Router Info/Suggestions

-1nf1n1ty- · Jun 24, 2018

Hi! So I have a WRT54GL that is using tomato. Pretty much, is this still a damn good option in terms of performance compared to some of the newer routers available now looking at the (Portal and the WRT32X)? Wondering if it's time to retire it and go with something else. Thanks!

Kursah · Jun 24, 2018

That's an old router.

Before we answer those questions, mind answering a few of mine?

What do you do on your LAN?
Do you rely on this device for WiFi?
Do you have speed complaints or network performance issues?
Is Tomato keeping up-to-date and are you updating?

I'd go with a newer setup for a variety of reasons...but those might not pertain to your needs. I still see a lot of those units alive in the field...mostly with the OEM firmware (*cringes*).

But let's find out what you do on and need from your network.

Odds are you should consider replacing it...a device that old is a ticking time bomb reliability wise.

-1nf1n1ty- · Jun 24, 2018

Kursah said:
That's an old router.

Before we answer those questions, mind answering a few of mine?

What do you do on your LAN?

Do you rely on this device for WiFi?

Do you have speed complaints or network performance issues?

Is Tomato keeping up-to-date and are you updating?

I'd go with a newer setup for a variety of reasons...but those might not pertain to your needs. I still see a lot of those units alive in the field...mostly with the OEM firmware (*cringes*).

But let's find out what you do on and need from your network.

Odds are you should consider replacing it...a device that old is a ticking time bomb reliability wise.

mostly just gaming and streaming, but I'm by myself. i do rely on it for wifi on some devices, console gaming, streaming movies and cell phone. yeah sometimes the speed seems slow or doesn't seem much better than i feel it should be. i keep it up to date.

_UV_ · Jun 24, 2018

check this
https://mikrotik.com/products/group/wireless-for-home-and-office

maybe hAP ac, less attractive aesthetically, but very well made
fully configurable, rock stable, use any power supply, above regular desktop/"gaming" transmitter power and high sensitivity (you will never lose signal in noisy environment and through walls)

me currently running RB951G-2HnD, since i don't have and not planning to use AC mode next 2-3 years, waiting for 10GE wired setup first

remixedcat · Jun 24, 2018

Questions:

Sq Ftage of house:
Budget:
Can run cabling:
Need for advanced services like VoIP,VPN,VLAN,etc:
PoE:

Fill in those for some better recommendations.

But in short I can recommend if you have a smaller place and can't run cables = WRTACS1900 w DDWRT firmware
If you can run cables = Ubiquiti ERL/ER, UniFi Switch 8 60W/Ubiquiti Unifi AP-AC(Lite or LR) x how many others you'll need.

Notes on a few routers mentioned: WRT32X wasn't a very good performer. Unstable radios and the default firmware is the 3rd worst I've ever tried and I have tested hundreds of routers and even beta tested some. ACS1900 performed a hell of a lot better, and it's cheaper.

newtekie1 · Jun 24, 2018

What is your WAN speed you are paying for?

Since you are already using and used to Tomato, I'd recommend another router that can run it. My personal favorite right now is the ASUS RT-AC3200. It is a little pricey, but a damn solid router and you can run Tomato on it.

dirtyferret · Jun 24, 2018

You can run Merlin or tomato on the Asus ac68u and the T-Mobile branded one is dirt cheap.

https://www.amazon.com/Dual-Band-Ai...ile+router&dpPl=1&dpID=41ZdsvJOdTL&ref=plSrch

Bill_Bright · Jun 24, 2018

-1nf1n1ty- said:
Wondering if it's time to retire it and go with something else.

Yes.

First, the integrated 4-port Ethernet switch only supports 10/100Mbps networking. That is not likely a problem with Internet access (unless you have fiber) but since you said you do local streaming, that could be a bottleneck.

Second, it only supports 802.11b/g wireless networking. 11g tops out at 54 Mbps (in theory but not really) and only supports the crowded 2.4GHz band. 11ac tops out at 1000Mbps (1Gbps) and can utilize the less crowded 5GHz band.

micropage7 · Jun 24, 2018

So what you expect?
If the current one is running pretty good and meet your need you dont need to change them

-1nf1n1ty- · Jun 24, 2018

newtekie1 said:
What is your WAN speed you are paying for?

