I need advice on reliable home network equpment

SaleB

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Aug 19, 2012
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Hello all,

I have a home network with a few computers and a few wireless devices. Last few years I have used a Pheenet modem/router, bridged, a DLink router with wireless capabilities b/g and detachable antenna. Then I added a switch because of its gigabit capabilities. In that setup I had three devices, no wireless n and no ddns (does not work on that dlink).

I wanted gigabit, adsl modem, router, detachable antenna/s, wireless b/g/n, ddns and usb ports usable for printer or hard disk. I wanted all of that in one device and took tp link td-w8980. Now I have a router that has no nat loopback and no port forwarding, new firmware is expected for nearly six months and some think that it will not be published at all.

Now I would like your suggestion for a device or a few devices that can do all that I need.

Could you suggest one or a few devices that can do this task well and for a long time. Modem should be Annex A ADSL+. Core functions that I need should enable me to forward a few different external ports to local sites on my virtual machines, for this I need ddns and port forwarding fully functional. Other things that i would need are wireless b/g/n with detachable antennas and wired gigabit ports. USB host functionality (for printer or storage) could I use, but do not really need.

Thankful in advance,
SaleB
 
I would keep one of your current routers to use a DSL modem. It greatly increases you choice of router. Once you get rid of the ADSL requirement there are many routers available and it just depends how much money you are willing to spend. The top of the line routers from all the manufactures can meet your needs.

A note on replaceable antenna. I too always used to be a fan of this too. The new mimo technology though means that you may increase your range but you will prevent use of the mimo feature. This feature is extremely dependent on the spacing between the antennas and the output power of the antennas. It is trying to detect a pattern of interference between the antenna. This is even more true for 802.11ac since it tries to manipulate the waves to create a interference pattern between the antenna to direct the signal....we will see if that actually works or not I guess as 802.11ac gets more popular.
 

SaleB

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Aug 19, 2012
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18,510
I am now thinking about leaving my ADSL modem as long as it works. And the D-Link 8-port gigabit switch for future use.

For the central use, I have been thinking to use D-link DIR-655 or DIR-825. Could you give me your opinion which one is better suited?

Thank you