Need a cable router for Virgin Media

dmx07 · 13 Nov 2008 at 09:44

Hi all,

I need to buy a decent router but having not used a wireless one before I wondered if they are as reliable as the wired versions?

I don't want to spend much if possible so does anyone have any suggestions?

Im currently with Virgin Media on the 10Mb connection.

Will a 'G' router do me or should I go 'N'?

Cocky-Roach · 13 Nov 2008 at 10:17

i recently got a Belkin N1 and can say i get full signal anywhere around the house also on virgin

dmx07 · 13 Nov 2008 at 10:41

Addictuk said:
i recently got a Belkin N1 and can say i get full signal anywhere around the house also on virgin

sounds good, quite pricey but I guess you get what you pay for!

dmx07 · 13 Nov 2008 at 10:54

I'm just wondering if I really need to spend £70 on this.

The router will be placed right next to the pc and I have only 1 computer. The only reason I need one is that I just bought a VOIP phone which uses an ethernet connection and my current modem only has 1 ethernet input..

Maybe the N1 is slight overkill for me..!

smids · 13 Nov 2008 at 11:11

Linksys WRT54GL. Free delivery from OcUK for you as you have been registered over 12 months...

Amazing router and can be flashed with third party firmware to open up extra features.

You don't need 802.11n (unless you want to stream HD movies over your LAN or some other ridiculous use!). 'g' is still fine and means you won't have to get 'n' adapters which still cost more than 'g'.

dmx07 · 13 Nov 2008 at 11:17

smids said:
Linksys WRT54GL. Free delivery from OcUK for you as you have been registered over 12 months...

Amazing router and can be flashed with third party firmware to open up extra features.

Thanks smids, that's more like the price I was hoping to pay & it ticks all the boxes.

dmx07 · 13 Nov 2008 at 11:21

As a matter of interest, is there any difference between the GL & GS versions of this router?

Answering my own question after a small bit of research it looks like the GL allows for easier flashing because its Linux based firmware altho I'm sure thats a very simplistic explanation!

smids · 13 Nov 2008 at 11:30

Yes, the GS has speedboost technology which I believe apparently improves throughput by 35% (adapter has to support this as well). To my mind it is marketing BS... sorry, I'm a little cynical when it comes to these special 'features'.

Unfortunately, only the GL guarantees cross-flashing ability with third party firmware. It guarantees 4MB flash ROM and 16MB RAM with a 200mhz processor. It is the only reason I suggest it over others in the range.

dmx07 · 13 Nov 2008 at 12:10

I've been offered a second hand 'Netgear WGT624'..

This any good?

smids · 13 Nov 2008 at 12:17

What version and for how much? Does it support WPA/WPA2. I don't buy any routers that don't support WPA2 personally...

It should suffice for your needs however... (though this is not based on personal experience with it).

dmx07 · 13 Nov 2008 at 12:27

smids said:
What version and for how much? Does it support WPA/WPA2. I don't buy any routers that don't support WPA2 personally...

It should suffice for your needs however... (though this is not based on personal experience with it).

not sure what version but will ask.

Someone else has offered me a 'Netgear Rangemax 240' for £35..

I'm still tempted by the Linksys WRT54GL though.

smids · 13 Nov 2008 at 12:42

I cannot make the decision for you

. With cable routers, there is a little less to worry about as it is ADSL routers which tend to vary a lot in terms of reliability etc (modem chipsets being the main thing).

I know for a fact that the Linksys is a solid and very reliable product with a very good feature set - I doubt you will find anyone who disagrees with this.

Having said that, it is also a little older than some of the newer routers being mentioned and does not have 'n' capabilities as well as possibly some other new fangled tech. Though putting my cycical hat on again, why sell a £70-90 router (excl del) for only £35...

dmx07 · 13 Nov 2008 at 12:51

smids said:
I cannot make the decision for you . With cable routers, there is a little less to worry about as it is ADSL routers which tend to vary a lot in terms of reliability etc (modem chipsets being the main thing).

I know for a fact that the Linksys is a solid and very reliable product with a very good feature set - I doubt you will find anyone who disagrees with this.

Having said that, it is also a little older than some of the newer routers being mentioned and does not have 'n' capabilities as well as possibly some other new fangled tech. Though putting my cycical hat on again, why sell a £70-90 router (excl del) for only £35...

many thanks for the advice! much appreciated.