Router choice: WRT54GL v. E1200
 

I've pretty much narrowed my choice of a new router to two Linksys models: WRT54GL and E1200.

I'd be using mainly G, but also an N device or two on the network (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...-n-router.html). Not a very large space and lots of other routers in the area. Main use is connecting to the internet, but not infrequent transfers of files across the network

I'm somewhat leaning towards the WRT54GL due to its long history of reliability.

Which one should I get?

Well, the WRT54GL is a G device only, no N access so you won't get that speed pop if you need it.

the WRT54GL CAN be re-loaded with the third party firmwares like tomato and DD-WRT, which allows you to easily configure QOS and VPN and a whole host of additional functions. so THAT is a real benefit.

I don't think the E1200 is supported at least with DD-WRT, maybe tomato. If this sort of thing isn't an issue for you, I'd probably just go with the N router

A tough question. I suppose it depends what you want to do with the router. I've had a WRT54GL running Tomato for the last 4 years. It has never given me a lick of problems, and Tomato is great.

The E1200 as yet doesn't support third-party firmware, and it's unclear if it will.

Questions to ask yourself:
-How big are these files you plan to transfer on the LAN? If they're not especially big then G would be fine.
-How important is third party firmware to you?

Have you considered dual band routers that supports both G and N at the same time?

1) I now realize that any file transfer would involve at least one G device, so N doesn't really get me anything for file transfer until I get more N devices

2) I've never used third party firmware, so I don't really know what it would do for me.

This leads me to the WRT54GL on the theory it would be more reliable.

They all seem more expensive than the two I'm considering. Given that N would mainly be used to connect to the internet, it wouldn't seem to get me much at the moment.

My current thought, subject to change, is to get the WRT54GL, then when I get more N devices to consider an N router. As you suggest, a dual band may be the better course for an N router.

The third party firmwares are Linux-based and tend to be more reliable (with more features) than the stock Linksys firmware. Tomato and DD-WRT can turn your $40 router into the functional equivalent of a router that costs 10 times as much.

Things like: secure remote access, quality of service, bandwidth utilization logs, all kinds of stuff. I'd recommend starting with Tomato - I've found it much more user friendly and more reliable than DD-WRT. http://www.polarcloud.com/firmware

Like the power output ^

One of the better stock long range routers is the TP-Link TL-WR1043ND, and if you're not keen to "fiddle" then it's a serious bang/$ device.

However to confuse you further :) - add openwrt to your firmware options...it can be used on a number of devices (including the TP-Link) which you wouldn't normally consider as candidates for modification.

FWIW, I decided to get the WRT54GL, primarily because of its history of reliability.

We use wifi mostly to connect to the internet, which doesn't need N speeds. File transfers presently would have a G device on at least one end, so N wouldn't do anything. At such time as we have more N devices, I'll likely get a new router.

The ability to use one of the third party firmwares is nice, but I don't see any features that seem all that appealing (even though I enjoy tinkering with this sort of thing). So long as I can get reasonable speeds with high reliability, I'm happy.

Thanks to all

You may want to have some QOS setting enabled, or the power adjustment that something like tomato or dd-wrt offer. If you have a voip phone, slingbox, netflix streaming etc., the QOS settings can come in handy.

I haven't had power problems with my old routers, but we'll see how the new one does. I tend not to use voip phone, slingbox, netflix streaming etc. Those seem to be the leading reasons to use the open source firmwares.

Those and being able to setup a home VPN, for when travelling and using hotspots.

I have had a WRT54G for a decade - it's the first and only wireless router I've ever bought for myself. It has been a rock solid performer all these years, and I believe I updated its firmware maybe once in all this time.

I really have no idea why I would want to invest the time with these alternate firmware options. Over the years I use VOIP phones, the original Slingbox, Netflix streaming. I really haven;t had any trouble with these tools and I have never wished I had more firmware controls available. I guess if you like tuning and tweaking then it might be a plus for you...

try
 

try using the voip phone while streaming an HD movie, or someone downloading an itunes update, or doing some picture uploads. Sort of kills the connection. Now, if one has a good cable connection with at a minimum of 1MB upstream and over say 6MB down then it is certainly LESS of a problem but most DSL services don't offer over 600kps upstream IF THAT