Too Many Linksys Models?

[DaveMcLain]

Is it just me or does it seem that Linksys has too many router models to choose from? I was at a Wal Mart the other day and they had about five different Linksys wireless router models. Some of them seem to be so similar to one another it's amazing. For instance why do they make this new WRT120 model and still continue to make the WRT54G2? Do the newer draft N or the pseudo N chipsets really cost any more than an 802.11G version? I've used a lot of Linksys stuff in the past but their marketing confuses me....

 

[thiggins]

The problem is not unique to Cisco / Linksys. What you are mainly seeing is a combination of manufacturers' reluctance to discontinue old product and inventory glut.

I asked Cisco to explain their product line recently while working on the WRT120N stories, and in particular, to explain the difference between the WRT120N and WRT110.
They shared a one page slide of their consumer wireless product lineup, that unfortunately I can't post. But it has only the WRT54G2 as a G router, with all other products as N routers.

If you're a regular reader, you know my feelings about products using single-stream N technology. Simply put, I see no need for it on the router side. Single-stream does have a use on the client side, especially for low data-rate devices like printers, smart phones, cameras, etc.

I think this the push is coming from the chipmakers, who would like to phase out production of older b/g chipsets to streamline operations and trim costs.

As for consumer wireless marketing in general, it will continue to use a throw-it-against-the-wall-and-see-what-sticks approach. In the end, there are four basic product types:

- 11 b/g
- Single band draft 11n
- Dual-band, single radio draft 11n
- Dual-band, dual radio (simultaneous)

You need to decide which of these meet your needs, then look for products within each category. Discount any claims for performance that manufacturers make, since there are too many variables involved.

 

[DaveMcLain]

Here's a link to Walmart.com(my example of a typical retailer). This shows only "in store" items.

http://www.walmart.com/search/searc...traint=0&ref=501457.501458&tab_value=11_Store

So when a friend or family asks, "what's best?" what do I tell them? It seems as though ANY of these models would probably work fine for web surfing etc.

It appears that there's sort of a watering down or drifting away from what will be the N standard with this single stream stuff. Will that be the way of the future for the budget minded or G replacement hardware? Time will tell I guess...

 

[thiggins]

So when a friend or family asks, "what's best?" what do I tell them? It seems as though ANY of these models would probably work fine for web surfing etc.

Seems like there is a good short article there for me to do.

 

[DaveMcLain]

I think that might be a great idea. And or you could do a similar idea where you compare what's available from a variety of manufacturers as their most inexpensive products. Linksys WRT54G2, Netgear WGR614 and others. How well they hold up under real world "surf the net" type of use.

 

[thiggins]

Perhaps it's not the article you were thinking of. But I think it may help folks who just want a simpler guide.
How To Buy a Wireless Router: The Short Version

 

[thiggins]

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