I' currently using a Netgear RP114 router. I've had this router for years and it's been very reliable. My connection is from a DSL modem to the router and then it feeds 3 computers. Do you think I could use a newer router? Would it increase my surfing speeds at all? Even for security reasons, do you think I should upgrade and if so, could you recommend a brand or model? I prefer a wired router over wireless. Thanx for any input. Keep Smiling It makes them think you're up to something...

"Do you think I could use a newer router?" If you have a need for a specific feature your router doesn't support, sure. Otherwise, probably not gonna get much out of it. "Would it increase my surfing speeds at all?" It could. The ASIC processor in a new router is bound to be faster. Don't expect landmark performance differences. In fact, I wouldn't expect a performance difference at all. "Even for security reasons, do you think I should upgrade(?)" In terms of pure security features, your router is missing a key protection mechanism called Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI). It certainly provides better security, but it's debatable if it's worth the price of a new router just for that. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firewa... See "stateful filters" "do you think I should upgrade and if so, could you recommend a brand or model? I prefer a wired router over wireless." If there's not a feature you need, I'd say probably not. However, if you do, I like the Linksys WRT54G or GL; I've deployed hundreds of them without any issues. It is wireless, but if you don't want wireless, just disable the built-in WAP. I recommend this over their wired routers because the last time I checked, their wired routers interestingly didn't mention having SPI, and they're often more expensive than the WRT54G is. Another interesting solution is building your own out of an older machine. http://www.ipcop.org http://www.astaro.com If you have no experience with linux, don't be intimidated. I built my IPCop box and wasn't required to know anything about Linux to get it up and going within 15 minutes. TECH-NO-LOGICAL ROMANCE! http://www.homestarrunner.com/tgs12.html

Hey Heropsycho, Thanx for the quick reply. I've read about the SPI feature of some new routers. I read the article you suggested. I have an old HP 850 machine I might try to use. I know nothing about Linux, but maybe I'll give it a try. I'm gonna check out the Linksys routers you mentioned. An upgrade doesn't seem to warrent the expense at this time, but you never know. Once again, thanx for taking the time to reply. It's much appreciated. Keep Smiling It makes them think you're up to something...

Rule of Thumb: If It Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It. I used a Netgear RP314 for years and still would except I needed Wifi to connect my son's Playstation to online games. It never gave me a bit of trouble, I just needed WiFi.

"I know nothing about Linux, but maybe I'll give it a try." Literally, you need absolutely no linux experience whatsoever to install and configure IPCop. And no, I'm not one of those guys who says that about any linux product or distro. And you're welcome for the help. TECH-NO-LOGICAL ROMANCE! http://www.homestarrunner.com/tgs12.html