Need to buy a router

D

d7e7r7

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Hi guys,

I know there's a lot of threads here about which router to buy but wanted to make a new thread rather then hijack an existing thread.

I have no clue what all the prefixes, suffixes and abbreviations in router terminology means.... Just need a router than I can connect to an Telkom line and use for internet access via an ISP. Need wireless access.

Am in Cape Town CBD and would rather walk in and buy a router than order online.

Have no set budget but would like to get one as cheap as possible while still getting a good quality router...

Any recommendations?

Thanks...
 
D-Link DSL-2640U

Otherwise if you need much stronger wireless, go for the DSL-2740U (equivalent router with Wireless-N instead of the 2640's Wireless-G)
 
Pada said:
Have a look at the TP-Link TD-8960N
If you don't need such a fancy wireless ADSL modem, then have a look at an cheaper one like the TP-Link TD-W8901G.

* Prices excludes VAT.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the recommendations. What's the difference between the two, besides the price?


Dean said:
D-Link DSL-2640U

Otherwise if you need much stronger wireless, go for the DSL-2740U (equivalent router with Wireless-N instead of the 2640's Wireless-G)
Click to expand...

Can you post a link please?

What's the difference between N and G? Which is better and why?
 
d7e7r7: the datasheets are there for a reason ;)

The main difference is the one has Wireless N (300 Mbps) and the other only Wireless G (54 Mbps). If you don't own any Wireless N capable devices, then you won't benefit from buying the more expensive router at this stage.
 
Id go for a Netgear. very easy to use and stable. just make sure u change the vpi and vci settings when setting it up.
 
zoidboid said:
Id go for a Netgear. very easy to use and stable. just make sure u change the vpi and vci settings when setting it up.
Click to expand...
Netgear is seriously the last ADSL modem brand that I'll suggest. There are dozens of posts on this forum as to why you shouldn't get a Netgear ADSL modem - or you can deduct it from the next paragraph of mine.

There are circumstances where a Netgear ADSL modem may be considered, like if you know the client that is going to use it isn't tech-savy (so he'll require a very user friendly web interface, and won't use bridge/half-bridge modes) and lives close to the DSLAM or won't be using anything more than 512kbps ADSL connection.
 
Last edited:
Not sure about Netgear, but D-Link has local support that runs until 10pm weekdays. Best over the phone support I've experienced (okay, after Asus). TP Link might have local support too.
 
Dean said:
That sounds like the best deal by far.

At that price, short of it blowing up after 6 months, you can't go too wrong :)
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Hehe. Thanks man. I look forward to making someone happy by offering this good deal. Seems d7 has gone AWOL. :D
 
PostmanPot said:
Hehe. Thanks man. I look forward to making someone happy by offering this good deal. Seems d7 has gone AWOL. :D
Click to expand...

Sorry had to go on a job quick...
When I checked the link as soon as you wrote it, it said SOLD. But I see it's back to normal.

I appreciate the link but was hoping to buy something cheaper (R200-R350 range) but if nothing good can be bought for that price I guess I'll have to shell out for a more expensive router.
How is the Intellinet Wireless 150N ADSL2+ Router at Esquire? Just trying to get something for as little as possible... :o
 
d7e7r7 said:
Sorry had to go on a job quick...
When I checked the link as soon as you wrote it, it said SOLD. But I see it's back to normal.

I appreciate the link but was hoping to buy something cheaper (R200-R350 range) but if nothing good can be bought for that price I guess I'll have to shell out for a more expensive router.
How is the Intellinet Wireless 150N ADSL2+ Router at Esquire? Just trying to get something for as little as possible... :o
Click to expand...

I would stick to the known brands... Their configuration is easier. And at least with D-Link, if you get stuck you have local telephonic support.

Also, I would hate to ever have to return something like a modem to Esquire. Would probably take weeks for a replacement!

The router I have is wireless N, so that's going to increase the costs a bit. Could be good for future proofing though? :o

My 2c.
 
PostmanPot said:
I would stick to the known brands... Their configuration is easier. And at least with D-Link, if you get stuck you have local telephonic support.

Also, I would hate to ever have to return something like a modem to Esquire. Would probably take weeks for a replacement!

The router I have is wireless N, so that's going to increase the costs a bit. Could be good for future proofing though? :o

My 2c.
Click to expand...

Do you know of any lower priced known brands?
 
R625 D-link DSL-2640U ADSL modem + wireless router + 4port 10/100 switch , 802.11b/g ; ADSL2/2+ : 24Mbps downstream / 1Mbps upstream ; G.lite : 1.5Mbps downstream / 512Kbps upstream

↑ Non wireless N version without USB ports.

Sorry, I only recommend what I know and trust.
 
PostmanPot said:
R625 D-link DSL-2640U ADSL modem + wireless router + 4port 10/100 switch , 802.11b/g ; ADSL2/2+ : 24Mbps downstream / 1Mbps upstream ; G.lite : 1.5Mbps downstream / 512Kbps upstream

↑ Non wireless N version without USB ports.

Sorry, I only recommend what I know and trust.
Click to expand...

How is the D-link different to the TP-Link which is much cheaper (and faster)?
 
d7e7r7 said:
How is the D-link different to the TP-Link which is much cheaper (and faster)?
Click to expand...

Not sure. Probably not all that much different. Maybe the menu's are designed better?

The difference is, D-Link is an established brand with excellent local support which is a premium you pay for I guess. Although D-Link is still generally cheaper than Netgear, Billion and Belkin.

And this is where my deal comes in. A much better router than the R625 one, for R25 extra. ;)
 
SMC make a very cheap wireless router. I'm not sure about the quality though. You could try to search for a supplier in Cape Town using jump, pricecheck etc.
http://www.sybaritic.co.za/store/product_info.php?products_id=47634

The TP-Link TD8960N is probably a better choice though particularly if ADSL speeds in SA increase. You may find that your download speeds are restricted by the speed of a cheaper router processor. My Billion 7300G reboots when torrent speeds increase above 1000 KBytes/s.
 
Yotch said:
SMC make a very cheap wireless router. I'm not sure about the quality though. You could try to search for a supplier in Cape Town using jump, pricecheck etc.
http://www.sybaritic.co.za/store/product_info.php?products_id=47634

The TP-Link TD8960N is probably a better choice though particularly if ADSL speeds in SA increase. You may find that your download speeds are restricted by the speed of a cheaper router processor. My Billion 7300G reboots when torrent speeds increase above 1000 KBytes/s.
Click to expand...

Worked with a few SMC's - they work, but they are low quality and a PITA to configure. :/
 
PostmanPot said:
Not sure. Probably not all that much different. Maybe the menu's are designed better?

The difference is, D-Link is an established brand with excellent local support which is a premium you pay for I guess. Although D-Link is still generally cheaper than Netgear, Billion and Belkin.

And this is where my deal comes in. A much better router than the R625 one, for R25 extra. ;)
Click to expand...

I was comparing your router you are offering to the one for R499, R150 diff...
 
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