Fast DSL/Cable Router/Switch

Hello,

Currently, I have a Linksys DSL/Cable Router (BEFSR41). I've been using it for about four years now. Overall, it works good, but I think the bandwidth throughput is slow and the firmware is buggy. Connecting to FTP is tricky and there are problems with passive mode, etc.

http://www.linksys.com/products/prod...id=29&prid=561

About six months ago the power supply started making howling noise. So I think its days are just about over. Plus the firmware is buggy. I cannot connect to FTP servers when using certain firmware builds.

I'd like to get a new DSL/Cable Router with at least 4x100mb network switch support. What is the best DSL/Cable router right now?

Here are some models I am considering right now.

Netgear

Model RP614 4-Port Cable/DSL Router with 10/100 Mbps Switch
http://www.netgear.com/products/prod...odID=131&view=

Model FR114P 4 Port Cable/DSL ProSafe Firewall/Print Server
http://www.netgear.com/products/prod...odID=140&view=

Linksys

BEFSX41 Instant Broadband EtherFast®Cable/DSL Firewall Router with 4-Port Switch/VPN End
http://www.linksys.com/products/prod...id=29&prid=433

They're all about the same price. Really I want to stay away from Linksys, but 3COM backs them. I have not had a Netgear router. It is any good?

What is the best DSL/Cable router right now in terms of speed (bandwidth throughput) and security?

Thanks,

Kuphryn

I've not used a netgear router, but I have a Linksys BEFSR41, no problems with it at all, and a SMC 4-port, not sure about the model #. Of the two, I definitely prefer the Linksys, because I've never had any problems with it, but the SMC has been a bit of a pain to set up.

i have a belkin 4port, it fsking rocks

I have the linksys BEFSR41 and have problems here and there. It works pretty well for me and I think linksys is pretty good and reliable still.

Okay. Thanks.

The RP614 is cheap now. It costs less than the BEFSX41.

Kuphryn

Linksys is very very bad if you ask me. They're like the AOL of internet providers.

yea i dislike linksys. My dad came home with one and i sent it back to staples with him and told himt o get netgear or this one, he came back wih my main choice: belkin

Belkin sucks it. Personally I think Linksys is tops of the market. You really can't go wrong with Cisco hardware, IMO. Cisco is the leading internet hardware company afterall. http://www.linksys.com/contact/coinfo.asp

Also, I have that same model router and it works perfectly. Then again, I've only had mine for 2 months... not 4 years.

Belkins tech support is nothing to behold, but i have friends with linksys and netgear routers and im having the least teechnical issues of the 6 of us.

I've had spectacular support with Linksys and their products are by far the easiest to use and the most stable. I've used Belkins before and had nothing but problems. This all comes down to personal experience, but I'm willing to bet that a poll of computer users would choose Linksys over Belkin. Again, I point to the Cisco partnership.