Since you are already using and used to Tomato, I'd recommend another router that can run it. My personal favorite right now is the ASUS RT-AC3200. It is a little pricey, but a damn solid router and you can run Tomato on it.

100mbps, I will check that out. I wanted to see if anyone had any opinions on the Razer Portal.

remixedcat said:
Questions:

Sq Ftage of house:
Budget:
Can run cabling:
Need for advanced services like VoIP,VPN,VLAN,etc:
PoE:

Fill in those for some better recommendations.

But in short I can recommend if you have a smaller place and can't run cables = WRTACS1900 w DDWRT firmware
If you can run cables = Ubiquiti ERL/ER, UniFi Switch 8 60W/Ubiquiti Unifi AP-AC(Lite or LR) x how many others you'll need.

Notes on a few routers mentioned: WRT32X wasn't a very good performer. Unstable radios and the default firmware is the 3rd worst I've ever tried and I have tested hundreds of routers and even beta tested some. ACS1900 performed a hell of a lot better, and it's cheaper.

It's a Small studio so 570 sqft I believe, budget is nothing ridiculous so I hope to spend at most of 150, I was gonna keep it next to my PC and everything else will be wireless but if I can't then I wouldn't mind running a ethernet cable to the PC (I have the cable for it!), don't think I need any of the extra stuff like that, I just want something simple and fast, Don't think I would need PoE but I am interested in knowing which ones will be able to do that.

newtekie1 · Jun 24, 2018

-1nf1n1ty- said:
100mbps, I will check that out.

I can almost guarantee you that you aren't actually getting the 100Mbps through your current WRT54GL. The processor in those is not fast enough to do much more than 30-40Mbps between the LAN and WAN.

DeathtoGnomes · Jun 25, 2018

wouldnt several tin cans and sting work as well as this router?

New routers are cheap, used ones even cheaper. When it comes to network security, being sentimental doesnt work out so well.

Plus new router have better features you can understand and control easier. I think. :pimp:

Used computer shops might even better than Ebay

remixedcat · Jun 25, 2018

-1nf1n1ty- said:
100mbps, I will check that out. I wanted to see if anyone had any opinions on the Razer Portal.

It's a Small studio so 570 sqft I believe, budget is nothing ridiculous so I hope to spend at most of 150, I was gonna keep it next to my PC and everything else will be wireless but if I can't then I wouldn't mind running a ethernet cable to the PC (I have the cable for it!), don't think I need any of the extra stuff like that, I just want something simple and fast, Don't think I would need PoE but I am interested in knowing which ones will be able to do that.

Either one of the 2 I recommended would work then. Might have to go refurb, but that's not too bad as long as you make sure they are reset. Another good pick is the Netgear nighthawk AC1900 R7000 and put DDWRT or Tomato on it. It's got a semi passable default firmware, but that's it. I would avoid some of the newer netgear's because they are switching over to annapurnia labs for their SoCs and amazon owns that company, and you know their fav number is 1984.. LOL.

-1nf1n1ty- · Jun 25, 2018

remixedcat said:
Either one of the 2 I recommended would work then. Might have to go refurb, but that's not too bad as long as you make sure they are reset. Another good pick is the Netgear nighthawk AC1900 R7000 and put DDWRT or Tomato on it. It's got a semi passable default firmware, but that's it. I would avoid some of the newer netgear's because they are switching over to annapurnia labs for their SoCs and amazon owns that company, and you know their fav number is 1984.. LOL.

I'm unknowledgeable about those items. Do they have wifi capabilities? I am always down for trying something I haven't heard of. Would THIS and THIS be the best bang here?

Edit: I lied! I love their amplifi routers! they look really awesome

remixedcat · Jun 25, 2018

ER PoE is probably the easier option. the edgerouter X needs other stuff to get the PoE out to work right.

-1nf1n1ty- · Jun 26, 2018

remixedcat said:
ER PoE is probably the easier option. the edgerouter X needs other stuff to get the PoE out to work right.

