Router impact on high-speed access

**osprey4** · February 11th, 2002, 11:58 AM

CompUSA has the SMC Barricade broadband router (SMC7004ABR) on sale this week. I was all set to snatch one but then I read the review on practicallynetworked.com, which mentioned this:

Comments: UDP streaming performance takes a significant hit in the new model, with the router well into overload at a 500kbps UDP stream rate. This result means you may need to switch to a lower rate if you regularly watch fast Internet video streams.

(I think they mean 500 KB/sec. At least, I hope they do.)

I have a very fast cable connection, normally over 8mbps or 1 MB/sec. I do not want a router that sucks the life blood out of my connection.

I'd like to hear from others with fast connections who employ routers that do not impact their speed.

BTW, I'm using an SB4100 cable modem with a 3COM NIC set to full duplex. I'd appreciate hearing from others.

john

**MDdan** · February 11th, 2002, 12:58 PM

Well, how about I answer with a question. How much UDP do you do anyway? As long as the TCP/IP doesn't take a hit, does it matter?

Did you see the deal that Best Buy has going on a Linksys Broadband router, $29.99 after rebates?

**osprey4** · February 11th, 2002, 02:58 PM

MDdan; I access streaming media fairly regularly. Maybe I don't understand why a router that's supposed to run 10 Mbps is choking on a 500 kbps UDP stream.

To answer your question, our BB had the D-link DI-704 for $30 after rebates. I was leaning toward the SMC since practicallynetworked.com recommended it. Did you see something different?

The Linksys has a reputation for poor quality (a few bad apples in the basket). It's also been blamed by some users of limiting their speeds to 5 Mbps, but others say everything runs fine.

Maybe I'll just go out and pick up a few brands, bring them home and try them out, then take back the ones I don't want. (hmmm, starting to sound like my wife!)

john

**MDdan** · February 11th, 2002, 03:10 PM

hey, confirm the return policy, and if that SMC has that problem, I see no problem with taking it back.

I just wish my Cable modem was that fast!

**newbie~wan** · February 11th, 2002, 05:40 PM

limiting their speeds to 5 Mbps

Yeah, I just hate it when my mp3 dowloads get capped off at 600kB/sec. Make me wait more than six seconds!

j/k

**elroy** · February 11th, 2002, 06:11 PM

I've got a Barricade 7004ABR and it works very well. I've got ADSL and usually get speeds both ways of 800-1200K per second. My lines max speed is 1500 and sometimes I actually get 1500.

**osprey4** · February 11th, 2002, 07:41 PM

OK, I'll admit it! I'm spoiled.

Think I'll go pick up that SMC and give it a run. How wrong can you go for $59 (with MIR)?

By the way, our connection was running around 3 Mbps for the first several months but a couple firmware upgrades and we're really smoking. Gotta hand it to Optimum Online for some great service. Not bad for $30/mo, huh?

John

**AuraEdge** · February 11th, 2002, 07:45 PM

I think theres a 4 port DLink router (maybe even with printserver) over at www.techbargains.com you may wanna scope out.
I'll link it when I find it.

EDIT -
http://www.bestbuy.com/default.asp
its on the front page.

100-$20 instant Rebate - $20 BB MIR - $30 DLink MIR.

so 80 up front, 50 in rebates.

aw man

Sorry, no longer taking orders for this item
Not available for store pickup

Sorry man.

**surreal** · February 11th, 2002, 08:38 PM

But,, But I need a router.,.

**osprey4** · February 11th, 2002, 10:12 PM

They had that D-link in the store yesterday, but there were only two on the shelf.

Besides, I've got about $100 in outstanding rebates and I hate to lend out any more free money than necessary. Think I gotta wait for Intuit to cough up my TurboTax rebates first, then start looking.

Surreal; The prices on these things have been dropping faster than the Nasdaq, so I would worry about missing out. There's another deal every week some place or another. Maybe Best Buy this week, Circus City next week, ClumpUSA the week after.

John