What are your router recommendations?
Budget: $200 or less
There will be about 20-30 wireless devices using the router habitually. I also work from home some days. I currently have an Apple Airport, but was looking to replace it after the 5 years I've had it. Apple doesn't make them anymore (I heard that somewhere) so was curious what others recommend nowadays. I've used Netgear, DLink and Linksys in the past. I'm down for whatever really. I'll probably be purchasing it on Amazon unless Newegg or something else has a better price that you know of?
Thank you so much.
There will be about 20-30 wireless devices using the router habitually. I also work from home some days. I currently have an Apple Airport, but was looking to replace it after the 5 years I've had it. Apple doesn't make them anymore (I heard that somewhere) so was curious what others recommend nowadays. I've used Netgear, DLink and Linksys in the past. I'm down for whatever really. I'll probably be purchasing it on Amazon unless Newegg or something else has a better price that you know of?
Thank you so much.
I buy 'em out of the local electronics recycler, then flash them with DD-WRT. As long as it runs DD-WRT I don't worry about what brand it is.
I'm a fan of PFSense software. It's open source and free if you are willing to get support from the web community.
I've been picking up used small form factor i5 computers for about $150 from TigerDirect, add a 4-port Intel NIC from eBay for about $20, and replace the HDD with a small SSD for about $20. Under $200 hardware and very functional.
I've been picking up used small form factor i5 computers for about $150 from TigerDirect, add a 4-port Intel NIC from eBay for about $20, and replace the HDD with a small SSD for about $20. Under $200 hardware and very functional.
I built my own system with 2 network adapters, put linux on it, and configured it as a firewall.
You can find systems with 2 fast network adapter below $200.
No need to have fancy video adapters etc.
In my case it also doubles as a haproxy server, VOIP/PBX.
You can find systems with 2 fast network adapter below $200.
No need to have fancy video adapters etc.
In my case it also doubles as a haproxy server, VOIP/PBX.
Whatever direction you go, you want to make sure the device can handle the throughput of your internet connection and not become the bottleneck.
ASKER
I'm not very technical and wasn't able to understand some of the suggestions. I googled some of the terms used in the responses here but I think this stuff might be over my head?
Is there a youtube video that might help me out with processes you're describing? I honestly thought I'd be told what router make and model to buy (you know like if I was asking for car recommendations), but instead I got very concise answers on how to build my own router. That's not bad of course. I just don't know how to do that kind of stuff. I also realize I wrote "I'm down for whatever" I probably should have not said that in hindsight haha.
I guess it sounds like most experts prefer to build their own routers? Why is buying a name brand router bad?
Is there a youtube video that might help me out with processes you're describing? I honestly thought I'd be told what router make and model to buy (you know like if I was asking for car recommendations), but instead I got very concise answers on how to build my own router. That's not bad of course. I just don't know how to do that kind of stuff. I also realize I wrote "I'm down for whatever" I probably should have not said that in hindsight haha.
I guess it sounds like most experts prefer to build their own routers? Why is buying a name brand router bad?
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
ASKER
Fair. Thank you for that.
So if I do something like this https://www.amazon.com/s?k=soho+router&ref=nb_sb_noss_2 I can see what you mean.
I did not realize routers were so much these days for single family homes. That's why I thought I put a high budget of $200 heh.
This helps. Thank you!
So if I do something like this https://www.amazon.com/s?k=soho+router&ref=nb_sb_noss_2 I can see what you mean.
I did not realize routers were so much these days for single family homes. That's why I thought I put a high budget of $200 heh.
This helps. Thank you!
There is quite some engineering in high end WiFi routers. (multiple Transceivers 2.4Ghz & 5Ghz, you need some capable CPU to handle Gbps speeds, ditto interfaces & optional internal Switch. )
Substantial part of the cost will be patent fees.
Substantial part of the cost will be patent fees.
ASKER
Thank you for all your help!
www.untangle.com - you can buy your own device, but anything home class is garbage in my opinion.