Need new wireless router

BobW55

BobW55

Getting the hang of it
Apr 8, 2015
175
46
Since my current Netgear router keeps dropping the wireless signal, time to go shopping.
My needs are:
1) 8 wired lan ports
2) USB 3.0 for my 2TB hard drive
3) Wireless obviously
4) Built in VPN support.

Does NOT need POE.
Right now I am using a 4 port switch (want to get rid of) I have no problems with wireless coverage in my house, most of my devices are hard wired into the current router & Switch.
Current set up: 2 IP cameras, 5 wired computers, 5 wireless devices (more when the kids visit)
But I do not have VPN, cut the cable and switched tv over to streaming. Until now never worried about the security of the cameras, they are not being used for security.
I would like to stay in the $200- $250 range. Trying to read the reviews and buying guides just makes me more confused. Networking is NOT my strong point.
Any recommendations?
 
BobW55 said:
Until now never worried about the security of the cameras, they are not being used for security.
Click to expand...
The security risk of exposed cameras is not related to what their use it...it provides an attacker with a mini pc on your network to execute other malicious activity...
 
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Oh I am not denying that my home network is at risk. Hence wanting a router that can support VPN, which my current set up does not support.
 
BobW55 said:
Nice router, but only 4 ports, I need 8.
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Good luck on finding an 8 port router with wireless and VPN.
Wireless routers with 4 gigabit ports plus easy VPN and gigabit 5 port unmanaged switches are easy to find, affordable and do a great job.
You might find an 8 port UBNT Edgerouter but it won't have wireless and, per your own admission, "Networking is NOT my strong point", I don't suggest it for you.
Someone please prove me wrong, but it looks like you're gonna have to clench your teeth and deal with 2 boxes, a wireless router + switch... that's really not so bad, IMHO.
 
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BobW55 said:
just pointing out that 8 port wireless routers do exist.
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no one said the dont...they are just not standard...its an exception...buy a switch ..there are benefits to switches as well...for example if you attach your nvr to the same switch as the cameras it avoids passing data through the router, decreasing the load.
 
I second the switch idea. That Linksys is silly money especially lacking the OpenVPN support.
 
BobW55 said:
just pointing out that 8 port wireless routers do exist.
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By your own requirements: "4) Built in VPN support."

I said : "Good luck on finding an 8 port router with wireless and VPN."

The Linksys you pointed out does NOT have VPN.

Question asked, question answered. Certainly, it's YOUR choice!
 
I can tell you without a doubt that a good switch will outperform a "good" router when it comes to switching network traffic. I no longer use my router for any heavy loads on the LAN side and all LAN traffic passes through a couple of switches (10gb and 1gb). The exception in my case is I am using an Orbi system which has LAN ports on the satellites which I use since I cannot wire my current home (selling the home soon and moved out here to care for my father who passed a month back). So far I am loving the Orbi but I'd not recommend it if you can go wired (like you are).

So get a good wireless router for wireless and a good unmanaged switch for the rest. As others have noted.

On the POE side...why not? If you buy POE cameras in the future you'll be ready to go and the deployment of said cameras will be much easier.
 
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drunkpenguin said:
They must have gotten one a hell of a deal on antennas for that thing.
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Man, that thing looks EVIL! Like a drone, alien craft or something. Not sure I could sleep with that thing in the house....I can see it now.....after dark, everyone's asleep, a little door opens, a ladder drops down and a bunch of little strange alien critters sneak out and release pathogens, bio-hazards or worse....they touch my banana pudding! :screwy:

linksys.jpg
 
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1) Like I said, I WANT 8 ports. I do not want to have to use the switch I already have, it is destine for another project.
2) Like I said I WANT to set up VPN.

I do NOT need POE, everything is direct powered.

Sorry I even asked.
Was not aware asking for help would bring such a deluge of snide remarks and not answers.
 
BobW55 said:
1) Like I said, I WANT 8 ports.
2) Like I said I WANT to set up VPN.

Sorry I even asked.
Was not aware asking for help would bring such a deluge of snide remarks and not answers.
Click to expand...

Good luck on your project AND your quest.
 
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