Hey all!
First, for the tl;dr types:
Now, a bit more detail:
I live in the UK and am currently on Virgin Media cable broadband on the lowest speed package (2mb I believe). I used the broadband modem that they supply, combined with a Netgear FR114P 4-port Firewall/Router in conjunction with a generic switch to provide wired internet access. I also have a Belkin wireless router which I am using as an access point connected to the Netgear to provide wireless (g speed) network access to my laptop.
Now, the Netgear has been causing problems for years, but I've just stuck with it. However, we're moving soon and I'm planning to get Virgin Media cable again, but at the highest, 50mbit speed. Since we're moving and getting "new stuff", I'm looking for some new router suggestions.
Here are my criteria: I'd prefer to get just one device to replace both of my existing Netgear / Belkin devices. I accept that I'll swill need my switch to connect all the computers as I don't think many home routers come with more than 4 ports. The router does not need a modem integrated, as Virgin will supply one (It's Cable, not ADSL).
I'd like it to be capable of Wireless-N speed if possible. Basically whatever the latest is - I'd like to be fairly future-proof, although I know the N standard is constantly evolving. However, the majority of the network will NOT be on a wireless network - I don't trust wireless enough yet, so it only has to handle the traffic from one laptop. Everything else will be hard-cabled in.
Following are some features the new device MUST have:
* Remote Access (Ability to connect remotely via the IP address and port to manage the device remotely)
* MAC Filtering
* Ability to disable SSID broadcast
* At least 802.11g speed, preferably N
* WPA security (With PSK authentication)
* DHCP server, with the ability to provide exclusions for my server and network printer
* An "Attached Devices" table would be nice, although not obligitory
10/100Mbps network speed is fine - It should be a reliable brand (Netgear/Linksys/Belkin/etc) and have a good reputation since I'm fed up with unreliable network hardware. As long as is can deal with 100mbps traffic among about 8 computers on a network, and 50mbps Internet connectivity, we're good to go.
I don't really have a "budget" - I'd rather splash out once than have to keep replacing crappy hardware. Maybe a maximum of £200 or so (That's, what, $350 roughly?).
I'm guessing my requirements will take a lot of "home" type devices that you can buy at PC world out of the question, but I don't mind something more complex.
Oh, it doesn't need to contain a firewall as I have a Cisco Pix 501 which I'm intending to put in instead. As a matter of interest, I *am* CCNA certified, so I have no problems configuring complex stuff, but I have yet to find a Cisco device that both fulfills all of these requirements and speeds, and doesn't cost an absolute fortune, lol. Any suggestions are welcome, though.
Thanks all for taking the time to read this! I look forward to any replies!
First, for the tl;dr types:
I need a new router for my home network. Top end with lots of features. No upper price limit. Please recommend.
Now, a bit more detail:
I live in the UK and am currently on Virgin Media cable broadband on the lowest speed package (2mb I believe). I used the broadband modem that they supply, combined with a Netgear FR114P 4-port Firewall/Router in conjunction with a generic switch to provide wired internet access. I also have a Belkin wireless router which I am using as an access point connected to the Netgear to provide wireless (g speed) network access to my laptop.
Now, the Netgear has been causing problems for years, but I've just stuck with it. However, we're moving soon and I'm planning to get Virgin Media cable again, but at the highest, 50mbit speed. Since we're moving and getting "new stuff", I'm looking for some new router suggestions.
Here are my criteria: I'd prefer to get just one device to replace both of my existing Netgear / Belkin devices. I accept that I'll swill need my switch to connect all the computers as I don't think many home routers come with more than 4 ports. The router does not need a modem integrated, as Virgin will supply one (It's Cable, not ADSL).
I'd like it to be capable of Wireless-N speed if possible. Basically whatever the latest is - I'd like to be fairly future-proof, although I know the N standard is constantly evolving. However, the majority of the network will NOT be on a wireless network - I don't trust wireless enough yet, so it only has to handle the traffic from one laptop. Everything else will be hard-cabled in.
Following are some features the new device MUST have:
* Remote Access (Ability to connect remotely via the IP address and port to manage the device remotely)
* MAC Filtering
* Ability to disable SSID broadcast
* At least 802.11g speed, preferably N
* WPA security (With PSK authentication)
* DHCP server, with the ability to provide exclusions for my server and network printer
* An "Attached Devices" table would be nice, although not obligitory
10/100Mbps network speed is fine - It should be a reliable brand (Netgear/Linksys/Belkin/etc) and have a good reputation since I'm fed up with unreliable network hardware. As long as is can deal with 100mbps traffic among about 8 computers on a network, and 50mbps Internet connectivity, we're good to go.
I don't really have a "budget" - I'd rather splash out once than have to keep replacing crappy hardware. Maybe a maximum of £200 or so (That's, what, $350 roughly?).
I'm guessing my requirements will take a lot of "home" type devices that you can buy at PC world out of the question, but I don't mind something more complex.
Oh, it doesn't need to contain a firewall as I have a Cisco Pix 501 which I'm intending to put in instead. As a matter of interest, I *am* CCNA certified, so I have no problems configuring complex stuff, but I have yet to find a Cisco device that both fulfills all of these requirements and speeds, and doesn't cost an absolute fortune, lol. Any suggestions are welcome, though.
Thanks all for taking the time to read this! I look forward to any replies!
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