Which wireless ADSL router?

[K T]

Hi myBB'ers,

I need to recommend a wireless ADSL router for a friend who is about to apply for his first ADSL account, but there are so many out there. So can anyone recommend a well-priced router that will give good coverage throughout your average house? I thought I should be looking for a MIMO router, but I don't seem to see too many of them around.

TIA.

 

[K T]

Any thoughts on this one?

http://www.wootware.co.za/d-link-di...02-11b-g-draft-n-300mbps-wireless-router.html

EDIT: Oops, looks like it doesn't include ADSL Router

 

[dj_jyno]

Something like http://www.wootware.co.za/d-link-ds...odem-wireless-router-4port-10-100-switch.html, or http://www.wootware.co.za/d-link-dsl-2640u-adsl-modem-wireless-router-4port-10-100-switch.html if he doesn't need wireless N.

 

[howardb]

I'm very happy with my D-Link DSL-2650U - it also has a USB port and I can use my 3G modem as a backup (with the right firmware)
Got mine from the dealer, but places like Prophecy.co.za would stock

 

[K T]

Thanx Guys/Gals, for your responses.

At the moment I am looking at three options
First, the D-link DSL-2640U for the cheaper non-N option, with the concern of how good the coverage would be.
Then the D-Link DSL-2760U or the Netgear DGN2200-100PES for the N option with the "best" coverage, but at this stage I'm not sure which is the better buy.

I have also had people mention Planet and Microtek routers, even tho' the latter are only routers so one would need to buy an additional ADSL modem, but I still need more info.

Any comments on the above? And/or any comments on the right forum for this thread? I didn't think this was related to "PC Hardware", but some think it does. I don't want to break any double posting rules, so how would I get it moved, if necessary?

EDIT: would the extra R300 for the N option be worth it, for the improved wireless coverage/reception? It would be great to hear from someone who has experienced the difference.

 

[surfgate]

Hey Howardb,
I saw your post on the firmware and have loaded the 3G firmare they had on the link below.

http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/259048-D-Link-DSL-2650U-firmware

But I do not get the 3G Config menu showing. My firmware is now showing:
Software Version: RU_2.01
Bootloader ver: 1.0.37-10.1
Date: Feb 11, 2010

Is your working 3G firmware the same as above? and any other tricks/hoops you had to jump through to get it working?

Any help appreciated. Thanks

 

[mk1]

http://www.dbg.co.za/product_info.php?cPath=1_55_57&products_id=383

TP-Link W8960N 300Mbps Wireless N ADSL2+ Router

R600

 

[Scape]

TP-Link W8960N 300Mbps

I would have to agree . The TP-Link W8960N is really awesome, has all the features and signal strenght is fantastic....... really well priced too!!

 

[howardb]

Hey Howardb,
I saw your post on the firmware and have loaded the 3G firmare they had on the link below.

http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/259048-D-Link-DSL-2650U-firmware

But I do not get the 3G Config menu showing. My firmware is now showing:
Software Version: RU_2.01
Bootloader ver: 1.0.37-10.1
Date: Feb 11, 2010

Is your working 3G firmware the same as above? and any other tricks/hoops you had to jump through to get it working?

Any help appreciated. Thanks

Hey surfgate. Yeah, my firmware is like yours listed. Try this from scratch - here goes...
1. You have to download this firmware version for the DSL-2650U and unRAR it to your chosen folder.
2. Enter the D-Link router utility on the default address 192.168.1.1 (or your router address) and enter your user/password, if setup that way.
3. Backup your settings first - click on Management->Settings->Backup - backup to your chosen folder.
4. Then click on Management->Settings->Update, then click on Browse and find the file you unRAR'd in your chosen folder in point 1 above - click on Update Settings.
5. Wait for the router to load the firmware (up to 4 minutes) - it will then reboot automatically - give it a few minutes if needed, to establish your ADSL connection again.
6. Once it's rebooted, click on Advanced Setup->WAN->3G Configuration, and do the following:
--- Enable 3G Backup Service - put a tick in the box
--- Select Backup Mechanism: select Failover and Fallback
--- Probe Criterion: Probing failed after 1 consecutive times
--- Probe Cycle: Every 5 seconds
--- Probe Rule: put a tick in the box next to "ping gateway"
--- Select your 3G device from the list - mine is a Huawei E172 USB Stick, which is not on the drop-down list, so I selected Huawei E220
--- In the "Dial Number" section, enter: *99#
--- In the APN section enter: internet
--- Use the same settings for Vodacom or MTN (not sure about Cell C)
7. When done, click on the Save/Apply button - wait until saved
8. Then select Management->Save/Reboot and then click on the Save/Reboot button to save the changes to the EEPROM and reboot the router - wait until everything is up and running.
9. Once up and running, plug in your 3G device and wait for the dark blue light to flash every few seconds, then disconnect the telephone line from the router - it should take about 5-20 seconds for your 3G device to kick in automatically and the device light will turn aqua blue in colour, indicating that you are connected via 3G/HSDPA
10. Test your connection in a new browser window...

NOTE: if your 3G device does not get picked up by the D-Link router, check to see if Samba is turned on:
- Advanced Setup->Samba Config - place tick mark in the "Enable Samba" box
- NetBios Name: USB
- Directory Name: Storage
- Charset: UTF8

What 3G device are you using?

Report back if working