[gentoo-user] recommendation for a router/WAP

[gentoo-user] recommendation for a router/WAP

[Allan Gottlieb]

I have a linksys wrt54G that is acting a little funny.

Since my new laptop supports 1Gig wired ethernet and the wrt is 100Meg,
I should upgrade even if the "funny" turns out to be just a config error
on my laptop.

This is a home system.

My requirements are modest.

1.  >= 4 wired ethernet ports for systems/devices (at least 1 port 1Gig)
2.  Wireless access point 802.11 b/g (n would be nice; a ok)
3.  dhcp (with settable addresses see below*)
4.  Availability in U.S.

* I am actually running the so-called "tomato firmware".  The std
firmware did not let me set specific dhcp addresses for specific
sources.  This is important to me.  My laptop is 192.168.1.70, one
printer is .50, the other .55, two other laptops are .72, and .75.,
Hence an /etc/hosts file lets each machine access the others by name

My isp cablevision/optonline provides a modem with a wired ethernet
port.  The router/wap should have an ethernet port (beyond the 4 above)
to accept the modem output (I realize it is all bidirectional).

Suggestions?

thanks,
allan gottlieb

Re: [gentoo-user] recommendation for a router/WAP

[wdk@moriah]

You can expect best case of 50% thru put for wifi (I.e., 50Mbs), and usually much less.  Think overhead for encryption, error recovery, and speed reduction for distance.  Add to that most wifi speeds on the box come from the marketing department ...

Then, if you are in a crowded (rf wise) environment, have an old 802.11b (10Mb) device in range and the antennas are more than few meters apart, someone is cooking dinner in the microwave, ...

Wired or wireless ... No contest!

W.Kenworthy


On 02/02/2012, at 9:08, Allan Gottlieb <gottlieb@nyu.edu> wrote:

> I have a linksys wrt54G that is acting a little funny.
> 
> Since my new laptop supports 1Gig wired ethernet and the wrt is 100Meg,
> I should upgrade even if the "funny" turns out to be just a config error
> on my laptop.
> 
> This is a home system.
> 
> My requirements are modest.
> 
> 1.  >= 4 wired ethernet ports for systems/devices (at least 1 port 1Gig)
> 2.  Wireless access point 802.11 b/g (n would be nice; a ok)
> 3.  dhcp (with settable addresses see below*)
> 4.  Availability in U.S.
> 
> * I am actually running the so-called "tomato firmware".  The std
> firmware did not let me set specific dhcp addresses for specific
> sources.  This is important to me.  My laptop is 192.168.1.70, one
> printer is .50, the other .55, two other laptops are .72, and .75.,
> Hence an /etc/hosts file lets each machine access the others by name
> 
> My isp cablevision/optonline provides a modem with a wired ethernet
> port.  The router/wap should have an ethernet port (beyond the 4 above)
> to accept the modem output (I realize it is all bidirectional).
> 
> Suggestions?
> 
> thanks,
> allan gottlieb
> 

Re: [gentoo-user] recommendation for a router/WAP

[Allan Gottlieb]

On Wed, Feb 01 2012, billk@iinet.net.au wrote:

>
>
> On 02/02/2012, at 9:08, Allan Gottlieb <gottlieb@nyu.edu> wrote:
>
>> I have a linksys wrt54G that is acting a little funny.
>> 
>> Since my new laptop supports 1Gig wired ethernet and the wrt is 100Meg,
>> I should upgrade even if the "funny" turns out to be just a config error
>> on my laptop.
>> 
>> This is a home system.
>> 
>> My requirements are modest.
>> 
>> 1.  >= 4 wired ethernet ports for systems/devices (at least 1 port 1Gig)
>> 2.  Wireless access point 802.11 b/g (n would be nice; a ok)
>> 3.  dhcp (with settable addresses see below*)
>> 4.  Availability in U.S.
>> 
>> * I am actually running the so-called "tomato firmware".  The std
>> firmware did not let me set specific dhcp addresses for specific
>> sources.  This is important to me.  My laptop is 192.168.1.70, one
>> printer is .50, the other .55, two other laptops are .72, and .75.,
>> Hence an /etc/hosts file lets each machine access the others by name
>> 
>> My isp cablevision/optonline provides a modem with a wired ethernet
>> port.  The router/wap should have an ethernet port (beyond the 4 above)
>> to accept the modem output (I realize it is all bidirectional).
>> 
>> Suggestions?
>> 
>> thanks,
>> allan gottlieb
>> 
> You can expect best case of 50% thru put for wifi (I.e., 50Mbs), and usually much less.  Think overhead for encryption, error recovery, and speed reduction for distance.  Add to that most wifi speeds on the box come from the marketing department ...
>
> Then, if you are in a crowded (rf wise) environment, have an old 802.11b (10Mb) device in range and the antennas are more than few meters apart, someone is cooking dinner in the microwave, ...
>
> Wired or wireless ... No contest!
>
> W.Kenworthy

