Which cable router should I get?

[chimdogger]

Which cable router should I get?

Dlink
Netgear
other.

Which model?

I want to share a couple computers with a cable modem, I need firewall and the ability to portforward for a webserver.

Thanks for any advice.

Chim

[fredra]

Hi chimdogger
There is one person in here that seems to have been exposed to a lot of routers..YOSC should be around here shortly and he will be able to give some solid advice.

Cheers :)

[YeOldeStonecat]

What is your budget? Personally, of the "home market routers"...which means those below 100 dollars that are user friendly for the novice....the Linksys model BEFSX41 is my current favorite. Very easy to use, very compatible with all types of broadband out there, easy to upgrade firmware, and...note the "SX" model instead of the usual "SR" model...the SX comes with a more robust SPI firewall..only about 10 bucks more than the SR model.

Netgears perform a wee bit better, but their user interface is dry, they are a bit "bland" in features...but like I said, a bit faster, and a hair more stable..back when I used them. I've had several horrible experiences with their support the past couple occasions I needed it (replacement, DOA, etc)...so I'm done with them. As a VAR, I can't tolerate that.

DLink, in the past, I've not been fond of them, but lately I have to admit I've been reading good stuff about their newer routers, including their wireless.

Yes there are routers out there with much higher performance than Linksys, or other home routers. Netopia, Symantec (formerly Nexland routers), Cisco, Sonicwall...but those are more SOHO class...costing in the hundreds of dollars.

Just about all routers have ability to easily port forward for running public services, such as port 80 for your web. For port forwarding...refer to my article on static LAN IP's behind a router.
http://www.speedguide.net/read_articles.php?id=177

I'm also very interested in a brand...Compex. They're somewhat new, been over in the Euro market for a bit I guess...

[chimdogger]

Thx Cat for the good info. As always I can count on you for steering me in the right direction.

(Running over to Newegg.com for pricing and ordering)

Thanks again,
Chim:)