[X4U] Wireless Router Suggestion

[SeaSoft Systems]

>From: Eugene <list-themacintoshguy at fsck.net>
>
>On Tue, Dec 28, 2004 at 09:40:29PM -0500, David R.Boag wrote:
>:
>: OK folks. My wireless router just died. I have dealt with being unable
>: to print locally long enough.
>:
>: I have a G4 tower w/o an Airport card installed that is wired. I have a
>: Dell Laptop that I had connected wirelessly to the network via 802.11b.
>: I also have an HP LaserJet 1220 with a JetDirect print server wired in.
>:
>: I really have no need for an Airport base station, and I need more
>: ports than the Airport Express has. So I'm going 3rd party. Anyone have
>: a good suggestion? D-Link? Linksys? Netgear?
>
>I prefer Netgear over both Linksys and D-Link.  Look for a more recent
>product that supports WPA (even though it's been cracked, it's still
>more secure than WEP).
>
>: I'd prefer being able to set it up using my Mac, but it's not
>: ABSOLUTELY essential if the hardware and or service are better with one
>: that can only be established initially with a PC.
>
>Today's home routers provide a web-based interface to configure it.
>

Eugene: Would you mind mentioning your top few reasons for preferring 
Netgear? Just curious...

I have a new Linksys WRT54G ($60-$70 at COMPusa w/rebates) that has 
worked just fine for a month or so now. They claim "no mac support", 
but as Eugenne noted, it can be configured with any web browser; I 
have had no problems, configuring or otherwise. I suppose that you 
might have problems upgrading the firmware without a Windows box, but 
that is the only downside I can see if you are reasonably proficient 
technically.

One thing I discovered about the Linksys: They use open-source 
firmware and there are  third-party vendors who offer "improved" 
functionality; I haven't explored this much, but it looks kind of 
interesting. Google for "Linksys WRT54G firmware updates" to learn 
more. I think these third-party products can be applied without a 
windows box, although the Linksys factory firmware updates probably 
require a windows box. (Not absolutely sure about this however...)


Richard