EnGenius routers - decent ?

[DIYspanner]

I've been looking for a decent router to replace the crappy freebie one I use with Talktalk fibre-otptic.


Has anyone got experience with EnGenius routers ?

This one looks canny for the price

http://www.solwise.co.uk/wireless-el-esr300.html

 

[Monkeh]

Internal antennas, not exactly a recommendation. Looks slightly better than the typical tat, though..

Try this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-LINK-TL-WR841N-300Mbps-Wireless-Router/dp/B001FWYGJS

If you want something really decent you'll be spending a bit more than £30.

 

[DIYspanner]

Most obliged Monkeh

ref: TP-LINK TL-WR841N
For the price it seems very reasonable. Is it one you've used yourself ?


I assume the internal antenna type router is done for lower cost manufacture?

 

[Monkeh]

Yeah, internal antennas (of the cheap, PCB printing type) are cheaper, also look 'neater'.. and don't work half as well.

I've used those along with several other models. Hardware-wise they work well. The stock firmware is pretty decent and will probably satisfy you. You can get an idea of the features here: http://uk.tp-link.com/resources/simulator/TL-WR841ND_v9/Index.htm

 

[DIYspanner]

Have bought one off Amazon cause I've had enough the free router I got from Talktalk.


Thanks again for the recommendation.

 

[Monkeh]

Have bought one off Amazon cause I've had enough the free router I got from Talktalk.


Thanks again for the recommendation.

Let us know how you get on with it.

 

[DIYspanner]

Have plugged in the TP-LINK TL-WR841N router and it more or less worked straight away.


One thing that concerns me is that I did a firewall test using

https://www.grc.com/shieldsup

and the test failed based on the ping responding to their probe.

This is the first router I've had that has failed this test!

Is there any configuration the router that can change this ?

I've checked that the firewall is enabled.

 

[Monkeh]

It's under the advanced security menu. Although honestly, who gives a crap.

 

[DIYspanner]

Many thanks Monkeh, I found and disabled it and the router passed the tests.

I'm not a networking expert its just the fact that my pc is behind a router that is reported as not responding to the test ping thus, as the website states, invisible to hackers on the internet.

Perhaps a false sense of security .... if you'll pardon the pun.

 

[Monkeh]

Doesn't matter if you're 'visible' or 'invisible' if nothing is open for them to hit.

They generally go around trying exploits blind for just this reason anyway.

 

[DIYspanner]

I've noticed that even though TP-LINK TL-WR841N router has external antennas, the wifi signal, judging by the signal indicator, BRHS of the screen, does not appear to be as strong as that from the free Talktalk router which has internal antennas.


On the plus side, its not crashing - have not had to switch off/on yet.