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dewolfxy
Because of my problems with my NetGear WGR614 (here), and because it doesn't support WDS, I'm considering getting another router. Anyone have recommendations?

Linksys WRTG54? What about the Sveasoft firmware, I see it costs $20 but I thought there was a freeware version? Also, it says the $20 is a subscription, do you have to keep paying every year for it to work, or just for updates?

I would prefer a router that mounts on its side, standing up (to minimize footprint on the desk). Any recommendations for that?

Thanks.
dasnufus
I don't know much about this but I stumbled upon a forum that deals with the wr54g

http://forum.bsr-clan.de/viewforum.php?f=12


and a link in found in the forum
http://wrt54g.serwer.net/



QUOTE
I would like to comment on their nonsense: Sveasoft's Firmware is under GPL, this means it is totally okay to distribute it and to download a distributed copy. Given the nature of the GPL, there is no such thing as "a pirated version of Sveasoft pre-release firmware".
The 20$ you (=funny sveasoft customers) payed entitle you for a full year of support and direct access to the software. You could as well get a binary from someone who downloaded it from Sveasoft, it would be equally legal.
However this wouldn't give you the premium support you badly need (because you're too dumb to understand that GPL'ed software can't be "pirated").
Just because you do, that doesn't mean everyone in the world does so don't push your choice (paying 20$ for support) on other people.



If this is true, the $20 goes towards support from Sveasoft. It seems you can find their firmware almost anywhere.
HarleyD
I'm happy with the WRT54G.
Read this if you get it and load Sveasoft. wink.gif
http://www.bargainshare.com/index.php?show...844&hl=Sveasoft
dewolfxy
Interesting reading about Sveasoft and the GPL. I may pay them the $20 for the work they're doing anyway, but at least I know it won't expire and that I can get it elsewhere.

Can the WRT54G be mounted vertically, or only horizontally?

What about the new Linksys router with SRX? Any good? Pricey, I see.

Other routers?
dewolfxy
Cool - another free firmware for the WRT54G - http://www.dd-wrt.com/

I like the linksys NSLU2 I have with custom firmware, I may have to buy the WRT54G just to support Linksys and their good policy of releasing specs/source code to their firmware & devices.
NARC
QUOTE(dewolfxy @ 4-1-05, 12:54pm)
Can the WRT54G be mounted vertically, or only horizontally?
*


If it's anything like my BESFR (or like any linksys router I have seen) NO. The vent holes at the top are crucial for good ventilation. I was so surprised at how hot my router would get, and I would actually get lockups if I did not keep it well ventilated.
dasnufus
there's a review of the 54gx @ pc mag. Pretty good reviews and its mounted vertically too



http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1771215,00.asp


QUOTE
Mention Linksys and most network types will think of the familiar gray-and-purple case that has almost become synonymous with Linksys. The new Linksys WRT54GX Router with SRX (Speed and Range eXpansion), however, comes in a sleek, vertical, silver case.

Perched on top of the case are three antennas. The WRT54GX shares the same underlying router code as its legacy namesake, the WRT54G, and has the same basic feature set. The wireless portion of the router, however, has been outfitted with Airgo's MIMO technology. The router and the client card have two radios (transmitters and receivers) and three antennas each.


When we reviewed the first products (Belkin) based on Airgo's technology last fall, we were impressed with both the range and performance, so we had high expectations for the WRT54GX. We weren't disappointed. Except at point blank range (1 foot) where the receivers overloaded, we observed spectacular results in both throughput and range. At 120 feet, we observed slightly more than 22 Mbps, and at 160 feet, an amazing 15.4 Mbps. Though the Linksys WRT54GX commands a premium price, it delivers on its promise of speed and range.



but it is expensive. Prices range from $150's to $180's
Miranda
I don't think the WRT54G can be mounted vertically. If you decide to go with it anyway, try to get a version 2.0 and not a 2.2 or 3.0.

The 2.2's and 3.0's have this problem with disconnecting when transferring large files wirelessly from PC to PC. The WRT54GS version 2.0 seems to have the same problem.

High throughput causes disconnect

High throughput connection drop issue
IamAddicted
The linksys WRT54g has worked very well for me.
Alan
QUOTE(Miranda @ 4-1-05, 4:28pm)
I don't think the WRT54G can be mounted vertically.  If you decide to go with it anyway, try to get a version 2.0 and not a 2.2 or 3.0.

The 2.2's and 3.0's have this problem with disconnecting when transferring large files wirelessly from PC to PC.  The WRT54GS version 2.0 seems to have the same problem.