I am asking for a recommendation of a router/wap.  I know the
wired/wireless tradeoffs.

thanks,
allan

Re: [gentoo-user] recommendation for a router/WAP

[Michael Mol]

On Wed, Feb 1, 2012 at 8:08 PM, Allan Gottlieb <gottlieb@nyu.edu> wrote:
> I have a linksys wrt54G that is acting a little funny.
>
> Since my new laptop supports 1Gig wired ethernet and the wrt is 100Meg,
> I should upgrade even if the "funny" turns out to be just a config error
> on my laptop.
>
> This is a home system.
>
> My requirements are modest.
>
> 1.  >= 4 wired ethernet ports for systems/devices (at least 1 port 1Gig)
> 2.  Wireless access point 802.11 b/g (n would be nice; a ok)
> 3.  dhcp (with settable addresses see below*)
> 4.  Availability in U.S.
>
> * I am actually running the so-called "tomato firmware".  The std
> firmware did not let me set specific dhcp addresses for specific
> sources.  This is important to me.  My laptop is 192.168.1.70, one
> printer is .50, the other .55, two other laptops are .72, and .75.,
> Hence an /etc/hosts file lets each machine access the others by name
>
> My isp cablevision/optonline provides a modem with a wired ethernet
> port.  The router/wap should have an ethernet port (beyond the 4 above)
> to accept the modem output (I realize it is all bidirectional).
>
> Suggestions?
>
> thanks,
> allan gottlieb
>


I picked up a TP-LINK TL WA701ND a couple weeks ago from Newegg, for
$30USD. I'm very happy with it as a single-SSID AP, though I intend to
get it set up in multi-SSID mode. I have it plugged into a Debian box
which is acting as a router.

But you need a router. I haven't *tried* it, but despite what the spec
sheet says for the device, the firmware includes all the configuration
options for setting it up as a router. $30 for a wireless-N device is
pretty decent.

Regarding wireless throughput...You can't receive a packet you haven't
sent. I max out my 30Mb/s internet connection* when I hit speed tests.
I can comfortably play video on my laptop over ssh X11 forwarding.
Wireless N is very, very nice.

* I pay for 20Mb/s down, but generally get 27-33Mbs/ down.
-- 
:wq

Re: [gentoo-user] recommendation for a router/WAP

[Michael Mol]

On Wed, Feb 1, 2012 at 10:12 PM, Michael Mol <mikemol@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Wed, Feb 1, 2012 at 8:08 PM, Allan Gottlieb <gottlieb@nyu.edu> wrote:
>> I have a linksys wrt54G that is acting a little funny.
>>
>> Since my new laptop supports 1Gig wired ethernet and the wrt is 100Meg,
>> I should upgrade even if the "funny" turns out to be just a config error
>> on my laptop.
>>
>> This is a home system.
>>
>> My requirements are modest.
>>
>> 1.  >= 4 wired ethernet ports for systems/devices (at least 1 port 1Gig)
>> 2.  Wireless access point 802.11 b/g (n would be nice; a ok)
>> 3.  dhcp (with settable addresses see below*)
>> 4.  Availability in U.S.
>>
>> * I am actually running the so-called "tomato firmware".  The std
>> firmware did not let me set specific dhcp addresses for specific
>> sources.  This is important to me.  My laptop is 192.168.1.70, one
>> printer is .50, the other .55, two other laptops are .72, and .75.,
>> Hence an /etc/hosts file lets each machine access the others by name
>>
>> My isp cablevision/optonline provides a modem with a wired ethernet
>> port.  The router/wap should have an ethernet port (beyond the 4 above)
>> to accept the modem output (I realize it is all bidirectional).
>>
>> Suggestions?
>>
>> thanks,
>> allan gottlieb
>>
>
>
> I picked up a TP-LINK TL WA701ND a couple weeks ago from Newegg, for
> $30USD. I'm very happy with it as a single-SSID AP, though I intend to
> get it set up in multi-SSID mode. I have it plugged into a Debian box
> which is acting as a router.
>
> But you need a router. I haven't *tried* it, but despite what the spec
> sheet says for the device, the firmware includes all the configuration
> options for setting it up as a router. $30 for a wireless-N device is
> pretty decent.
>
> Regarding wireless throughput...You can't receive a packet you haven't
> sent. I max out my 30Mb/s internet connection* when I hit speed tests.
> I can comfortably play video on my laptop over ssh X11 forwarding.
> Wireless N is very, very nice.
>
> * I pay for 20Mb/s down, but generally get 27-33Mbs/ down.

