My Netgear RP614 has died.
I went to Fry's to look for a new router.........Hmmmm.......most of what they have is wireless. I read the boxes of the stuff they did have for wired systems, and chose the FR114P (true firewall, router, print server). Couldn't get any help/advice from the "representatives"

Got home and check the website to see what firmware level was current, and found out it is in "end of life" status...no new firmware, no support/testing on new op systems

So, who makes a good router for a cabled (cat 5e) system. The house is wired already. I saw some gigabit items, but didn't look at them much. I was thinking the print server feature of the one I got was cool. Didn't know it was a dead (EOL) product.

I have not opened the box yet. I plan on returning it.

So, do I jump onto the wireless wagon? Is it as fast as the 10/100 cable? What about the new "N"?

 

Most if not all wireless routers are 'cable' routers with the addition of wireless. Just check on the side of the box. They usually incorperate a 5 port switch as well. If you do buy a wireless router, make sure to disable the wireless signal if you aren't going to secure it and use it. All the wireless routers that I have setup have the feature enabled by default and set to open access so be careful. Linksys is good as well as buffalo and netgear. Cisco=Linksys. I'd order it from NEWEGG.com!

Good Linksys from Newegg

Wirelss routers are just as fast as wired (they have both standards) ie 10/100/1000 ethernet or wireless standards a/b/g/n. Wireless is typically slower than wired however, but it won't matter.

N is new and is not a standard yet so it will change so make sure to update firmware once it is standardized.

If you are wired i'd stay with that. It works lots faster than wireless. Sustained bandwidth is much better with wired. However if you just use wireless to surf the web it's much faster than your cable/dsl connection so you woulnt be able to tell the difference.

 

run the one you just bought, it should have ports in the back for cat5e just disable the wireless in it untill you are ready to use it. wireless is fast i get about the same down and up as the system down stairs (its on a 54g 11mbps adapter) even transfering files is fast.

 

I have an old RP614 that I have not used since I went wireless (bigger home, no existing wiring) which I could let go of if you need it. AFAIK, it worked perfectly when I stopped using it, but it's obviously EOL as well. I'll give it to ya for nada if you pay shipping. In case you are not interested, no biggie, just trying to help out

 

dave,

i have a linksys cable router if you want it. its just collecting dust. pm me w/ your address and ill just charge you for shipping

bob

 

Yeah, the one I bought is wired only. There are "refurb" units just like it selling on ebay for like $10. Local guy has one on craigs list for $40 (1 month old...went wireless)

I just hate buying at full retail, a part that the manufacturer has discontinued. I mean brother Bill might release a new windows version someday.

 

A wireless router also has ports on the back to be wired, I am using a zyxel brand router and have been very happy. Small and cheap and it works well..

Having used to sell that junk for a living, buy only belkin, zyxel and linksys..

 

Well,
I had to reboot the old router, reset to defaults, re-do the setup of the router.

Now it is working again. I can now search for something new and research them online.

Thanks for the help.

 

linksys all the way, just stay away from their wireless "B" products.