High throughput causes disconnect

High throughput connection drop issue
*

I have a WRT54G v2.2 and can testify to the disconnect issue. I experienced it when moving very large data files to my HTPC. I usually use removeable drives, so it hasn't affected me too much, but it is annoying when the disconnect happens.
dewolfxy
Hmm, that's no good, I'm always trasnferring large files via wireless. Any way anyone knows to get the 2.0 version vs. 2.2? If I order online somewhere I presume there's no way to tell.

Also, does this disconnect issue occur with the sveasoft firmware too, or just the standard firmware?
Miranda
As I posted on linksysonline.com, I'm stuck with a version 2.2 too. noexpression.gif

From the linksysinfo.org thread, it doesn't seem to matter which firmware people use, they still experience the disconnects even with third party firmware.
TheDiggler
QUOTE(dewolfxy @ 4-1-05, 6:22pm)
Any way anyone knows to get the 2.0 version vs. 2.2? If I order online somewhere I presume there's no way to tell.
*

A friend of mine wanted a 2.0 for himself as well. He searched every B&M store in his area which sold the router and finally got lucky at a RadioShack.

Note: If you find it at RadioShack, may as well get one elsewhere (wherever you find it cheapest) and return the "elsewhere" (i.e. 2.2/3.0) model back to RS thereafter. wink.gif

Diggler
Miranda
From the linksysinfo thread, how to find out the router version without opening up the box:

QUOTE
Known serial numbers (first 4 characters) vs versions:

CDF0 = WRT54G v1.0 ADM6996L Chip
CDF1 = WRT54G v1.1 ADM6996L Chip
CDF3 = WRT54G v1.1 ADM6996L Chip
CDF5 = WRT54G v2.0 ADM6996L Chip
CDF7 = WRT54G v2.2 BCM5325EKQM Chip
CDF8 = WRT54G v3.0 BCM5325EKQM Chip

CGN0 = WRT54GS v1.0 ADM6996L Chip
CGN1 = WRT54GS v1.0 ADM6996L Chip
CGN2 = WRT54GS v1.1 BCM5325EKQM Chip
CGN3 = WRT54GS v1.1 BCM5325EKQM Chip
izx
I've had a 2.0 (CDF5) running Alchemy RC5 for over 7 months now. Running like a champ, no problems with large or small transfers, excellent VoIP through its QoS management. Staples has a sale on these next week for $49.95 AR; might want to check out the packages at B&Ms (the serial is on the box IIRC). 2.0s will probably be hard to find, except at stores that have old stock (like RS :-D). But good luck anyway...

OR, I remember reading that some Buffalo routers had the same chipset as the WRT54G, and the Sveasoft worked on that too....

Re Sveasoft, yes, it's GPL'd. A few individuals make sure it stays that way by posting regular (but unofficial) releases, specifically here. I would have donated too, but the person behind Sveasoft is flagrantly violating the terms of the GPL with by making all his betas closed-source.
HarleyD
Mine is a 2.0 and it came from Wal-Mart about 5 months ago.
dewolfxy
Hmm - seems like a hassle to try to find a certain version. Maybe I'll try to find one of the Buffalo routers cheap, they support WDS and mount vertically.
Alan
QUOTE(izx @ 4-2-05, 3:15am)
I've had a 2.0 (CDF5) running Alchemy RC5 for over 7 months now. Running like a champ, no problems with large or small transfers, excellent VoIP through its QoS management. Staples has a sale on these next week for $49.95 AR; might want to check out the packages at B&Ms (the serial is on the box IIRC). 2.0s will probably be hard to find, except at stores that have old stock (like RS :-D). But good luck anyway...
*

I got mine just a few weeks ago at staples. v2.2. If I knew about the version issue I would have serached through the stock. Oh well. A bargain isn't a bargain if the thing doesn't work right.
dewolfxy
So 2.0 or earlier is the "good" router, right? I only ask because it seems you're all saying 2.2 is bad, but the link that Miranda gave shows the guy saying his 2.0 is bad.
Miranda
QUOTE(dewolfxy @ 4-2-05, 12:15pm)
So 2.0 or earlier is the "good" router, right? I only ask because it seems you're all saying 2.2 is bad, but the link that Miranda gave shows the guy saying his 2.0 is bad.
*


The guy that said his 2.0 was bad was for the WRT54GS (the one with SpeedBooster).

