Seeking suggestions for new router (not wireless)

Posts: 3 · New Forum Member Joined: May 14, 2008 Posts: 3

Hello,
I am seeking recommendations for a new router. My Linksys RTP300 has died (no lights when plugged in), so I need a replacement.
So far, I've read mixed reviews on the Netgear RP614 and Linksys BEFSX41. I'm using a DSL modem. I need something simple (and low-cost please) that will work right out of the box.

Thanks for any suggestions Smile

Posts: 14

Most newer DSL modems are actually routers. Verify whether or not your current DSL modem is a router by logging into it and seeing if it offers DHCP. If so, you can get any switch/hub to hook up to the DSL modem. This is usually a less expensive solution than to buy another router with a built-in switch/hub. Also, there are no settings on a switch/hub to worry about. All it does is direct the traffic to the appropriate locations. You should be able to get a decent 4 or 5 port hub for less than $30. I've had good experiences with Netgear and Linksys switches as well as many lesser known namebrands when installing them in cliets homes and offices. By having only one router (the DSL modem), this should increase your throughput to the internet as well (slightly).

shebop520 wrote:

Hello,
I am seeking recommendations for a new router. My Linksys RTP300 has died (no lights when plugged in), so I need a replacement.
So far, I've read mixed reviews on the Netgear RP614 and Linksys BEFSX41. I'm using a DSL modem. I need something simple (and low-cost please) that will work right out of the box.

Thanks for any suggestions Smile

Posts: 3 · New Forum Member Joined: May 14, 2008 Posts: 3

Thanks for the info... My DSL modem is at least 3 years old. I'm only moderately knowledgable about networking, so I have another question. I got the router from Vonage, so VoiP is the only function I use the router for (bad grammar; sorry!) I'm afraid I don't understand the difference between a router and a hub.

I just want to replace my dead router... So, can I just go get one of the supported routers (listed on Vonage.com), plug it in and be up and running? Or is there a step I'm missing?

Thanks again

Posts: 14

Actually, some of the v-portals are routers. So you might try the following scenario before you purchase a hub.

DSL modem --> Vonage Adapter --> computer connected to ethernet port

If this works for you, then all you need to do is get a hub/switch to connect to the ethernet port of the vonage adapter and connect all of the computers to the hub/switch.

shebop520 wrote:

Thanks for the info... My DSL modem is at least 3 years old. I'm only moderately knowledgable about networking, so I have another question. I got the router from Vonage, so VoiP is the only function I use the router for (bad grammar; sorry!) I'm afraid I don't understand the difference between a router and a hub.

I just want to replace my dead router... So, can I just go get one of the supported routers (listed on Vonage.com), plug it in and be up and running? Or is there a step I'm missing?

Thanks again

Posts: 3 · New Forum Member Joined: May 14, 2008 Posts: 3

Thanks, but I don't feel comfortable enough to try a set-up other than what I had... I'm gonna go ahead and get a new router for around $40.

p.s. Just noticed you're in AL... I just drove through there the other day on my way back from Gulf Shores... I'm in NW GA.