Help me choose a router: Trendnet vs Linksys

I am looking for a wireless router basically for home use. I need one
that has at minimum a strong signal, WPA2 encryption, MAC address
filtering and ability to hide the SSID. One where I am on the lower level
and the router is on the upper level and I am getting a strong signal. I
am thinking between the 2 listed below. Before looking into the Linksys
WRT54G, I had now idea how configurable the router was after the firmware
flash to DD-WRT. Seems like a fun little project. I need help from you
networking experts out there. Here are some questions that I have.

1.) My laptop has a N capable card but my broadband plan from my ISP is
not very fast. I don't think it comes close to N speeds. So the main
reason I would want an N capable router is for the increased signal
strength and future proofing. This would help me to get a strong
connection being on different floors. So would it be better to go for the
Trendnet N capable router I mention below or go for the WRT54G and boost
the antena power usiing the added BIOS functionality? I don't really need the huge radius of N Wifi, but I need the strong signal(max radius would be usage on the front poarch close to the house).

2.) If I go for the WRT54G what version is known as the "best"(can add
the most features to and has the most robust hardware)? I have heard that
anything after version 5(including 5) is not as good as the old versions.

3.) I looked on the web but didn't find many comments on the Trendnet
router below. Does anyone have any opinions on it?

4.) Ultimately, which router should I go for? I can get both for great
prices, so I don't think price will be a concern. Though I will probably
get the Linksys used and the Trendnet new.
Any help would be great. Thanks.


Linksys WRT54G - (Linked version is new but I will get version 1 to 4 or
the WRT54GL model which is basically version 4 of WRT54G)
Pros:
- Has a lot of RAM and flash memory
- Can accept an opensource BIOS called DD-WRT that can unlock a crazy
number of features. One of which is to boost the antenna power for greater
range
- Linksys is a reputable brand.
- Can get it for cheap

Cons:
- Is not "N" protocol compatable
- Is old, was first released in 2003

Trendnet TEW-652BRP
Pros:
- Can get is cheap as well
- "N" protocol compatible
- Is new

Cons:
- Don't know if Trendnet is as good of a company as Linksys

 

I would go with Linksys. Have Linksys myself and have never had a problem, and has all the features you wanted. (besides N compatibility) I would also like to know more about DD-WRT if you mind.

 

Id go with the Linksys router. I currently have that model w/ hi gain antennas loaded with DD-WRT.

Its been good to me.

 

Agreed. DD-WRT is awesome! Not to mention the routers are cheap and work great. I would recommend the combo to anyone as I'm sure flipfire would too.

 

here you go -> DD-WRT

 

I have read that the Linksys WRT54G version 2 through 4 are the ones that work best with the Linux firmware. What version do you suggest and why?

 

i'd just get a cheap router from here
with good reviews, DD-WRT capable and maybe wireless-N

i got the NetGear WNR834B for $25 refurb.... put it in my dorm room, loaded up DD-WRT, set to Mixed-mode, works for my dorm.... got 10 people connected, not bad..... could pass through 3 walls of concrete easily... and it has an internal antenna

mac address filtering and hiding SSID is kinda pointless IMO... just set a good(long + random) password for WPA2...

 

I've got the WRT54GL (for the price of a G), havent loaded DD-WRT, but i have had no problems with the router.

 

Get the Linksys WRT54G2

 

Can't go wrong with Linksys. Can't go wrong with Cisco!

 

I have this and it works very well. Haven't had any problems with it.

 

I haven't heard of this model do you mean WRT54G version 2?

 

Yes: http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Sate...886869&pagename=Linksys/Common/VisitorWrapper

 

v2-4 work best because they still have full memory. Linksys reduced the memory size to half after these versions which means you will need to install the mini DD-WRT firmware's instead of the full versions.

Try get the version 2-4 if you can

I have the WRT54Gv2.1 loaded with DD-WRT v23 SP2. It has a ton of useful features.

 

Thanks everybody! I have been reading a lot on the Linksys WRT54 series of routers. I decided to not look at the Trendnet and just look at the older Linksys series of routers. The hackability and open source firmware has me excited. I was able to get a Linksys WRT54GS version 1 router for cheap. It has 32 MB of RAM and 8 MB of flash memory! More than enough for any open source firmware. I want to flash the BIOS of it right away and put Tomato on it. I really want to see if I can boost the antenna and get 100% connectivity throughout my place. I have an old and low end Trendnet router now and it works surprisingly well(will be giving it away to family member). I think this will be that much better. I will report back on how it turns out.

I looked at the G2 router you folks suggested but I didn't see what was so special about it?(not trying to offend anybody)