Curse

Hengis · Dec 11, 2006, 03:40 PM // 15:40

Can anyone recommend a router that works perfectly with Guild Wars.

I am currently using a Netgear DG834GT connected using Cat 5e cabling rather than wirelessly to each PC and to a 10mbps cable connection, but am getting regular and very annoying Error 5 disconnects.

Having read up as much as I can about Netgear routers and Guild Wars, I come to the conclusion that this is not really the best product.

I have read about port forwarding and port triggering using a static IP address, but I need to have two active Guild Wars connections as my son plays at the same time as I do. (I know I could probably place one PC in the DMZ, and port forward to the other PC, but I would rather keep the security of having the router act as a firewall rather than rely only on a software firewall).

Any suggestions as to what brand I should try next?

Shady Daze · Dec 11, 2006, 04:02 PM // 16:02

I have a Buffalo Nfiniti WZR-G300N, to it are connected my 2 sons PCs wirelessly (both have all 3 GW games), my 2 daughters laptops connected wirelessly, my wife's laptop connected wirelessy & my PC connected via Cat5 (with all 3 GW games) & sometimes my laptop connected wirelessly. With my boys & I playing GW at the same time & my girls generally browsing the net it has never dropped a beat or caused a dropped connection for us in the time it has been running so I would safely recommend it if you're willing to splash out on one

.

Cronnie · Dec 11, 2006, 05:11 PM // 17:11

I use the DG834GT aswell, and have no problems at all.

I did configure mine a bit though...

Pharoke · Dec 12, 2006, 03:51 AM // 03:51

I use the Belkin N1 and have never had a disconnect problem when playing on the laptop.

combatchuck · Dec 12, 2006, 03:57 AM // 03:57

For the amount of traffic that Guild Wars uses, most routers are the same. I use a Netgear MR-814, arguably one of the worst routers out there. I never have an issue with Guild Wars. My advice is to stay away from D-link as a whole, their software is garbage, and the routers are even worse.

Hengis · Dec 12, 2006, 10:37 AM // 10:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cronnie

I use the DG834GT aswell, and have no problems at all.

I did configure mine a bit though...

Any chance of sharing what config changes you made?

Thanks in advance.

Hengis · Dec 14, 2006, 02:51 PM // 14:51

It's amazing how many people have bad experiences with just about any make of router..

Searching around the net you can find Netgear sucks threads, Linksys suck threads, Belkin suck threads, D-Link suck threads, etc etc etc.

Well I eventually went for a Linksys router a WRT54G - not the most modern or the most sophisticated, but one that seemed to have generated marginally less complaints LOL

It cost a grand total of £35.

It was simple to set up as I am using Cat5 cables rather than wireless, so I just disabled wireless access. It was all up and working within 5 minutes.

So far it seems to be a good choice as last night was the first Error 5 free night I have had in months and it was significantly faster in changing areas and entering missions than the Netgear router has ever been.

Dralspire · Dec 14, 2006, 05:07 PM // 17:07

Summary: Pick the firmware first and buy a router based on your firmware selection.

I recently had an opportunity to discuss wifi matters (which I guess covers routers to some extent) with some networking specialists.

There were really two issues that stood out in this discussion (and let me focus on portable/home use). First, most hardware is about the same. You may buy a router/wifi router of brand XYZ, but the relevant chips are typically manufactured by the same handful of companies.

Regardless of the brand you buy, most brand items lack when it comes to firmware, the software running in the router. It is either buggy or lacks functionality, and typically it is not being updated on a regular basis. This is really what causes your problems.

I was rather surprised to hear that the users have addressed this problem by starting their own firmware projects for various routers. Some are free, some are not. Supposedly one of the leading firmware projects these days is DD-WRT which can be run on a number of routers.

In a nutshell, if you want a router that basically runs and does its job, I would start reading about the various firmware projects available, determine the one I like the most, review recommended routers for that firmware, and read up on the installation procedure prior to committing to a purchase.

LifeInfusion · Dec 15, 2006, 12:55 AM // 00:55

Firmware isn't as big deal if you can program it yourself.
For the average user, though, linksys is the best (IMO), they are a division of cisco which makes enterprise grade routers. Sometimes there are problems with signal, but that's what firmware updates are for.

Netgear has a more user friendly interface but reliability isn't as good.

On a side note: Netgear's stuff is more nice and shiny...

EDIT: Make sure you aren't an early adopter of Wirelesds Predraft N, I hear those router have tons of problems.