k wrote:
So, I typically don't do this kind of thing... by which I mean use this site for essentially personal stuff, but i have a feeling any responses might be useful to other people too, given the level of expertise of folks on this site.

My question is this : Is there an inexpensive commercial router/gateway that isn't a piece of shit?

I ask because I've stumbled on a need for a wired network again, after years of being all wireless (e.g. cable modem directly into AirPort Express). I wish to have wired and wireless networks that coexist in the same address space, don't give me any shit, and aren't enormous security holes.

In days past I'd be knee deep in PC hardware and a BSD install, but I'm so over all that fucking work, so requiring a minimum of maintenance is key.

Anyhow, thoughts? Does such a device even exist?

Well, if you don't want to spend time learning or maintaining something, a Cisco or Juniper router is out. If this is just a home or SOHO LAN, I'd consider a 3com next (starts at $300). Next step down would be U.S. Robotics ($150 ish). If you wanted to run out to Best Buy, I've had the best luck with Dlink. Belkins I have tested are slow, I've had lots of Netgear and Linksys devices that fail, and I've never tested SMC.

In terms of your wireless, some of the loudest, strongest WiFi signals I have picked up are 3com - but I don't know enough about wireless to know why. That's just what my iBook and I have noticed.

If you did want to roll your own solution, check out PFSense or one of the Knoppix based router projects. They are faster than starting with the OS installation and have craploads of features (IDS, VPN, QoS, etc.) built right in and don't take forever to install.

Hope that helps. Let "no, those suck" flame war begin :)

RE: Advice from fellow memestreamers