Eh, I may pass. I like the idea of it and everything it has to offer but I like to use Wifi for a couple of my devices as I don't want cables everywhere

remixedcat · Jun 26, 2018

That was only for the router part. The rest of my wireless recommendations are still there

DeathtoGnomes · Jun 26, 2018

-1nf1n1ty- said:
I'm unknowledgeable about those items. Do they have wifi capabilities? I am always down for trying something I haven't heard of. Would THIS and THIS be the best bang here?

Edit: I lied! I love their amplifi routers! they look really awesome

I'm sitting here not fully awake, drinking coffee, eyes still pried open with toothpicks, and I read the underlined as : I lover their armpit routers. Took me 3 times to understand what I read was goofy, I mean who walks around is routers in their armpits?

remixedcat · Jun 26, 2018

LOL gnomes

hat · Jul 3, 2018

Maybe. Do you feel you need more network performance? Any cheap router you can find at walmart would outperform it.

-1nf1n1ty- · Jul 22, 2018

hat said:
Maybe. Do you feel you need more network performance? Any cheap router you can find at walmart would outperform it.

Well I just want something that isnt going to drop connection. Since I am by myself and only using 30mbps I just want something thats fast reliable, the extra features are for guests like, mu mi mo etc. but I game alot and I dont want any sort of interruptions while playing etc.

edit: i recently came across this https://flash.newegg.com/product/9SIAFJW7EP9027 wasn't sure if it would be worth it or anything. I am kind of lost here, don't really wanna spend too much either

DeathtoGnomes · Jul 23, 2018

-1nf1n1ty- said:
Well I just want something that isnt going to drop connection. Since I am by myself and only using 30mbps I just want something thats fast reliable, the extra features are for guests like, mu mi mo etc. but I game alot and I dont want any sort of interruptions while playing etc.

edit: i recently came across this https://flash.newegg.com/product/9SIAFJW7EP9027 wasn't sure if it would be worth it or anything. I am kind of lost here, don't really wanna spend too much either

I think about $75-100 for a router will get you just about everything you need with good speeds. Just remember, you get what you pay for, so look for features you want or need carefully.

-1nf1n1ty- · Sep 25, 2018

Updating this cause I didn’t wanna make another thread. I purchased a TP-Link P5 for waaaaay less than it was going for, 40 bucks! I haven’t seen or heard any reviews on it, could anyone help? Yes, I kind of just purchased something without doing research, but it’s a damn good price couldn’t help myself

remixedcat · Sep 26, 2018

Touch P5? That won't support custom firmware and a quick google will give you bad news. You're pretty much screwed when it comes to custom firmware. Highly restrictive BCM chip and it stems from the display as well as other factors. TP link is also locking down a lot as well.

-1nf1n1ty- · Sep 26, 2018

remixedcat said:
Touch P5? That won't support custom firmware and a quick google will give you bad news. You're pretty much screwed when it comes to custom firmware. Highly restrictive BCM chip and it stems from the display as well as other factors. TP link is also locking down a lot as well.

And what if I’m not too concerned with doing any custom firmware this time around, is it still a bad router?

System Name	mult1kill
Processor	Ryzen 7 1700X @ 3.7
Motherboard	GA-AX370-GAMING 5
Cooling	Cryorig H7
Memory	Team Group 32gb 3200mhz
Video Card(s)	RTX 2060
Storage	Seagate 3TB+ Corsair 120GB SSD+120 ssd smansung 256gb m.2 Samsung 970
Case	NZXT S340
Audio Device(s)	Sundara JDS Labs Atom
Power Supply	FSP HydroG 850W
Mouse	WMO
Keyboard	Ducky Shine 3
Software	Windows10

