need a router recommendation

[Scott888]

I have a small LAN with two desktops connected with the WAN via Linksys
routers WRT54G and BEFSR41. It seems they degrade over time. The WAN
connection comes and goes at it pleases and today I could not even connect
to the LAN.

I have changed Linksys routers before because they seem to have a life
expectancy close to 12 months.

I have two questions.

(1) How can I find out for sure that the routers are bad? I get a valid IP
address but cannot ping my server when the router is in trouble. Is it
enough for the diagnosis?

(2) I want to consider buying a more professional router, perhaps a Cisco.
What router would you recommend for me?

Thanks.

 

[Scott888]

I forgot to specify that I have Win2K Professional on both computers.

 

[Steven L Umbach]

If you can not access traffic through the router or ping it's lan side default
gateway consistently then it may be bad but don't rule out problems with the cable or
even radio frequency interference - RFI if the cable runs next to a lot of electrical
equipment such as fluorescent lights. I believe CAT5E may be better in a high RFI
environment. You seem to have a lot of problem with these devices. I have had good
luck with the Netgear ProSafe line. One thing to consider is that heat will kill
those routers. Make sure you install them in a well ventilated area, in the clear,
and even try to have a fan blowing on them if possible since you are experiencing a
high failure rate. They may also have a bad power supply/wall wart. You may also want
to contact your ISP to let them know this is happening as maybe there is a problem
with the signal coming in from their side. Poor grounding and voltage surges [often
lightening related] kills a lot of electrical equipment.

There are a lot of good devices out there. Netscreen and Sonicwall seem to be very
popular and have some advanced features and are fairly easy to configure. --- Steve

 

[Scott888]

If you can not access traffic through the router or ping it's lan side default
gateway consistently then it may be bad but don't rule out problems with the cable or
even radio frequency interference - RFI if the cable runs next to a lot of electrical
equipment such as fluorescent lights. I believe CAT5E may be better in a high RFI
environment. You seem to have a lot of problem with these devices. I have had good
luck with the Netgear ProSafe line. One thing to consider is that heat will kill
those routers.

I think this is exactly what has happened. Mine are taped to the top of my
desktops and I never even turn the power off.

Thanks a lot.

 

[Jeff Cochran]

I have a small LAN with two desktops connected with the WAN via Linksys
routers WRT54G and BEFSR41. It seems they degrade over time. The WAN
connection comes and goes at it pleases and today I could not even connect
to the LAN.

I have changed Linksys routers before because they seem to have a life
expectancy close to 12 months.

I have two questions.

(1) How can I find out for sure that the routers are bad? I get a valid IP
address but cannot ping my server when the router is in trouble. Is it
enough for the diagnosis?

No. And unfortunately you won't get logs from the Linksys to help
diagnose. FWIW, I've never had a Linksys or any other boradband
router "degrade" over time.

(2) I want to consider buying a more professional router, perhaps a Cisco.
What router would you recommend for me?

First, Linksys is owned by Cisco now.

What type of connection do you have? I like the Allied Telesyn
AR400's as an alternative to the Cisco 1700 series, half the price.
But that's still $800+ for a router with TSU. Overkill on a broadband
connection. Try the Buffalo Air Station series. Decent reviews and
pretty solid.

Jeff