What is the best non-commercial router?

I am talking about the routers that are not sold heavily in stores or on the net. I read somewhere there are better routers available if you are willing to pay over $500 that are not advertised a lot.

Does anyone know what brands they are?

 

You can spend around $150 and get a very good router from D-Link or Linksys. You don't need to spend $500 or more, unless you are looking to buy a managed switch.

 

well, depending on your budget I run a Juniper netscreen at home. granted I work with them for a living. they are quite bullet proof and not too expensive for something their size. that and they are configurable like crazy

 

Netgear is an excellent router.

 

I use the Netgear SMB 8port VPN router (FVS338). Wired only, loaded with features. The newer models have GigE and a more powerful CPU for encryption.

 

That sounds like a powerful router, how much is it?

 

meh just spend the money on the juniper. the netgear has nothing feature wise that a juniper does not.

 

Netgear price via Google: $199.99 ($189.99 current special from newegg). I'd tell you the price for the Juniper, but I don't know the particular model that focusfre4k uses.

 

I use a NS5GT

netgear will work..but in my opinion its still a residential router and you wanted something bigger.

 

This is not a residential router it sports Netgear's Metal Blue case used for business hardware. The FVS338 is a Small to Medium Bussiness Class router supporting VPN Endpoint and comes with a 5 liecense VPN Clinet software. Meaning you actually connect to the router not a PC (port forward). Giving you full network access as you were connected internally, the reason I like it. It has a very robust FW for router based FW's. It is stable as can be, no problem with 24/7 hammering. Lan ro Wan through put is 75mbps and 10,000 concurrent sessions. Supports dialup backup access, load ballancing and roll over, ( I think the FVS538 is better here). Now since this only has 10/100baset lan ports I would upgrade to the newer model (FVS336G) if buying a new router. If you have dual cat5 wan (isp) service the FVS538 supports it. Where the FVS338 supports ADSL modems on the com port. I have used the FVS338 and the lower FVS328 to tie 2 networks together make a single network. The big kicker on VPN is the Uplink speed needs to be fast or performce is greatly impacted.

Here is the link to the Netgear FVS338 and the newer FVS336G and here is a compairson chart http://www.netgear.com/upload/secondarycategory/wiredvpnfirewallrouters/comparison_chart_wired_vpn_firewalls.pdf
And here is the Business Line http://www.netgear.com/Solutions/BusinessSolutions.aspx

I'm not being familiar with the Juniper, it may have the same features. Sisco, USR and others make business class hardware too. But unless you have over 1000 connections, may be an over kill. Then if you have that, you no not needing a router, you will need an Appliance FW (checkpoint) and managed switches. Since your ISP is probably providing sever fiber lines.

 

LOL! ok the netscreen is overkill but he wanted overkill so I supplied him

that netgear would work amazing no doubt, just figured I would show him the bang for the buck if he wants a godly firewall!

good info though blue68f100