ADSL+2 modem/router

[+BeLGaRaTh Subscriber¹]

I am shortly moving over to 16mb connection via my ISP Bulldog, they have offered me a rather generic looking wireless modem/router which they just call 'speedbooster' of which I can find no information about whatsoever :( So basically I am looking to purchase my own, I have narrowed it down to 1 of 3 modem routers as follows:-

Netgear 834G

Linksys WAG354G

Linksys WAG54GS

I dont mind about costing, just want to get myself wirelessly connected with PC, Xbox360, PS2 and DS plus a laptop, as easily and fuss free as possible. So which would be the best for me both performance wise and also ease of use/setup? I understand that I will need additional adaptors for the 360 and PS2 which I dont mind purchasing seperately. My main concern is the ADSL+2 that Bulldog are touting, they say the modem has to be compatible as they don't offer support, not even with their own one :(

I will be connecting the modem/router to the phone socket and the PC wired via the network card to the router, whilst everything else I want wireles.

Any help/input is much appreciated :)

[shawn]

Currently using WAG354G not too bad, just use the software provided in the CD and it should work. Needed info from your ISP-

Encapsulation-PPPoE/PPPoA

VPI/VCI-(Self adjust to ISP settings)

Multiplexing-LLC/VC

and your ID and PW

Just read about your ISP not providing support. The info provided abv shld be able to be given from your ISP's technical helpdesk if I'm not wrong.

[spinx_]

i use a Netgear RangeMax™ Wireless Router WPN824 i have one wired pc two wireless laptops xbox 360 and a psp all running of it nicely. its at the bottom of my garden in the office and it reaches all the rooms in my house no problem, more information can be found on it

here

Edited May 22, 2006 by spinx_

[DaveLegg Developer]

I personally am in love with Netgear. I've setup a lot of wireless networks for friends and other people and Netgear have been by far the easiest to setup and secure out of the lot of them. It pretty much works straight out of the box, just need to choose the network id, add a network key and the mac addresses, get the clients connected then turn off the ssid broadcast for added security. Oh, and change the password obviously.

[shawn]

I wanted to get a Netgear router yesterday(Got my Linksys esterday) but couldn't find one...

[zeroday]

I use the WAG354G, and im real pleased with it. but the cd is a bit rubbish, get the settings from your ISP and manually configure it.

also, the antenna is built in so the range isnt great. but there is also a builtin mechanism for adding an antenna, but the antenna aint cheap.

[Raven]

I tried the Netgear WPN824 but returned it. My office is detached and I was hoping it would reach without the need of an extender. I decided to try two older Linksys WRT54G routers (total cost $60) with the Talisman firmware to boost signal strength. That works great and I get 54Mbps from my office. Much better than I got with the Rangemax by Netgear.

PC Magazine had poor review results on the Netgear WPN 824 even though they rated it a good buy. Never will understand PC Magazine...

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1823542,00.asp

[WelshBluebird]

Here's a couple of graphs to show the speeds different ADSL2+ routers synch at and their throughput speed, when on a 1km line and a 2.5km line.

Sync speeds

Throughput speeds

Just to give you an idea on how different routers preform.