System Name	Kursah's Gaming Rig 2018 (2022 Upgrade) - Ryzen+ Edition \| Gaming Laptop (Lenovo Legion 5i Pro 2022)
Processor	R7 5800X @ Stock \| i7 12700H @ Stock
Motherboard	Asus ROG Strix X370-F Gaming BIOS 6203\| Legion 5i Pro NM-E231
Cooling	Noctua NH-U14S Push-Pull + NT-H1 \| Stock Cooling
Memory	TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan Z 32GB (2x16) DDR4 4000 @ 3600 18-20-20-42 1.35v \| 32GB DDR5 4800 (2x16)
Video Card(s)	Palit GeForce RTX 4070 JetStream 12GB \| CPU-based Intel Iris XE + RTX 3070 8GB 150W
Storage	4TB SP UD90 NVME, 960GB SATA SSD, 2TB HDD \| 1TB Samsung OEM NVME SSD + 4TB Crucial P3 Plus NVME SSD
Display(s)	Acer 28" 4K VG280K x2 \| 16" 2560x1600 built-in
Case	Corsair 600C - Stock Fans on Low \| Stock Metal/Plastic
Audio Device(s)	Aune T1 mk1 > AKG K553 Pro + JVC HA-RX 700 (Equalizer APO + PeaceUI) \| Bluetooth Earbuds (BX29)
Power Supply	EVGA 750G2 Modular + APC Back-UPS Pro 1500 \| 300W OEM (heavy use) or Lenovo Legion C135W GAN (light)
Mouse	Logitech G502 \| Logitech M330
Keyboard	HyperX Alloy Core RGB \| Built in Keyboard (Lenovo laptop KB FTW)
Software	Windows 11 Pro x64 \| Windows 11 Home x64

System Name	mult1kill
Processor	Ryzen 7 1700X @ 3.7
Motherboard	GA-AX370-GAMING 5
Cooling	Cryorig H7
Memory	Team Group 32gb 3200mhz
Video Card(s)	RTX 2060
Storage	Seagate 3TB+ Corsair 120GB SSD+120 ssd smansung 256gb m.2 Samsung 970
Case	NZXT S340
Audio Device(s)	Sundara JDS Labs Atom
Power Supply	FSP HydroG 850W
Mouse	WMO
Keyboard	Ducky Shine 3
Software	Windows10

Processor	FX 8320 @4.2 \| i7 2600 @3.8 \| Xeon W3670 @ 3.6
Motherboard	Asus Sabertooth R2.0 \| Asus P8Z77-V Deluxe \| Gigabyte X58-UD7
Cooling	Zalman Performa 10+ \| Zalman Performa 11+ \| Zalman Performa 10+
Memory	Crucial Ballistix Sport XT 32GB @ 1866 \| Corsair Vengeance 32GB @1866 \| Samsung 24GB @ 1600
Video Card(s)	XFX Radeon 390x \| Zotac GTX 1070 AMP Extreme \| Zotac GTX 980 AMP Extreme
Storage	Intel SSD / SAS 15k Fujitsu \| Intel SSD / Velociraptors / Hitachi 2TB \| Intel SSD / Samsung 1TB
Display(s)	Samsung 245T \| HP ZR30w \| IBM 20" 4x3
Case	Chieftec \| Corsair Graphite 600T \| Thermaltake Xaser IV
Audio Device(s)	SB Titanium HD \| SB Titanium HD \| SB X-fi Elite Pro
Power Supply	Thermaltake 875W \| Corsair 850W \| Thermaltake 1500W
Mouse	Logitech \| Logitech \| Logitech
Keyboard	Mitsumi Classic \| Microsoft \|Microsoft
Software	W7 x64 \| W7 x64 \|W7 x64 / XP x32

System Name	RemixedBeast-NX
Processor	Intel Xeon E5-2690 @ 2.9Ghz (8C/16T)
Motherboard	Dell Inc. 08HPGT (CPU 1)
Cooling	Dell Standard
Memory	24GB ECC
Video Card(s)	Gigabyte Nvidia RTX2060 6GB
Storage	2TB Samsung 860 EVO SSD//2TB WD Black HDD
Display(s)	Samsung SyncMaster P2350 23in @ 1920x1080 + Dell E2013H 20 in @1600x900
Case	Dell Precision T3600 Chassis
Audio Device(s)	Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro 80 // Fiio E7 Amp/DAC
Power Supply	630w Dell T3600 PSU
Mouse	Logitech G700s/G502
Keyboard	Logitech K740
Software	Linux Mint 20
Benchmark Scores	Network: APs: Cisco Meraki MR32, Ubiquiti Unifi AP-AC-LR and Lite Router/Sw:Meraki MX64 MS220-8P

