Need advice about purchasing new gigabit router

[videocheez]

Over the past several years, I have received so much good advice from you guys so I wanted to seek out a few opinions on a new router I plan to go purchase from Fry's this evening.

The reason that I'm looking to get a new router is because my existing router, the Linksys RV082 which was awesome at the time does not have a gigabit switch and it is bottle necking my transfer speeds. In addition, my 30mbit cable modem download is only coming in at 10mbit when I go through the router.

I like Linksys, I don't want to spend more than $200. I would like dual band wireless, with 8 gigabit ports that can pass through my 30mbit download to all of the computers on my little home network. Any suggestions or ideas would be nice. If it is cool use a 4-port gigabit router and use a small 4-port gigabit switch to instead of buying and 8-port router, please let me know what you think.

Thanks in advance,VC

[jagabo]

I use a D-Link DIR-651 wireless n router (with 4 gigabit wired ports) and a Trendnet TEG-S80g 8 port gigabit switch. I spent less than $50 for the pair. There are about 8 wired devices on the network.

[aedipuss]

motorola 6120 cable modem, trendnet wireless n/gigabit wired router, with gigabit switch. works well for all devices even with several 100 ft. wired runs, no bottlenecks. trendnet router and switch can be had for under $100.

[videocheez]

Thanks guys. I was always afraid to try any other brands besides Netgear or Linksys. Maybe I'll give Trendnet a try. I know the Trendnet pricing is better.

Also, how is the set-up of the Trendnet router. Do they use the browser to configure and set-up port forwarding and all of that business?

[aedipuss]

almost all routers use 192.168.10.1 or similar for setup. trendnet set-up covers just about anything that can be done with a router. port forwarding, dmz, allow macs, reject macs, virtual server, scheduling, assign ips.....

[nic2k4]

Best router I've seen so far is the Netgear WNR3500L-100NAS as a bonus it has a USB port so you can easily share a HDD or MFP printer. The Netgear GS605 switch would go well with it.

[videocheez]

Best router I've seen so far is the Netgear WNR3500L-100NAS as a bonus it has a USB port so you can easily share a HDD or MFP printer. The Netgear GS605 switch would go well with it.

Thanks again guys for all of the advice. I decided to go with some new Netgear hardware:
I chose the NETGEAR N750 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router (WNDR4000) and the GS 805 switch. So far they are working fine despite the fact that many reviews gave better performance for the Linksys E4200. Too bad I already bought, installed and configured before reading more reviews but I was in a hurry. At least the Netgear was less expensive. I keep telling myself that in order to help me feel better.

Thanks again guys, VC

[aedipuss]

if you have 5ghz devices your choice is good. or short distance for 2.4ghz.

i don't usually give props to apple but their airport extreme is king of the hill for wifi routers to be used for streaming media.