Looking for a New 'N' router with USB for HD

BenRichards · 14-01-2009, 11:55

Hi Guys,

Currently got VM's 10meg service running through an old wireless b router and only getting around 5meg.

I want to replace the router with a wireless N router but i also want to be able to connect a WD Mybook Essential via USB to the router so that I can access the drive over the wireless.

Most of my machines are Mac's so i have thought about getting an Airport Extreme and doing it that way but i wondered if there was anything you guys could recommend that is cheaper.

I've see a Belkin N+ F5D8235 for Â£65 and was wondering if anyone had any experiance with this router?

Here's a link to the router

Thanks!

Stephen · 14-01-2009, 11:58

I was going to recommend the Apple router as well as you have mostly Macs.

yes it costs more but it will just work

MovedGoalPosts · 14-01-2009, 12:00

I went for the Linksys WRT610N. Fairly pricey as the ethernet ports are all gigabit rated, but it also had the USB port for a hard disk. On the other hand I'm PC rather than mac based.

BenRichards · 14-01-2009, 12:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob

I went for the Linksys WRT610N. Fairly pricey as the ethernet ports are all gigabit rated, but it also had the USB port for a hard disk. On the other hand I'm PC rather than mac based.

How does it perform? Do you use it with a HD in the back?

MovedGoalPosts · 14-01-2009, 12:12

Network wise I've found it fine. I've run a gaming LAN with some 15 users hung off it (using additional gigabit switches), plus some wireless kit running too. Over a 36 hour period many users were leeching from each other considerably at the gigabit speeds, in addition to the gaming and other web use. It hasn't crashed once in 4 months use and it frequently gets hammered with torrents and stuff over the 20meg broadband.

The only bit I haven't really used is the USB HD connection since my main PC is overloaded with HDs anyway. That's my next step though mainly for backup purposes.

BenRichards · 14-01-2009, 12:26

Yeh, the main attraction for me is to turn my HD into a NAS with the router.
I intend to keep movies and music on it that i can stream to my macbook.

ShadowTD · 14-01-2009, 16:35

I've got my eye on the 610 as well, and I'm a Mac user. I'd suggest avoiding Apple networking products like the plague - I've had an Airport Express for 4 years now, and it's been a crash prone unreliable piece of crap. Don't even get me started on the Airtunes function.

The Lacie Network Space NAS I got for Christmas looks like it's going back to Amazon as the uPNP server doesn't work properly and Lacie can't/won't sort it. The Linksys looks like the perfect solution to a number of problems.

BenRichards · 14-01-2009, 18:16

I'd like to know how it performs before I buy one though as they are expensive and i don't really need the dual channel stuff.

cnewton2k · 14-01-2009, 21:19

I have got a Dlink DIR-655

This has a USB port on it that you can add a HD to it.

Have been using it for about 5 months now and it has crashed once.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...SAII/sh-9-1-21

Also a review

http://www.trustedreviews.com/networ...ter-DIR-655/p1

They wont mention the fact you can use the USB to add a HD as it has just been released in the latest frimware (30/12/08).

Cheers

Pic attached with my flash drive plugged in

BenRichards · 14-01-2009, 21:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solventcandy

I have got a Dlink DIR-655

This has a USB port on it that you can add a HD to it.

Have been using it for about 5 months now and it has crashed once.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...SAII/sh-9-1-21

Also a review

http://www.trustedreviews.com/networ...ter-DIR-655/p1

They wont mention the fact you can use the USB to add a HD as it has just been released in the latest frimware (30/12/08).

Cheers

Pic attached with my flash drive plugged in

Really?? I've looked at these in the past but decided against it because i couldnt attach a drive..

Do you use it with a USB drive attached? Is it any good?

cnewton2k · 14-01-2009, 21:41

i have had my Canon i850 plugged in and work st8 away, i then plugged in my flash drive and that worked as well. No problems what so ever.

saabmania2 · 14-01-2009, 21:57

yeah the dir-655 can do a networked drive i had one running for about 3 months like it, i now have the d-link dir-855 it's awesome but not cheap but again you can add a drive to that too

cnewton2k · 14-01-2009, 22:02

3 months!!! i read on the dlink website that they only just added it?

saabmania2 · 15-01-2009, 07:30

yes 3 months i had the beta version of the software, i have a friend that works for d-link
but you are correct it has only recently been released for general download for a couple of weeks

BenRichards · 15-01-2009, 09:37

Will I be able to access it from a mac though?