Re: Wireless-N routers that don't suck

On Fri, Mar 25, 2011 at 6:15 AM, Larry Garfield <[email protected]> wrote:

> 1) Get a 16/24 port gigabit switch for $200-$250, then get a router to connect
> to the cable modem, then get a WiFi base station.

I would go for option 1.  In this topology the WLAN and LAN can be
kept in separate sub nets.   I use such a topology where the Wi-Fi is
in AP mode  only (no NAT/router) with WPA2 Enterprise  where user
auth. is via a separate RADIUS server (www.zeroshell.net).  I use
ZeroShell on the gateway to the ISP.  IMO - Vyatta CE/ZS on ISP
gateway + openWRT/DD-WRT in WiFi APs are a great combo.  It does
require a bit of reading + Q&A in the respective forums but in the end
you learn a lot and get one heck of a network that many small
enterprises would envy you.

> 2) Get a combo Wireless-N/router/switch for $100 and only hook up ~3 of the
> lines for now, which is probably all I'll be using in the near term.  When I
> need more, just throw a gigabit switch behind it.
>
> Option 2 seems far more cost-effective and productive, with one caveat.

Indeed, you can start simple and graduate to a more complex setup
later.  As for Wi-Fi AP choice see below.

> Can anyone recommend a combo N/router/switch these days that doesn't suck, and
> actually offers such features?  Or am I stuck trying to flash the firmware to
> get a useful piece of hardware out of it?  Are any more flash-friendly than
> others?  (My preference is to not have to flash if I don't have to, for
> simplicity.)

Bingo, I have evaluated Buffalo WHR-HP-G300N (comes with factory
installed DD-WRT firmware) and I will be installing a few of them at a
client site next week.   I have also looked at openWRT and I am
seriously considering it for an assembled Wi-Fi AP (PCengines kits).

Keep us posted on how your setup works out :)

Best,
-- Arun Khan
-- 
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