But as far as the WRT54G goes, the 2.0's and below seem to be the good ones.
dewolfxy
Thanks, I see that now. I guess it's worth looking for an old Linksys, but really what a pain that is. I really like my Netgear except for this AOL/Itunes problem. Maybe a Buffalo WBRG54 would be a good choice, but I don't like their web configuration as much.
TheDiggler
QUOTE(dewolfxy @ 4-2-05, 4:45pm)
Thanks, I see that now. I guess it's worth looking for an old Linksys, but really what a pain that is. I really like my Netgear except for this AOL/Itunes problem. Maybe a Buffalo WBRG54 would be a good choice, but I don't like their web configuration as much.
*

Have you tried disabling SPI as I suggested in your Netgear thread? It may solve your AOL/ITunes problem.

Diggler
izx
QUOTE(dewolfxy @ 4-2-05, 3:15pm)
So 2.0 or earlier is the "good" router, right? I only ask because it seems you're all saying 2.2 is bad, but the link that Miranda gave shows the guy saying his 2.0 is bad.
*


Specifically, get 54Gs with a serial begining with CDF5 (v2.0) or below (CDF4, etc.) are good....

CDF5/2.0s are great in that they have double the amount of onboard flash (IIRC), so you can do things like install custom Linux apps. If you're not into that and all you need is Sveasoft, v1.0 or 1.1 are as good.
dewolfxy
QUOTE(TheDiggler @ 4-2-05, 6:46pm)
Have you tried disabling SPI as I suggested in your Netgear thread?  It may solve your AOL/ITunes problem.

Diggler
*


I tried it and it didn't seem to work. ITunes is still really slow and sporadic. I can't test AOL right now because my friend isn't here who uses it. I think the problem is still there. I'll fiddle a little more, but I guess I'm going to have to get a new router.
dewolfxy
Well I ordered the router online, because it was a really good deal, and of course I got the CDF7 version. So it looks like I'll need to hunt around for an older one. Seems like Radio Shack is a likely target, since they carry Linksys stuff and might have old stock. I hope I can find one - I'm certainly not going to trade my reliable router, which only has problems with iTunes and AOL, for an unreliable one which works with those two but sporadically dies transferring files!
dewolfxy
Alright, I've been unable to find a CDF5 or earlier version of this router, and with what I've been reading I'm now scared off using the CDF7. So what about other routers. Recommendations? WDS support is preferred.

The Buffalo WBRG54 is OK, although the web config interface is poor. But I can't find it anywhere at a good price. No external antenna by default though, so I'm concerned about range.

Any other suggestions? D-Links might be OK but I don't believe the DI-624 supports WDS.
dewolfxy
Is this just the Buffalo router I want? It seems so but the product description is confusing.
Miranda
From Sveasoft forums about known working firmwares and models:
QUOTE
WBR-G54

Alchemy flashed via the web interface is reported to work on this model.

WBR-G542

No firmware versions yet work on this model. We believe it is due to the new type of flash memory used. This flash comes from a company called AMIC. We have contacted them about Linux drivers but have yet to hear back.


I think WBR-G542 is referring to the WBR2-G54. I don't think Sveasoft will work on the WBR2-G54S either (from this thread).
TheDiggler
The Belkin F5D7230-4 which was available for -$15AR in this expired deal and +$10AR in this active deal supports WDS w/ the stock firmware.

Furthermore, SVEASoft is finally supposed to be coming out w/ its own firmware to support this router.

Diggler

P.S. There have been numerous complaints about this router dropping packets during large file xfers. Supposedly Belkin's latest firmware has fixed this problem.
dewolfxy
What do people think about Sveasoft firmware? Is it worth switching to? With the Linksys WRTG54 it's a clear advantage, since without it there's no WDS support. But what else does it add? With the Buffalo or Belkin router, where WDS support is already enabled in default firmware, what else does it offer?
izx
QUOTE(dewolfxy @ 4-13-05, 12:10am)
What do people think about Sveasoft firmware? Is it worth switching to? With the Linksys WRTG54 it's a clear advantage, since without it there's no WDS support. But what else does it add? With the Buffalo or Belkin router, where WDS support is already enabled in default firmware, what else does it offer?
*


QoS...
jlv
QUOTE(TheDiggler @ 4-12-05, 8:19pm)
The Belkin F5D7230-4 ... supports WDS w/ the stock firmware.

Furthermore, SVEASoft is finally supposed to be coming out w/ its own firmware to support this router.

Diggler

P.S. There have been numerous complaints about this router dropping packets during large file xfers.  Supposedly Belkin's latest firmware has fixed this problem.

