More help on new router please.

[Broadback]

As my question is a little different Andy's I thought that it better to start a new thread.  I am also on the lookout for a replacement for my router, the 2-Wire 2700 HGV seems to be well recommended, however I do not want wireless.  Is there a wired version, or can it be wired anyway? If not what does the team recommend?

[Rik]

It has four ethernet ports and a USB one too. The wireless can be disabled from the router interface. If you can get your hands on one, I'd say the 2700 is a very good investment.

[Inactive]

The 2700HGV really comes in to it's own on poor lines, nobody has tested it on a good line, as far as I am aware, so perhaps an indication of your line speed would help.

My speeds are achieved using a Zyxel, but I have a very good line.

[Broadback]

2.7 to 3mbps. Not much variance.

[Inactive]

A 2700HGV may well help, I will let others that use them advise further.

[Rik]

I used a Netgear and my sync was on the 2500/2000 cusp. Having changed to a 2700 I now sync at 3200, right in the middle of the 2500 profile range. You may well benefit, therefore.

[Broadback]

One last question, (honest!) what is a reasonable price to pay for one?  I don't want to get carried away (they are coming to take me away) and pay over the odds! 

[Rik]

You should be able to get one for less than £25 delivered.

[Lance]

If you can get your hands on one, I'd say the 2700 is a very good investment.

It's amazing how quickly you started singing to our tune, Rik!

[Rik]

I was only as slow as I was because I don't do eBay, Lance. Luckily, a good samaritan came along...

[mrapoc]

The 2700HGV really comes in to it's own on poor lines, nobody has tested it on a good line, as far as I am aware, so perhaps an indication of your line speed would help.

My speeds are achieved using a Zyxel, but I have a very good line.

I'm on a "good" line

Very happy so far and the firewall is solid.

Downstream Rate: 8128 kbps 
Upstream Rate: 448 kbps 
Channel: Fast
Current Noise Margin: 13.0 dB (Downstream), 25.0 dB (Upstream)
Current Attenuation: 25.3 dB (Downstream), 13.5 dB (Upstream)
Current Output Power: 19.8 dBm (Downstream), 11.9 dBm (Upstream)

wireless is a good performer altho u dont need it...yet

runs really cool (the router) so no cause for alarm, cant cook an egg on it like my old one

[Inactive]

One last question, (honest!) what is a reasonable price to pay for one?  I don't want to get carried away (they are coming to take me away) and pay over the odds! 

I just got one from DigiDave on eBay for £8.01, ( missed one earlier for £5.50 ) plus £8.00 delivery, total £16.01, just to test it on my good line.

[Rik]

So we could have a full house shortly?

[Inactive]

So we could have a full house shortly?

Looking that way Rik, I will see if it brings any improvements on my line, tho' highly unlikely.

I can always bung it back on the bay if it doesn't.

Just thought I would test one.

[Rik]

It will be interesting to find out your experience. Certainly, for people with iffy lines it's a big improvement, maybe it will give you a bit more speed, maybe more stability, but you can be sure we're going to ask you for your before and after line stats.

[Inactive]

It will be interesting to find out your experience. Certainly, for people with iffy lines it's a big improvement, maybe it will give you a bit more speed, maybe more stability, but you can be sure we're going to ask you for your before and after line stats.

Possibly more speed Rik, my stability cannot be faulted, never had a drop out with the Zyxel.

[Broadback]

Okay, I have taken the plunge and expect mine later this week. I would happily give stats before and after if I knew how!
As my line speeds are consistent, at a little under 3M, and I get several drop outs a week with my SAR30, at least I should know if it has improved.
A question about the inbuilt firewall.  If set up is it necessary, or desirable, to have a software one as well? Zone Alarm as served me well to date.

[Rik]

Instructions for extracting the stats from many routers are here:

http://www.kitz.co.uk/adsl/frogstats.htm

On firewalls, opinion is divided. The router's firewall keeps out unauthorised inbound transaction, ie ones that do not match a request from a connected PC. However, they give no protection from malware on the PC connecting to the net. A software firewall, otoh, does. I used to run both, but after six months with no activity on the software firewall, I dropped it. I've never had a problem.

There are a couple of caveats to this, though. First, you must have a good and current AV product, second, you must be sure your machine is free from malware. I do this by regular scanning and by 'personal hygiene', ie I'm careful where I go on the web and what I open.

[Gary]

using the 2700 my profile has gone from 4500 to 5500 as it holds the snr like a titan compared to my old Netgear and remained solid for 5 days till I messed about with the settings this morning  well you have to have a  play, and I must admit I could not be happier with this router

[Rik]

You have to play, Gary - I'm content to let it do its thing. 

[Gary]

You have to play, Gary - I'm content to let it do its thing. 

I seem to remember you doing a full reset on yours Rik

[Rik]

Only to get rid of the password...

[Gary]

and to see how it worked a bit I bet 

[Rik]

No, until I cleared the password, I couldn't set it up...

[Gary]

No, until I cleared the password, I couldn't set it up...

me thinks Rik likes to have a play as well though