Which wireless router - Belkin or Netgear

A[L]C · 10 Aug 2006 at 13:51

Hi all,

I am currently using a Belkin F5D7632-4 for my 512kb ADSL. I am moving to ADSL Max at the beginning of next month.

I have just been given a Netgear DG834G, so was wondering if I would be better to swap to the Netgear or continue using the Belkin??

Also, is the Netgear compatible with my Wireless G USB Network Adapter? I think it is but just want to be sure.

Many thanks
Paul

Datamonkey · 10 Aug 2006 at 14:43

sorry to hi-jack,

which provider for the adsl max mate?

also i would avoid belkin, try the netgear, but my best results were using buffalow products. been through d-links, linksys and 2 belkin heaps lol

All kept locking up with packet saturation and such.

The buffalow never needed re-booting or anything, solid bit of kit inside. bit plasticy on the outside.

shine · 10 Aug 2006 at 14:44

Both should work with your network adaptor but its generally accepted that you should always attempt to keep your wireless adaptors and routers from the same manufacturer for optimal compatibility - but its not a requirement.

I've no experience with the Belkin router but I have used netgear and always been disappointed with their performance and reliability and do not recommend them.

Kroegen · 10 Aug 2006 at 14:46

shine said:
I've no experience with the Belkin router but I have used netgear and always been disappointed with their performance and reliability and do not recommend them.

Same goes for Belkin. Worst routers ever. The best you could get is a Linksys router with adsl capabilities.

A[L]C · 10 Aug 2006 at 14:48

Im going with Aquiss...

As for the router, thanks for the advice, but im not buying another one, Ive been given a free one, so should I use the belkin or netgear

Thanks

shine · 10 Aug 2006 at 14:56

In that case try both and see which one gives you the best performance.

GSDog · 10 Aug 2006 at 16:24

Use the Netgear. I had the Netgear DG834G for ages and it was excellent, never had any problems...

A[L]C · 10 Aug 2006 at 16:40

Cool

Is it easy to use? Found the belkin web front end really easy...

Hawk Tuah · 10 Aug 2006 at 17:10

I have a lot of experience with Linksys and I would say avoid. Out of the 15 box's installed throughout our companys infrastructure, I've had to replace half of them after just a year or so. The main problem seems to be related to the onboard DHCP server. I'm continually going aroud the county upgrading firmware, renewing the settings etc. Just crap.

I would recommend 3com wifi's. They are plain, ugly and boring. But they are rock solid.

Morfik · 10 Aug 2006 at 18:20

Zildjian said:
Use the Netgear. I had the Netgear DG834G for ages and it was excellent, never had any problems...

Seconded.

j00ni · 10 Aug 2006 at 18:26

If you already have the belkin set up, have no problems, and are using a belkin wireless adapter I see no reason to change unless you start experiencing problems/aren't getting max performance/need features that the netgear has but belkin doesn't (if applicable)

Though I will say I have been using a netgear DG834G for about 18 months now with no problems whatsoever - but that's not to say it wouldn't have issues for you, I know all to well about faulty netgear kit

Doosht · 11 Aug 2006 at 14:14

Bug One said:
I have a lot of experience with Linksys and I would say avoid. Out of the 15 box's installed throughout our companys infrastructure, I've had to replace half of them after just a year or so. The main problem seems to be related to the onboard DHCP server. I'm continually going aroud the county upgrading firmware, renewing the settings etc. Just crap.

I would recommend 3com wifi's. They are plain, ugly and boring. But they are rock solid.

Got to say im well impressed with 3com. Its my 3rd router now ..the other 2 were d-link which are god awful in my opinion.

The 3com ive got is as said above plain and ugly but its 'the business' and has worked flawlessly for about 18months now. Its got a really good range aswell.

Highly recommended.

Gundam God · 11 Aug 2006 at 17:24

Can't go wrong with netgear or 3com.

On a side note, what d-link routers did you guys have a problem with? I recently upgraded from some crap belkin (avoid!) router to a d-link dgl 4300 and find it to be fantastic. Only had to reboot a couple of times after setting it up for changes which is not a problem when it takes all of 1-2 secs unlike my belkin which would take the better part of a minute!

j00ni · 11 Aug 2006 at 22:24

I think pretty much every router manufacturer will ahve it's fair share of disgruntled customers, I know I have heard lots of horror stories about all of them. For instance you say you can't go wrong with Netgear, but I beg to differ after a year of nothing but grief from a DG824M

Keylow · 11 Aug 2006 at 23:16

Zildjian said:
Use the Netgear. I had the Netgear DG834G for ages and it was excellent, never had any problems...

Thirded. Great piece of kit. Only problem I had was soem firmware that disagreed with the router. Rolled back and its rock solid. Love the interface too and the fact you can open an unlimited number of ports, unliek the Belkin andLinksys routers I have seen.

clv101 · 11 Aug 2006 at 23:21

My Netgear was rubbish, the power supply went after a few months (replaced under warranty), then a few months later router's memory failed in that it couldn't save any settings. Any attempt to save a setting caused the thing to reset itself.

I now have Belkin and my three system wireless LAN has never been better. From my limited sample size of one DG834G and one 802.11G Belkin (can't remember it's model number) the Belkin wins hands down.

Hunders · 11 Aug 2006 at 23:27

I had the Netgear router you are looking at before I had to change to the cable equivalent and it worked flawlessly for me. I had a slight bit of trouble with it dropping connections but I solved this by moving it from the enclosed area I kept it to an open area in the vertical position and it was fine ever since, the heat must have been too much for it when it was in an enclosed space.