Hi - Our firestation is upgrading from an old belkin wireless g router and could use some advice on purchasing a replacement 2.4ghz N router.
The replacement must have:
1 - very good signal range; we need at least 50 feet more than we are getting with the belkin. Upgradable external antennas are preferred for this reason.
2 - multiple SSIDs so firefighters with old WEP-only b and g laptops can still connect. Most clients would be 802.11n WPA2, however.
3 - It would be nice to have the ability to VPN into the router from other locations, so that off-duty firefighters would be able to securely browse the web while travelling. (from coffee shops etc).
5ghz band is not needed, neither is 3-stream. What is needed is stability and good range. QOS traffic shaping on the multiple SSIDs would be a bonus.
Currently, the 4 routers I am considering are: ASUS RT-N66U Dual-Band Wireless-N900 Gigabit Router; Amped Wireless R10000G High Power Wireless-N 600mW Gigabit Router; and the BuffaloTech AirStation™ HighPower N450 Gigabit Wireless Router WZR-HP-G450H, and the Cisco RV220W.
I like Buffalotech but am concerned about bugginess and reliability of this model, based upon reviews elsewhere. The ASUS is chock full of features and looks cool but I have had headaches dealing with Asus's firmware and inadequate technical support in the past. Amped is a completely unknown company to me, but seemed to top the charts here for wireless range -- has anyone here used this router? The Cisco would definately handle our VPN needs, but I am not sure if the wireless range would be adequate.
Can anyone provide guidance...?
The replacement must have:
1 - very good signal range; we need at least 50 feet more than we are getting with the belkin. Upgradable external antennas are preferred for this reason.
2 - multiple SSIDs so firefighters with old WEP-only b and g laptops can still connect. Most clients would be 802.11n WPA2, however.
3 - It would be nice to have the ability to VPN into the router from other locations, so that off-duty firefighters would be able to securely browse the web while travelling. (from coffee shops etc).
5ghz band is not needed, neither is 3-stream. What is needed is stability and good range. QOS traffic shaping on the multiple SSIDs would be a bonus.
Currently, the 4 routers I am considering are: ASUS RT-N66U Dual-Band Wireless-N900 Gigabit Router; Amped Wireless R10000G High Power Wireless-N 600mW Gigabit Router; and the BuffaloTech AirStation™ HighPower N450 Gigabit Wireless Router WZR-HP-G450H, and the Cisco RV220W.
I like Buffalotech but am concerned about bugginess and reliability of this model, based upon reviews elsewhere. The ASUS is chock full of features and looks cool but I have had headaches dealing with Asus's firmware and inadequate technical support in the past. Amped is a completely unknown company to me, but seemed to top the charts here for wireless range -- has anyone here used this router? The Cisco would definately handle our VPN needs, but I am not sure if the wireless range would be adequate.
Can anyone provide guidance...?