model.

The linksys wrt1900acs v2 is a great open source router that's customizable if you're so inclined, and with 1.9Gb speeds is also a good choice. Linksys (owned by Cisco) generally speaking does a good job with their hardware. I had Linksys that lasted over 10 years before the wifi quit working. I replaced it with the wifi router immediately below.

If your needs are much simpler such as basic web browsing, email, instant messaging and video streaming, a router like the TPLink AX1800 is a good budget choice. This is what I've had for about 3 years now. Rock-solid, easy to manage, covers my 2400SF townhome just fine (all three floors, I have it on the middle floor.)

Whatever your choice is, please make sure it supports WPA3 for wifi security.

Finally, not to influence your choice I'd simply add that were I looking to replace my current wifi router, I'd be looking very hard at the ASUS AX3000 and the Linksys WRT1900ACS v.2

Just my .02 (with inflation that's about $1.98 now I think...)

[ducttape45]

I'm going to go over that list here soon and make a choice. I ran into a snafu today with a computer I'm building and I have to fix that problem first.

I think I ordered the wrong kind of memory for a GA-Z170-HD3P Gigabyte motherboard. All I get is five long beeps when I try and start it and that's indicative of a memory problem. I ensured they're seated correctly but I still get the beeps. So it's back to the drawing board.

Thanks for your recommendations though. I'll let you know what I get.

[usconservative]

Have you checked Gigabyte Support Beep Codes to see what the beeps mean? There's nothing indicating 5 long beeps in their codes. If it's 5 beeps (assume "short?") then it's a CPU error.

BTW, when you seated the memory did you push down evenly on both sides and get the "click" when you seated them?

[LesbianThespianGymnasticMidget]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Y8TQ5C6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07Y8TQ5C6&linkCode=as2&tag=bufferbloat-20&linkId=9082eb419d557a684b9a42146fbc9a8d

No brainer at $120

Easy to set up and improves quality of service. It is the non-techys high tech solution. I stand by Asus, but for you, this is better. Affordable and out of the box runs things the right way.

“good cpu, good amount of ram, and nice edit of the openwrt ui for beginners to use. It has cake pre installed and it will automatically run speedtests on their servers every once in a while and enter in the numbers into cake for you automatically. You can just set it up and let it do its thing and that’s really nice compared to installing openwrt + cake on a current router”

Cake optimizes how the router talks to the internet. I run something similar (fq_codel). It eliminates the “buffering” for netflix or other videos, optimizes VIOP (Telephone) etc. At $120 this thing is a steal.

[ducttape45]

I got the cpu after visiting the CPU Upgrade website and going off the list presented to me. I hope I wasn't sold a bad part.

I checked the Gigabyte website. It's 5 long beeps. Other websites I visited said that meant the memory was at fault, and I've run into this kind of problem in the past. I ensured that the memory was seated correctly. I also saw the verbiage on that on other websites and I also noticed how difficult it was to get installed.

I went to the Crucial.com website, researched the proper memory to purchase and bought some. It's different than what I got now so maybe I purchased the wrong kind. We'll see when it arrives. I'm hoping/praying that the fact that I'm getting error beeps means that something is working correctly!