[Ham-Computers] RE: Router Question

[Hsu, Aaron (NBC Universal)]

>>> JT wrote:
speaking of routers... what is a good router that will stand up to the bandwidth required for bit torrents... yeah i know there's commercial stuff... but anything that's built for the home user that stands up better than others?

>>> My reply:
Right now, the best under $100 router is the Linksys WRT54GL (note the "L") that's been "upgraded" with 3rd party firmware (such as HyperWRT Thibor ver. 15c).  Better yet is a version 4 (or older WRT54G) or version 3.1 (or older) WRT54GS.  Hardware version numbers are important with the WRT54G(S) as the newest ones (vers 5, 6, 7) do not use the same OS as the older versions and thus are not compatible with 3rd party firmware.  For reference, the WRT54GL and the older WRT54G(s) models run Linux and the 3rd party firmware are all Linux based.  The newer WRT54G(s) run VxWorks, which is a popular embedded controller OS, but is proprietary.

With the 3rd party firmware, the WRT54G series run stable, have additional features, and can generally handle BT, though it's a good idea to heatsink the CPU and/or install a small fan.

If you want more info and links about the WRT54G(S) family, check here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WRT54G

and the "goto" reference for general Linksys router info:

http://www.linksysinfo.com


>>> JT wrote:
i think most routers allow you to limit bandwidth to each port on a router, too so you could use that method to take a little control on your bandwidth....

>>> My reply:
Actually most SOHO routers *don't* have this ability.  Those that do require you to know how to setup QoS on the router and assign resources appropriately...not easy for the general home user.  Anyone ever try VoIP while trying to use BT?  The BT streams max out bandwidth and the VoIP just chokes.  That's what QoS is for...reserve 16K for VoIP and BT won't be a problem.  But, how many people know how to do this?  However, with the growing popularity of VoIP and "Triple-Play" (Video, Voice, and Internet via broadband), I expect more "user friendly" controls will be added to routers.  


>>> JeffV wrote:
stunning.  I know mfgrs are cheap, but this absolutely takes the cake.

It's not the manfacturers were cheap, but they BT didn't exist when the first SOHO routers came out.  If you test some of the older routers (such as the Linksys BEFSR41), it's LAN-to-WAN bandwidth maxes out at about 4Mbps.  This was plenty fine when 384/512/768K "broadband" connections were the norm.  As you had plenty of headroom, the CPU ran relatively cool (even without heatsinks or fans).  But with today's availability of >6Mbps connections, the router just chokes and gags.  Some of the newest SOHO routers still max out at 8Mbps.  Assuming you have a 8Mbps connection and run BT, this will be 100% duty cycle.  Without some thermal controls, these poor boxes just can't take it.

Going back to the HAM radio analogy, don't forget that the finals on most all amateur radio gear is designed for 50% duty cycle.  If you want to do 100% duty cycle modes, you need to reduce power out.  Unfortunately, there is no "power out" control on routers, so they just shutdown.  Suffice it to say, SOHO routers were designed much like Amateur radio gear is...for intermittent duty cycles.  Need something for 100% duty cycle and you'll need to spend more money.

Another analogy is using a small HP LaserJet 1022 printer ($250) to print 500 page manuals on a daily basis...it just wasn't designed for this purpose.  If you need that type of duty cycle, buy a printer that can better handle the job (and costs less per page!).


73,

  - Aaron, NN6O


p.s.  And, just for reference, my current home router is a Netopia 3387WG-VGx.  No 3rd party firmware, but rock stable.