I was the most vocal person about the 7230-4 and the packet loss bug in Belkin's 4.xx firmware. The bug really played havoc with a ReplayTV, causing it to have terrible throughput over the wireless link.

But, it isn't 'supposedly' fixed; the 4.05.03 firmware definitely fixes the packet loss bug. Unfortunately, Belkin won't tell you how to get this version of the firmware, even though it ships with the 'v2000' hardware version of the F5D7230-4. That's why I put the links for it (from Beklin's web site) at http://www.seattlewireless.net/index.cgi/B...n_20F5D7230_2d4 lol.gif It works fine on all versions of the 7230 up to v2000.

(There is a new hardware version of the F5D7230, v3000, shipping with newer firmware; I've put those details on the wiki, but I don't know of anyone using that on older hardware yet).


One massive advantage the really, really cheap F5D7230 is that many people have reported using the firmware for the F5D7231 and getting 'Afterburner' aka '125g' performance.
jlv
One other thing: Sveasoft's 'Talisman' supposedly will have support for the F5D7230, but only the v2000 hardware, and only with the stripped down 'micro' image. However, while they announced an 'alpha' of this 2 months ago, no one seems to have yet gotten a copy.
dewolfxy
Thanks for the responses. I don't use QoS and don't plan to because I don't have a VOIP phone or anything else that really needs it. Looks like the various Belkins have their own problems. Boy, I used to think all those people with router problems were crazy, because I've used 5 or 6 of them and they've als just worked fine. But now I realize once you get down to very specific details, each implementation seems to have its own bugs. I'm hesitant to give up my WGR614 since it's been rock-solid in every aspect EXCEPT this AOL/iTunes issue.
Miranda
I finally found a v2.0 WRT54G at OD (the only 2.0 they had)! banana.gif The box was pretty beat up, so I asked if I could open it up and see that it wasn't damaged (and to check that the S/N was still CDF5 in case anyone else bought it before and just switched it out). The lady let me open it up and check and then she tried to sell me OD's protection plan. tongue.gif No thanks, I'm just gonna get my money back when I return my 2.2 anyway (I didn't tell her that). wink.gif

I just transferred 137 MB of a newer version of Xbox Media Center to my Xbox. With the 2.2, my speed would go down to 0 Kbps/sec and the wireless would cut out and I had to power cycle the router to get it working again. I just transferred the whole thing with the 2.0 without any disconnects at all. thumbup.gif

I want to try some 3rd party firmware that'll give me static DHCP so that I won't have to keep changing my port forwarding settings and the IP of my PC's for streaming media to my Xbox. I probably won't try Sveasoft, but maybe DD-WRT or Wifibox.
dewolfxy
QUOTE(Miranda @ 4-13-05, 4:19pm)
I finally found a v2.0 WRT54G at OD (the only 2.0 they had)! banana.gif The box was pretty beat up, so I asked if I could open it up and see that it wasn't damaged (and to check that the S/N was still CDF5 in case anyone else bought it before and just switched it out).  The lady let me open it up and check and then she tried to sell me OD's protection plan. tongue.gif No thanks, I'm just gonna get my money back when I return my 2.2 anyway (I didn't tell her that). wink.gif

I just transferred 137 MB of a newer version of Xbox Media Center to my Xbox.  With the 2.2, my speed would go down to 0 Kbps/sec and the wireless would cut out and I had to power cycle the router to get it working again.  I just transferred the whole thing with the 2.0 without any disconnects at all. thumbup.gif

I want to try some 3rd party firmware that'll give me static DHCP so that I won't have to keep changing my port forwarding settings and the IP of my PC's for streaming media to my Xbox.  I probably won't try Sveasoft, but maybe DD-WRT or Wifibox.
*


Congrats, it gives me hope. I think I'll keep looking around, maybe I'll find one too. Seems like so many stores carry Linksys, I should just be able to keep checking and I'll find one.

No static DHCP in the default firmware?!?! Who's writing this stuff. I'm really impressed with NetGear's interface, I just wish I didn't have these problems.

Do you know anything about a 34 Mbps limit on the old models for wired speed? I was reading all about the firmware, and I read that the new (2.2+) models operate at a full 100Mbps wired, but the old models were limited to 30-something Mbps via wired. I don't want to trade an unreliable wireless and fast wired connection for a reliable wireless and slow wired connection!
Miranda
According to Windows, my wired speed is 100 Mbps, but how can I know for sure? I guess I can try transferring stuff from my ReplayTV to my PC and see what the speeds are, but I've never gotten more than 600 Kbps/sec with dvarchive.

