Need a new Router.

[Poppa_Meth]

I managed to brick our router at work yesterday. It was a Linksys WRT54GS V5. Piece of junk right from the start anyway. I upgraded it to DD-WRT v23SP2 a while back and it was fine. Yesterday I was about to upload the new V24SP1 to it and during their recommended 30/30/30 reset to factory defaults it completely locked up. Now all lights stay on and I have no communication via any ethernet port. I've tried everything I can find on the net to unbrick it, including shorting a couple leads on the flash chip while powering it up, but nothing has changed it's current status.

So now I'm looking for a replacement. I'm not familiar with the newer routers on the market. I have two hardwired rigs and one wireless connecting to this, as well as a laptop form time to time. I'd like something that can handle bittorrent and other P2P applications without any problems. This was my biggest complaint about the WRT54GS. It would constantly need reset when trying to use BT, even with third party firmware.

Any input is appreciated.

[MJA]

my Linksys WRT54G V2 been running for over 3 years with no issue.

I'm not sure if the one they are selling right now on amazon.com is the V2 model

http://www.amazon.com/Linksys-WRT54G-Wireless-G-Router/dp/B00007KDVI

or check the WRT54GL model

http://www.amazon.com/Linksys-Cisco-WRT54GL-Wireless-G-Broadband-Compatible/dp/B000BTL...m_cr_pr_sims_t

buffalo made some awesome routers.I bought the Buffalo WHRG125 for my parents over a year ago($29) .it was based on the broadcom BCM5354 processor (240 MHz with heatsink)
http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Installation#Buffalo

http://cgi.ebay.com/Buffalo-Wireless-G-125-High-Speed-Broadband-Router_W0QQitemZ120310...QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/Buffalo-AirStation-WHR-G125-Wireless-AP-Router-Bridging_W0QQitemZ3...QQcmdZViewItem

[Soopafresh]

Zyxel makes some outstanding products. I've had the ZyWALL 2 Plus Internet Security Appliance running for 7 months without a reboot. Works great for VPN use. Cost a bit more (around $200 if I recall), but I'm completely satisfied.

[Poppa_Meth]

My girlfriend has had an older WRT54G V2 for a long time as well without nearly the issues that the one I had at work. I think most of it stems from the change in firmware that switched it away from a linux kernel. I've been mainly looking at the WRT54GL. I've set up the Buffalo version of it a few times but they are no longer easy to find. If I go that route I'll flash Tomato firmware to it instead of DD-WRT.

I'll look into the Zyxel products as well. I think I've looked at those in the past since this is a business environment. If I recall correctly, convincing the boss to spend the money on it was the problem then.

Thanks for the input.

[dun4cheap]

My WRT54GS V1 has been issue free. I am running the newest DD-WRT firmware on it.

I have had it for a long time.

[redwudz]

I went through two of the newer Linksys N routers. The second made it a week longer than the first when it died. May just be me, but no Linksys ever again. I traded it for a Netgear N router that I have been satisfied with. Not really a recommendation, but it was all Best Buy had available at the time. (I needed a N router immediately, so mail order wasn't a option at the time. )

I have heard good reports about the Buffalo brand.

[MJA]

they don't make routers anymore

[jagabo]

I don't like Linksys now that they are owned by Cisco.

[Poppa_Meth]

I've been hearing a lot of issues with Linksys myself. I'm willing to dry Netgear or D-link but they've always gotten such mixed reviews it's hard to choose one. I'll probably end up with a Linksys after all.

[dun4cheap]

In reality most problems are usually user error. If your going to run the DD_wrt firmware then just go to their web page and see which router they recommend, or just order a router from them directly. While I know buffalo at one time was working with the creators of DD_wrt, I have lost my trust in Buffalo, their support is not the greatest. But then again, I find better support from forums like this one. I have only had 1 router truly fail me and that was because my power surge protector did not protect it from lightning that his the transformer outside of my house many years ago. If my router were to go bad tomorrow, I would by another one as it has been pretty rock solid with DD_wrt.

I have had problems with air links and netgears, but nothing catastrophic either. So

[Poppa_Meth]

I can't really figure out why it bricked to be honest. I was performing the recommended 30/30/30 reset, which is hold the reset button 30 seconds, unplug and continue to hold another 30 second, replug and hold another 30 seconds, to completely clear the NVRAM. I wasn't even flashing anything to it yet.

That said, I've used DD-WRT on other routers with no issues and I've used Tomato with no issues and find Tomato the easier to use of the two. I may try DD-WRT again since I'll be maintaining this router. Tomato usually goes on the ones I set up for other people.