Router Info/Suggestions

-1nf1n1ty-

Kursah

Super Moderator

-1nf1n1ty-

_UV_

remixedcat

newtekie1

Semi-Retired Folder

dirtyferret

Bill_Bright

micropage7

-1nf1n1ty-

newtekie1

Semi-Retired Folder

DeathtoGnomes

remixedcat

-1nf1n1ty-

remixedcat

-1nf1n1ty-

remixedcat

DeathtoGnomes

remixedcat

hat

Enthusiast

-1nf1n1ty-

DeathtoGnomes

-1nf1n1ty-

remixedcat

-1nf1n1ty-

Processor	Intel Core i7 10850K@5.2GHz
Motherboard	AsRock Z470 Taichi
Cooling	Corsair H115i Pro w/ Noctua NF-A14 Fans
Memory	32GB DDR4-3600
Video Card(s)	RTX 2070 Super
Storage	500GB SX8200 Pro + 8TB with 1TB SSD Cache
Display(s)	Acer Nitro VG280K 4K 28"
Case	Fractal Design Define S
Audio Device(s)	Onboard is good enough for me
Power Supply	eVGA SuperNOVA 1000w G3
Software	Windows 10 Pro x64

Processor	faster at instructions than yours
Motherboard	more nurturing than yours
Cooling	frostier than yours
Memory	superior scheduling & haphazardly entry than yours
Video Card(s)	better rasterization than yours
Storage	more ample than yours
Display(s)	increased pixels than yours
Case	fancier than yours
Audio Device(s)	further audible than yours
Power Supply	additional amps x volts than yours
Mouse	without as much gnawing as yours
Keyboard	less clicky than yours
VR HMD	not as odd looking as yours
Software	extra mushier than yours
Benchmark Scores	up yours

System Name	Brightworks Systems BWS-6 E-IV
Processor	Intel Core i5-6600 @ 3.9GHz
Motherboard	Gigabyte GA-Z170-HD3 Rev 1.0
Cooling	Quality case, 2 x Fractal Design 140mm fans, stock CPU HSF
Memory	32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR4 3000 Corsair Vengeance
Video Card(s)	EVGA GEForce GTX 1050Ti 4Gb GDDR5
Storage	Samsung 850 Pro 256GB SSD, Samsung 860 Evo 500GB SSD
Display(s)	Samsung S24E650BW LED x 2
Case	Fractal Design Define R4
Power Supply	EVGA Supernova 550W G2 Gold
Mouse	Logitech M190
Keyboard	Microsoft Wireless Comfort 5050
Software	W10 Pro 64-bit

System Name	Dumbass
Processor	AMD Ryzen 7800X3D
Motherboard	ASUS TUF gaming B650
Cooling	Artic Liquid Freezer 2 - 420mm
Memory	G.Skill Sniper 32gb DDR5 6000
Video Card(s)	GreenTeam 4070 ti super 16gb
Storage	Samsung EVO 500gb & 1Tb, 2tb HDD, 500gb WD Black
Display(s)	1x Nixeus NX_EDG27, 2x Dell S2440L (16:9)
Case	Phanteks Enthoo Primo w/8 140mm SP Fans
Audio Device(s)	onboard (realtek?) - SPKRS:Logitech Z623 200w 2.1
Power Supply	Corsair HX1000i
Mouse	Steeseries Esports Wireless
Keyboard	Corsair K100
Software	windows 10 H
Benchmark Scores	https://i.imgur.com/aoz3vWY.jpg?2

System Name	Starlifter :: Dragonfly
Processor	i7 2600k 4.4GHz :: i5 10400
Motherboard	ASUS P8P67 Pro :: ASUS Prime H570-Plus
Cooling	Cryorig M9 :: Stock
Memory	4x4GB DDR3 2133 :: 2x8GB DDR4 2400
Video Card(s)	PNY GTX1070 :: Integrated UHD 630
Storage	Crucial MX500 1TB, 2x1TB Seagate RAID 0 :: Mushkin Enhanced 60GB SSD, 3x4TB Seagate HDD RAID5
Display(s)	Onn 165hz 1080p :: Acer 1080p
Case	Antec SOHO 1030B :: Old White Full Tower
Audio Device(s)	Creative X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Pro - Bose Companion 2 Series III :: None
Power Supply	FSP Hydro GE 550w :: EVGA Supernova 550
Software	Windows 10 Pro - Plex Server on Dragonfly
Benchmark Scores	>9000