Best Wireless router, for gaming, bittorrent and file sharing

Nixeh · 9 Apr 2006 at 03:47

Hey guys, just got back home from uni for easter, to find that my dad hasnt yet replaced the piece of junk unex router we currently have. We seem to get high packet loss and low reliability and we are fed up of it.

We are currently running on Telewest 10mb connection, with 3 sometimes 4 pcs rigged up.

Myself and my brother use bittorrent a lot and game a tonne more. Just dont want it going th way of my uni belkin 54g v5 which times out almost straight away with bittorrent.

So im coming here for your guys help.

Btw i also want good management tools over the router so i can free ports up where needed and stuff like that.

Cheers in advance, Nixeh

Zefan · 9 Apr 2006 at 03:48

I'd say Linksys as they're the consumer market side of Cisco - the biggest name in business networking. Mine has been rock solid, opening up ports is a breeze although it gets a bit warm so i wouldn't recommend stacking.

Mujja · 9 Apr 2006 at 04:14

You should look for a router which can limit the bandwith to each PC. You don't want other PCs using up the bandwidth with file sharing while you are gaming.

Nixeh, just noticed your location. I'm also from Bristol/Portsmouth

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tolien · 9 Apr 2006 at 11:54

Zefan said:
I'd say Linksys as they're the consumer market side of Cisco - the biggest name in business networking.

I wouldn't put any weight on that. The Linksys routers are in no way related to the Cisco kit, other than a label on the side.

That said, as long as you don't get a lobotomised v5, the Linksys WRT54G/GS routers are pretty good (and can be endowed with third party firmware that'll give you things like half-decent QoS).

arknor · 9 Apr 2006 at 14:37

dlink 4300 is a great router if price isnt an issue for you, had over 900 open connections with no lame reboots or any other issues unlike a lot of cheaper routers. which ever router you decide on make sure you do a google search for "routermodel bittorent" if it brings up a lot of forum posts of people complaining about having to limit the ammount of active connections in there torrent client to get the router stable avoid it at all costs as it will be no good for what you want it for

GuruJockStrap · 9 Apr 2006 at 14:59

tolien said:
That said, as long as you don't get a lobotomised v5, the Linksys WRT54G/GS routers are pretty good

If you're struggling to find a Pre v5 WRT54G/GS router, then get a WRT54GL. Basically a V4 WRT54G/GS.

Got one myself running the DD WRT firmware. Excellent stuff.

Zefan · 9 Apr 2006 at 15:07

I stand corrected. Care to explain the connection between them? (Linksys+Cisco).

Nixeh · 9 Apr 2006 at 15:32

So you suggest i go for the Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Broadband Router/4-Port Switch ?

Burbleflop · 9 Apr 2006 at 15:44

Zefan said:
I stand corrected. Care to explain the connection between them? (Linksys+Cisco).

Cisco own Linksys, that's about as far as it goes.

GuruJockStrap · 9 Apr 2006 at 17:02

Nixeh said:
So you suggest i go for the Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Broadband Router/4-Port Switch ?

Yup, the WRT54G/GS as long as its a V4 or earlier. The V5 has reduced RAM and a non Linux OS meaning you can't use 3rd party firmware with it.

Chances of getting a brand new pre v5 is pretty slim so your only hope is the Bay.

The WRT54GL (the L meaning Linux) as I've mentioned earlier is a V4 WRT54G/GS and that can be purchased brand new for around £50. Don't have to worry about version numbers with the GL.