Erp. Sorry; didn't finish reading your email. Only one ethernet port.

-- 
:wq

Re: [gentoo-user] recommendation for a router/WAP

[wdk@moriah]

On 02/02/2012, at 11:02, Allan Gottlieb <gottlieb@nyu.edu> wrote:

> On Wed, Feb 01 2012, billk@iinet.net.au wrote:
> 
>> 
>> 
>> On 02/02/2012, at 9:08, Allan Gottlieb <gottlieb@nyu.edu> wrote:
>> 
>>> I have a linksys wrt54G that is acting a little funny.
>>> 
>>> Since my new laptop supports 1Gig wired ethernet and the wrt is 100Meg,
>>> I should upgrade even if the "funny" turns out to be just a config error
>>> on my laptop.
>>> 
>>> This is a home system.
>>> 
>>> My requirements are modest.
>>> 
>>> 1.  >= 4 wired ethernet ports for systems/devices (at least 1 port 1Gig)
>>> 2.  Wireless access point 802.11 b/g (n would be nice; a ok)
>>> 3.  dhcp (with settable addresses see below*)
>>> 4.  Availability in U.S.
>>> 
>>> * I am actually running the so-called "tomato firmware".  The std
>>> firmware did not let me set specific dhcp addresses for specific
>>> sources.  This is important to me.  My laptop is 192.168.1.70, one
>>> printer is .50, the other .55, two other laptops are .72, and .75.,
>>> Hence an /etc/hosts file lets each machine access the others by name
>>> 
>>> My isp cablevision/optonline provides a modem with a wired ethernet
>>> port.  The router/wap should have an ethernet port (beyond the 4 above)
>>> to accept the modem output (I realize it is all bidirectional).
>>> 
>>> Suggestions?
>>> 
>>> thanks,
>>> allan gottlieb
>>> 
>> You can expect best case of 50% thru put for wifi (I.e., 50Mbs), and usually much less.  Think overhead for encryption, error recovery, and speed reduction for distance.  Add to that most wifi speeds on the box come from the marketing department ...
>> 
>> Then, if you are in a crowded (rf wise) environment, have an old 802.11b (10Mb) device in range and the antennas are more than few meters apart, someone is cooking dinner in the microwave, ...
>> 
>> Wired or wireless ... No contest!
>> 
>> W.Kenworthy
> 
> I am asking for a recommendation of a router/wap.  I know the
> wired/wireless tradeoffs.
> 
> thanks,
> allan
> 

Sorry, read it as wired or wireless.

Check out the buffalo routers -I have a G300NH which while it has a few early reports of bad wifi, it's been faultless for me.  After a couple of months I changed the custom ddwrt firmware for real ddwrt (basically  because I could!) and it's always been problem free.

My limited experience with 1G has been mixed - usually don't notice much of a difference though its occasionally wow! - mostly cisco devices though.

