Internet

[PleaseListen]

I used to use an old Linksys router (54G) and always had excellent range, speed and signal strength. It also never needed rebooting. 

When I switched over to the SMC3DGN, I found that the wireless was really poor and unreliable. The range seems to be less than 30 feet - sometimes I'm 10 feet away and I see 2Mbps! I've replaced the unit already but the second one still is not as good as the old router I had.

I'm wondering if I should turn off the wireless and connect the Linksys to one of the ports. Sucks that I bought a "2-in-1" that is really a "crappy 1 and none".

Do you think switching to the Cisco model/router will help? Or should I just chalk it up to yet another problem with Rogers that doesn't have a resolution?

Thanks!

[skinorth]

@PleaseListen:

if you read through older postings in this Forum as well as other web locations, you will find a number of others who report basically the same problems with the SMCD3GN.  If you have the option to change to the Cisco device that may be a good option for you.

It seems peculiar that, as you put it, the relatively "old" Linksys WRT54G router is generally well regarded and provldes good wireless performance while newer devices such as the SMCD3GN to not have such a good reputation for wireless performance.  Why would this be?

Myself, I have picked up a number of the "older" Linksys WRT54G-type routers at thrift stores etc., for $6 - $7 just to have them as I know they are good devices to have around if someone needs a wireless router.

Of course, Linksys is now, and has been for a few years, owned by Cisco.  I am not sure what conclusions to draw from that, but certainly Cisco has been well regarded in the industry for years.

Unfortunately, if you are forced by these circumstances to revert back to the use of your "older" Linksys router, the question arises: what exactly are you paying for with the SMCD3GN if it does not effectively live up to its basic specifications and match the performance of other, competing products?

Incorporating the Linksys router into your network and putting the SMCD3GN into bridge mode is certainly possible, but doesn't really make your life simpler.  But, perhaps better the devil you know than the devil you don't...........

skinorth

[Chris]

Yeah, the cisco apparently has better wireless range.. But you'll probably be best to have either set to bridge mode and use your old router. 54g's are great routers.

[PleaseListen]

Thanks for the quick reply @skinorth. Yes, it sucks that I upgraded, paid for the combo and cannot utilize it fully. I'll try the Cisco and see if things improve. If not, to paraphrase your comment...I'd rather revert to a bridge with the 54g than deal with the frustration that is Rogers. At least I know my 54g works