More on a "reliable" ADSL modem/router.

**RSoles** · 8 September 2009, 17:27

Another vote for the Speedtouch.
Works flawlessly with Windows XP and Ubuntu.
I'm out in the sticks too.

**pmeswani** · 8 September 2009, 18:58

Originally posted by Fred Bloggs View Post

Well, I bought a pricey Draytek modem/router three weeks ago thinking it would be the end of my long running ADSL troubles. I have had 5 new routers in 5 years. I have just sent the Draytek back to get my money refunded. Draytek tell me that some of their modems/routers have "known issues" on long loop length/noisy lines. WTF!!!!! It failed to connect to the ISP for more than a few minutes and was continuously handshaking.

In the meantime the miserable little £20 Speedtouch that my ISP lent me is performing faultlessly. And it is a £100 cheaper than the "with issues" Draytek!!!!

The lesson? More expensive isn't necessarily best.

What about a Belkin Router?

**Jog On** · 8 September 2009, 19:29

I've had the same Linksys WRT54GL since 2003 and it's absolutly flipping brilliant.

I've turned wireless off and cabled up the flat and it just sits and behaves itself like it should

**voodooflux** · 8 September 2009, 19:36

Originally posted by Fred Bloggs View Post

Well, I bought a pricey Draytek modem/router three weeks ago thinking it would be the end of my long running ADSL troubles. I have had 5 new routers in 5 years. I have just sent the Draytek back to get my money refunded. Draytek tell me that some of their modems/routers have "known issues" on long loop length/noisy lines. WTF!!!!! It failed to connect to the ISP for more than a few minutes and was continuously handshaking.

Sorry to hear that Fred - I shoulder some of the blame as one of those who recommended Draytek kit

**VectraMan** · 8 September 2009, 20:14

I won't say I told you so.

Okay so I didn't quite, but I did say what makes a router good for features, and speed and reliability on a good line doesn't mean it'll be good on a marginal one. At least you're getting your money back.

My Netgear still works flawlessly, but then I could almost throw a stone and hit my telephone exchange (if I didn't throw like a girl anyway), so I'm not sure that's relevant to your situation.

**DaveB** · 8 September 2009, 20:56

3Com Office connect here. Does what it says, wired and wireless. No issues since the day I bought it.

**CheeseSlice** · 8 September 2009, 21:08

Firmware can have a lot to do with stability. Find a good one, then stick with it. No experience with Drayteks though.
I tried two firmware updates on my 4 year old Billion router. Both times I rolled back to a known good version due to drop-outs and resyncs.

When this one eventually dies I'm going to find another stable hardware / firmware combination and then not f**k with it.

**FarmerPalmer** · 8 September 2009, 21:17

Originally posted by Jog On View Post

I've had the same Linksys WRT54GL since 2003 and it's absolutly flipping brilliant.

I've turned wireless off and cabled up the flat and it just sits and behaves itself like it should

I too have a Linksys Router working faultlessly, and a Linksys wireless access point for the PS2 in a room where there is no network cable connection, and 2 Linksys switches running sub-nets (one in my study, and one in my son's bedroom) and a Linksys 3G router as a backup if/when my ADSL goes down.

oh and a Linksys NSLU2 (Slug) - Linux ARM box

**Fred Bloggs** · 9 September 2009, 07:01

Originally posted by voodooflux View Post

Sorry to hear that Fred - I shoulder some of the blame as one of those who recommended Draytek kit

Nope, no blame apportioned. Draytek admit that the units "have issues" under some circumstances. Thanks for your help it's appreciated.

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