Billk

Re: [gentoo-user] recommendation for a router/WAP

[J. Roeleveld]

On Thu, February 2, 2012 2:08 am, Allan Gottlieb wrote:
> I have a linksys wrt54G that is acting a little funny.
>
> Since my new laptop supports 1Gig wired ethernet and the wrt is 100Meg,
> I should upgrade even if the "funny" turns out to be just a config error
> on my laptop.
>
> This is a home system.
>
> My requirements are modest.
>
> 1.  >= 4 wired ethernet ports for systems/devices (at least 1 port 1Gig)
> 2.  Wireless access point 802.11 b/g (n would be nice; a ok)
> 3.  dhcp (with settable addresses see below*)
> 4.  Availability in U.S.
>
> * I am actually running the so-called "tomato firmware".  The std
> firmware did not let me set specific dhcp addresses for specific
> sources.  This is important to me.  My laptop is 192.168.1.70, one
> printer is .50, the other .55, two other laptops are .72, and .75.,
> Hence an /etc/hosts file lets each machine access the others by name
>
> My isp cablevision/optonline provides a modem with a wired ethernet
> port.  The router/wap should have an ethernet port (beyond the 4 above)
> to accept the modem output (I realize it is all bidirectional).
>
> Suggestions?

Not sure about availability, but Draytek has some nice routers with
GB-ports (also on the WAN side)
They also support VLANS and different IP-ranges per port.

--
Joost

Re: [gentoo-user] recommendation for a router/WAP

[Gregory Shearman]

In linux.gentoo.user, you wrote:
>
> On 02/02/2012, at 11:02, Allan Gottlieb <gottlieb@nyu.edu> wrote:
>> 
>> I am asking for a recommendation of a router/wap.  I know the
>> wired/wireless tradeoffs.
>> 
>> thanks, allan
>> 
>
> Sorry, read it as wired or wireless.
>
> Check out the buffalo routers -I have a G300NH which while it has a
> few early reports of bad wifi, it's been faultless for me.  After a
> couple of months I changed the custom ddwrt firmware for real ddwrt
> (basically  because I could!) and it's always been problem free.
>
> My limited experience with 1G has been mixed - usually don't notice
> much of a difference though its occasionally wow! - mostly cisco
> devices though.

I can second the Buffalo WZR-HP-G300NH. I run it with Openwrt rather
than ddwrt and I find it runs flawlessly, though I only run it with a
few wireless laptops and a wired server. Everthing works as it should. I
love the ease of configuration that is provided by Openwrt, plus the
flexibility of having IPV6 available.

-- 
Regards,
Gregory.

Re: [gentoo-user] recommendation for a router/WAP

[Allan Gottlieb]

On Thu, Feb 02 2012, Gregory Shearman wrote:

> In linux.gentoo.user, you wrote:
>>
>> On 02/02/2012, at 11:02, Allan Gottlieb <gottlieb@nyu.edu> wrote:
>>> 
>>> I am asking for a recommendation of a router/wap.  I know the
>>> wired/wireless tradeoffs.
>>> 
>>> thanks, allan
>>> 
>>
>> Sorry, read it as wired or wireless.
>>
>> Check out the buffalo routers -I have a G300NH which while it has a
>> few early reports of bad wifi, it's been faultless for me.  After a
>> couple of months I changed the custom ddwrt firmware for real ddwrt
>> (basically  because I could!) and it's always been problem free.
>>
>> My limited experience with 1G has been mixed - usually don't notice
>> much of a difference though its occasionally wow! - mostly cisco
>> devices though.
>
> I can second the Buffalo WZR-HP-G300NH. I run it with Openwrt rather
> than ddwrt and I find it runs flawlessly, though I only run it with a
> few wireless laptops and a wired server. Everthing works as it should. I
> love the ease of configuration that is provided by Openwrt, plus the
> flexibility of having IPV6 available.

This sounds good.  Thanks to all responders.  One question.  I found the
buffalo manual online.  I don't see how I can assign fixed IP addresses
on its 192.168.11.x network.  That is I want the LAN connection to my
laptop ajglap to be 192.168.11.70, the wifi connection to that machine
be .71.  Similarly for oldlap I want to use .73 and .74, for my two
printers .50 and .55 (both are LAN), etc

My current linksys (wrt54G) with the open source "tomato" firmware does
this.  Is there firmware for the buffalo that does it as well?

thanks,
allan

Re: [gentoo-user] recommendation for a router/WAP

[Neil Bothwick]

[-- Attachment #1: Type: text/plain, Size: 579 bytes --]

On Thu, 2 Feb 2012 23:35:03 +1100, Gregory Shearman wrote:

> I can second the Buffalo WZR-HP-G300NH. I run it with Openwrt rather
> than ddwrt and I find it runs flawlessly, though I only run it with a
> few wireless laptops and a wired server.