My Netgear wireless B router had static DHCP, so I don't see why Linksys doesn't have it in their official firmware.

If you're still looking for a 2.0, try to think about a store that sells them (electronics, office supplies) but one that not very many people go to. The OD I got mine from never has very many people there; sometimes when there's an OD deal like some kind of in-store pickup clearance item, this OD has them instead of being OOS. So I hoped that they'd have some older stock and they did. smile.gif

The box for the 2.0's looks slightly different than the 2.2/3.0's so you might be able to tell right away without even looking at the serial number. Here's a pic with the differences pointed out in red:

HarleyD
QUOTE(Miranda @ 4-13-05, 4:44pm)

*

My 2.0 box looks like the top one also.

I don't know what you mean by static DHCP. I just assigned an ip address to the xbox/computers and then do the port forwarding to the addresses. All works well.
dewolfxy
QUOTE(HarleyD @ 4-13-05, 5:54pm)
I don't know what you mean by static DHCP. I just assigned an ip address to the xbox/computers and then do the port forwarding to the addresses. All works well.
*


What I take it to mean (and this is the way I do it on my NetGear router) is that you configure all devices to use DHCP, but in the router you have a table of "reserved" IPs that are given out based on MAC address. That way you can leave all the client devices on DHCP, but just use the router to choose what addresses are assigned to what device. This avoids the time spent statically configuring each device, but still provides you with constant addresses that are useful for various tasks on the local network.

Currently I give my replay TV, Airport Express, XboX, and file server static IPs via DHCP. Other machines I let have whatever address the router chooses next.

Miranda - from what I was reading, the 30-ish Mbps was chip-limited. I don't know if it's true or not, but Windows would still show the 100Mbps connection. If you want to you could test with transfer time for a large file, but only if you're interested, don't do it on my account.
Miranda
Yup, that's what I meant by static DHCP. smile.gif I would rather assign IP's all from one interface than have to go through and do it individually on each device... especially on the Xbox since I'd have to set it on the two different dashboards (I use Avalaunch with Evox as a backup) and in XBMC.

Since I had to transfer some files from laptop to PC anyway, I might as well do some wired tests (wireless is working flawlessly, BTW... I transfered about 4 gigs worth of files without even one disconnect).

I'm using this program called LanSpeed to monitor my wired transfer speed between the two computers. It gave me an average of around 10.1 megaBYTES (MB) per second, which is about 81 or so megaBITS (Mb) per second. I was just able to reach a maximum speed of 11.48 MB/s, so that's around 91.84 Mbps... this is what I'm using to convert megabytes/sec to megabits/sec. Based on that, I would have to say that my wired speeds don't seem to be limited to 30 Mbps.
dewolfxy
Miranda - thanks for posting the results of that test. Maybe it was the earlier versions, 1.0 or 1.1, that had that limitation, or maybe the person that posted it was an idiot. Anyway, I'm glad to hear it, because I use my wired network to transfer ReplayTV shows, backup large amounts of data (5GB or so), etc. I want to have full speed for that.

Now to find a 2.0 ...
dewolfxy
Found one at my local Office Depot! They had two of them, one was a 2.0 and one was a 1.0 or 1.1! I chose the 2.0, I didn't think there was any advantage with the older model. Anyone know any reason to choose any of the pre-2.2 series over another?
TheDiggler
QUOTE(dewolfxy @ 4-14-05, 11:31pm)
Found one at my local Office Depot! They had two of them, one was a 2.0 and one was a 1.0 or 1.1! I chose the 2.0, I didn't think there was any advantage with the older model. Anyone know any reason to choose any of the pre-2.2 series over another?
*

The original 1.0 had an additional row or two of indicator lights (thus it looked nicer), but the 2.0 is supposedly by far the best of the models (especially for hacked firmware). Congrats on the find! smile.gif

Diggler
izx
Apologies for being a lazy bastard if this has been posted here or in linked threads, but "static" DHCP is available via Sveasoft OR by putting in a tiny text file on the router via telnet if you're a command-line warrior.

I've also gotten speeds ~10 mbytes/sec, so no 30 limit. If you do that many wired-to-wired transfers and have gigabit interfaces, consider investinging in a 5-port gigabit router for $50. Then your disk subsystems are the bottleneck...I regularly get ~35 mbytes/sec to/from 7200-rpm disks.
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