Best Cable/DSL Router?

Hey all,

I have optimum online with a single dynamically assigned IP address. I want to set up a network in my house. I am only connected about 2-3 computers (windows), so I don't need a large switch. I was wondering if anyone knew which is the best router (with firewall) out there. By best I mean easiest to set up and many features (etc, print server, DHCP) for a low price. I am willing to spend at most $100. I have seem many for about $40 - $60.

Thank you

Well further researching. I have found that the D-Link 704P seems to be the best. Let me know if anyone finds anything else or disagrees.

Thank you

What made you come to this decision?

Just from my experience, I would not get a D-link. I purchased their basic router, and could not even get it to run. The software included had a password that apparently was set, but never said what it was. The tech support was completely awful. An indian woman read me the manual, completely ignoring my repeated attempts to get to my actual problem.
I have since purchased a netgear router, which worked perfectly with 10 minutes of setup and installation. If you chose the D-link router to save a couple bucks, I would strongly recommend you reconsider and try netgear or linksys.
My .02

one word - Linksys

one word - yup.

Ok a little more, I've got a linksys at home and it's worked great. Easy to setup with my cable modem, port forwarding works great for the gaming/serving needs.

I've also had good experience with netgear in the past.
I've only used D-link in the past and only have dealt with their network cards. I remember having some driver problems, but after getting it to work they seemed decent enough.

-b

One word:
Get a linksys because they are the best

linksys and netgear are definately the best. personal attempts at a d-link failed horribly

My only issue with D-Link is that it doesn't seem to hold up to the
tests of time like linksys does.

Glad to see I'm not the only person who's had issues with D-link. I will never be using one of their products again.

I have D-Link and Linksys, they both work well, the next one will be a Linksys though.

I like netgear better than linksys. Better looking, and it shows you active connected clients via MAC, comptuer name and IP. Linksys just shows you what has connected as what previously, not if it is up. Usefull for when you remote in. Also you don't need/want a router with a print server. Unless you are strange and have a big honking ten thousand dollar ethernet printer. You will just have to share the printer as a resource like a regular joe and have the other computers install the network printer and be happy with that. As for firewall... not many routers you will look at will have much for firewall. Mebbe a good Cisco router, but thems way spensivo. Just close ports and open what or forward what you need. Get zonealarm for each winderz computer and set up the security locally.

I've never had a problem with D-link. I had one fry during a lightning storm, but was just barely under warranty and had no issues getting a new one (even though I fried it). Don't know where all the fuss comes from. It came set with a password and the manual said what it was and how to change it. Pretty simple, really. 713P is what I have, wireless-ethernet bridge + 10/100 switch and broadband router. I always group netgear, dlink, and linksys in the same "cheap but good" group.

Hah... the best Cable/DSL router is the cheapest old Pentium box you can scrounge up, and two NICs. Install FreeBSD, configure the kernel for ipfw for NAT firewalling, and you have a flexible firewall that is infinitely configurable, including tunnelling/VPN support, port forwarding, host blocking, logging, routing, even content filtering if you really want to dig into it.

Yeah, you could use OpenBSD or NetBSD also, if you really want to get technical.

I use an old AMD K6-300 for mine, and that hasn't had a hiccup once. I have also used even older machines for DSL routers for several friends and businesses, and have had zero problems.

i suggest you use a linksys.....LINKSYS.....i have a linksys device in my network and it works fine....it never gave me a problem....their technical support people are good and willing to help....