What are the advantages of Openwrt? I have one of these but have never
bothered with anything but the stock dd-wrt.


-- 
Neil Bothwick

Standard: (n., adj.) a design target which manufacturers may embellish,
improve upon, or ignore as they wish, so long as it can be used profitably
          in their advertising.

[-- Attachment #2: signature.asc --]
[-- Type: application/pgp-signature, Size: 198 bytes --]

Re: [gentoo-user] recommendation for a router/WAP

[Paul Hartman]

On Thu, Feb 2, 2012 at 11:44 AM, Neil Bothwick <neil@digimed.co.uk> wrote:
> On Thu, 2 Feb 2012 23:35:03 +1100, Gregory Shearman wrote:
>
>> I can second the Buffalo WZR-HP-G300NH. I run it with Openwrt rather
>> than ddwrt and I find it runs flawlessly, though I only run it with a
>> few wireless laptops and a wired server.
>
> What are the advantages of Openwrt? I have one of these but have never
> bothered with anything but the stock dd-wrt.

It's like the Gentoo of router distros, you can pretty easily roll
your own firmware image with whatever kernel options, packages and
features you want included. You can install a web-based management
console similar to the one DD-WRT has, or you could manage it entirely
through SSH if you want to save space for other things. I think DD-WRT
is actually based on OpenWrt, or is in the process of becoming so.
That is not to say that DD-WRT does not contain original work, as it
certainly does, and they are contracted to write firmware for some new
devices that might not generically be supported by OpenWrt yet.

I also have WZR-HP-G300NH and wifi suffered constant disconnects and
poor performance. The latest OpenWrt updates have gotten better from
the driver standpoint, and what really helped link quality was
dramatically /reducing/ the antenna power. I still get dropped wifi
connection on all of my devices every time someone uses the microwave
oven... (my old and slow router did not suffer from that problem).

If I had the chance to do it over, I'd get WZR-HP-AG300H instead,
since it has 5GHz support.

Re: [gentoo-user] recommendation for a router/WAP

[Neil Bothwick]

[-- Attachment #1: Type: text/plain, Size: 784 bytes --]

On Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:55:24 -0500, Allan Gottlieb wrote:

> This sounds good.  Thanks to all responders.  One question.  I found the
> buffalo manual online.  I don't see how I can assign fixed IP addresses
> on its 192.168.11.x network.  That is I want the LAN connection to my
> laptop ajglap to be 192.168.11.70, the wifi connection to that machine
> be .71.  Similarly for oldlap I want to use .73 and .74, for my two
> printers .50 and .55 (both are LAN), etc

I use dnsmasq to do this and I see that the Buffalo also uses dnsmasq,
although I'm using it on my server not the router, so what you want
should be possible.


-- 
Neil Bothwick

To most people solutions mean finding the answers.  But to chemists
solutions are things that are still all mixed up.

[-- Attachment #2: signature.asc --]
[-- Type: application/pgp-signature, Size: 198 bytes --]

Re: [gentoo-user] recommendation for a router/WAP

[Neil Bothwick]

[-- Attachment #1: Type: text/plain, Size: 381 bytes --]

On Thu, 2 Feb 2012 14:34:01 -0600, Paul Hartman wrote:

> I also have WZR-HP-G300NH and wifi suffered constant disconnects and
> poor performance.

I have a WZR-HP-G300NH with firmware DD-WRT v24SP2-EU-US (08/19/10) std -
build 14998 and can't recall the last time I lost a wireless connection.


-- 
Neil Bothwick

Suicide is the most sincere form of self-criticism.

[-- Attachment #2: signature.asc --]
[-- Type: application/pgp-signature, Size: 198 bytes --]

Re: [gentoo-user] recommendation for a router/WAP

[Paul Hartman]

On Thu, Feb 2, 2012 at 3:49 PM, Neil Bothwick <neil@digimed.co.uk> wrote:
> On Thu, 2 Feb 2012 14:34:01 -0600, Paul Hartman wrote:
>
>> I also have WZR-HP-G300NH and wifi suffered constant disconnects and
>> poor performance.
>
> I have a WZR-HP-G300NH with firmware DD-WRT v24SP2-EU-US (08/19/10) std -
> build 14998 and can't recall the last time I lost a wireless connection.

Would you mind checking your wireless config and let me know what
transmit power it is set to? I've got mine set to 17 dBm (50 mW) at
the moment, but that was just a random guess. Could be that it's still
too strong and is being distorted...

Strange thing is my previous buffalo router, which sat on the exact
same shelf, was extremely strong. I could use it outside, in my car,
at the neighbor's house across the street... it had a much larger
antenna. Not sure if the WZR-HP-G300NH supports external antennas.
Maybe I could rig something up... run some kind of 50ft antenna
through the walls and floors of my home. :)

Re: [gentoo-user] recommendation for a router/WAP

[wdk@moriah]

On 03/02/2012, at 5:49, Neil Bothwick <neil@digimed.co.uk> wrote:

> On Thu, 2 Feb 2012 14:34:01 -0600, Paul Hartman wrote:
> 
>> I also have WZR-HP-G300NH and wifi suffered constant disconnects and
>> poor performance.
> 
> I have a WZR-HP-G300NH with firmware DD-WRT v24SP2-EU-US (08/19/10) std -
> build 14998 and can't recall the last time I lost a wireless connection.
> 
> 
> -- 
> Neil Bothwick
> 
> Suicide is the most sincere form of self-criticism.


Same here with one exception, tho 1 version before.  The microwave when physically between the two devices will drop streamed videos etc - web browsers don't notice it.  Otherwise it just works.  I am using 15dbm power but the location is not the best - multiple metal door frames/walls LOS between the couch (iPad users) and AP.

I am also using G-only mode as some of my G-only devices don't like N/G mixed mode (happened with other routers so not a fault with the buffalo).  This thread caused me to think again as the main device with this problem has moved on (broke, binned) so Ive re-enabled mixed G/N mode and will see how it goes.

I did see the disconnect problem discussed on forums (after I bought it!) but never suffered from it - maybe it was early hardware?
 
BillK

Re: [gentoo-user] recommendation for a router/WAP

[Neil Bothwick]

[-- Attachment #1: Type: text/plain, Size: 745 bytes --]

On Thu, 2 Feb 2012 16:31:58 -0600, Paul Hartman wrote:

> > I have a WZR-HP-G300NH with firmware DD-WRT v24SP2-EU-US (08/19/10)
> > std - build 14998 and can't recall the last time I lost a wireless
> > connection.  
> 
> Would you mind checking your wireless config and let me know what
> transmit power it is set to? I've got mine set to 17 dBm (50 mW) at
> the moment, but that was just a random guess. Could be that it's still
> too strong and is being distorted..

It's 13dBm and I can't see a way of changing it with the stock firmware.


-- 
Neil Bothwick

GOTO: (n.) an efficient and general way of controlling a program, much
despised by academics and others whose brains have been ruined by
overexposure to Pascal.

[-- Attachment #2: signature.asc --]
[-- Type: application/pgp-signature, Size: 198 bytes --]

Re: [gentoo-user] recommendation for a router/WAP

[Paul Hartman]

On Thu, Feb 2, 2012 at 5:32 PM, Neil Bothwick <neil@digimed.co.uk> wrote:
> On Thu, 2 Feb 2012 16:31:58 -0600, Paul Hartman wrote:
>
>> > I have a WZR-HP-G300NH with firmware DD-WRT v24SP2-EU-US (08/19/10)
>> > std - build 14998 and can't recall the last time I lost a wireless
>> > connection.
>>
>> Would you mind checking your wireless config and let me know what
>> transmit power it is set to? I've got mine set to 17 dBm (50 mW) at
>> the moment, but that was just a random guess. Could be that it's still
>> too strong and is being distorted..
>
> It's 13dBm and I can't see a way of changing it with the stock firmware.

Thanks! 13 dBm is less than half the power than my current setting
(which itself is a tentth of the power I tried before). I just
switched it, we'll see if there's any imrpovement!

OpenWrt allows you to switch output power from 0 dBm (1 mW) up to 27
dBm (501 mW)... possibly to your own detriment. :)

My router is in a basement directly beside concrete wall and floor, so
I've always wondered how much distortion may be caused by that. I've
tried adjusting the angle/direction of the antennas but with no
noticeable difference in results.