Netgear Forums

TheBlueRaja · 10-09-2006, 10:54

Hi All,
I've just replaced my existing Linksys WAG354G router with a nice new Netgear DG834G after i got fed up with the Wireless capabilities of my Linksys (never buy Linksys people, i've had 2 routers and 1 access point and they were all real stinkers).

However i see people going on about the Netgear forums, however i cant find them. If i google Netgear forums i get a forum page in the search results but clicking on it takes me nowhere.

Did Netgear shut them down?

pedantic · 10-09-2006, 11:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBlueRaja

Hi All,
I've just replaced my existing Linksys WAG354G router with a nice new Netgear DG834G after i got fed up with the Wireless capabilities of my Linksys (never buy Linksys people, i've had 2 routers and 1 access point and they were all real stinkers).

However i see people going on about the Netgear forums, however i cant find them. If i google Netgear forums i get a forum page in the search results but clicking on it takes me nowhere.

Did Netgear shut them down?

They've been gone for months now, and show no sign of returning. You could try the one over at dslreports, that's the one I sometimes go to.

TheBlueRaja · 10-09-2006, 11:21

Thanks man, i've not got a problem that requires a forum just yet, i was more curious as to where it had went.

Seems like they just ended them on the fly then I take it.

pedantic · 10-09-2006, 11:31

There was a thread at dslreports, discussing it here. Some people seem to think it was because of all the complaints. They probably thought, it was in the best interests of Netgear, to shut them down rather than have all the bad publicity. Personally, I think it's probably done more harm in shutting them down. As far as I know, they only use email support now. Keeps things nice and private for Netgear now.

foreverwar · 10-09-2006, 13:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBlueRaja

Hi All,
I've just replaced my existing Linksys WAG354G router with a nice new Netgear DG834G after i got fed up with the Wireless capabilities of my Linksys (never buy Linksys people, i've had 2 routers and 1 access point and they were all real stinkers).

Understand that you are pee-ed off due to personal experiences, but a lot of people on CF (including myself) have had good experiences with Linksys WRT54GS - and they are very reasonably priced (under Â£60 new).
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...b-en-google-21

TheBlueRaja · 11-09-2006, 09:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by foreverwar

Understand that you are pee-ed off due to personal experiences, but a lot of people on CF (including myself) have had good experiences with Linksys WRT54GS - and they are very reasonably priced (under Â£60 new).
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...b-en-google-21

Yeah, but thats not an ADSL router if i remember correctly and you can flash it with non Linksys firmware to really get the best out of it.

You couldnt do this with the WAG's and the wireless connections were always dropping. Even though signal strenght was good initially, it would start to fluctuate and then drop before reconnecting.

The Linksys adapter i have hangs during larger downloads.

**Stuart C** · 11-09-2006, 10:33

It means an extra box, but you could always attach an ethernet ADSL modem to it.

**Chris T** · 11-09-2006, 10:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBlueRaja

Yeah, but thats not an ADSL router if i remember correctly and you can flash it with non Linksys firmware to really get the best out of it.

You couldnt do this with the WAG's and the wireless connections were always dropping. Even though signal strenght was good initially, it would start to fluctuate and then drop before reconnecting.

The Linksys adapter i have hangs during larger downloads.

Agreed - my Linksys WAG can be a pain for dropping connections. Sometimes when it does it just hangs and needs a reboot to reaquire. My old Belkin never dropped a connection on our ADSL line, which is why I'm sure it's the WAG and not a line problem. On the other hand, the Belkin's wireless range was pathetic, even with two external aerials, while the Linksys is absolutely superb. It currently has no external aerial.

TheBlueRaja · 11-09-2006, 11:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris T

Agreed - my Linksys WAG can be a pain for dropping connections. Sometimes when it does it just hangs and needs a reboot to reaquire. My old Belkin never dropped a connection on our ADSL line, which is why I'm sure it's the WAG and not a line problem. On the other hand, the Belkin's wireless range was pathetic, even with two external aerials, while the Linksys is absolutely superb. It currently has no external aerial.

Well, the Netgear is in and so far so good (this is the first real day of testing) my laptop with a Netgear PCMCIA wireless card is holding a stable connection to my work via VPN connection, the Linksys would probably have dropped it by now but another couple of hours and i will be sure.

My home PC (which im using now) is connected to the Netgear with a Linksys WUSB54G adapter and has dropped connection at least 3 times already today despite having 4 bars out of 5 in signal quality, (remember the Netgear on the laptop has been flawless) hopefully my Netgear WG111 USB adapter which i have bought to replace it will fare better.

howard.bates · 11-09-2006, 19:14

w.r.t Netgear tech. support, they have a phone line (0870-112-1206). When I tried it I got patient and helpful first-line support from a gentleman in India. I'm waiting to see what their second-line support is like.

Begize · 21-09-2006, 18:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by howard.bates

w.r.t Netgear tech. support, they have a phone line (0870-112-1206). When I tried it I got patient and helpful first-line support from a gentleman in India. I'm waiting to see what their second-line support is like.

Poor - just like Linksys if you ever have to ring them.

All Netgear and Linksys 2nd line could suggest about my problems were the usual 4 rrr's

1) Reset it to factory defaults
2) Re-flash the firmware
3) Re-install the software / drivers
4) Replace it

Credit to Netgear though, the problem I had was actually down to NTL's proxies, with Linksys it was a sh*te product.

brundles · 21-09-2006, 19:29

I've found in general that for Linksys products, their documentation and official support are terrible.

That said, I do like Linksys kit as I tend to find that once it's in and configured (see earlier comment about crap documentation!) I can forget about it. Currently have a WRT54G router (running the DD-WRT firmware), a PAP2 ATA and WPS54G wireless print server.

Works wonderfully giving a stable environment and nicely prioritising VOIP traffic over everything else.

altis · 21-09-2006, 20:29

In the past I've had lots of help at Broadband Reports. Try this:

http://www.broadbandreports.com/forum/netgear

The Jackal · 18-01-2007, 11:54

F88888888inng &%"^%$^%$^%$ (*&*(&(*& SH*T router....

I spent 3 hours yesterday trying to get this WAG354G up n running at a relatives house and am fuming its one piece of junk.. I just couldnt get the ADSL connection up with tiscali dispite having all the correct settings.

Took it home upgraded the firmware and might give it another shot but I aint spending more than 10 minutes on it this time then I'm gonna shive it up the Linksys's MD's a**. (and yes I was using this as a wireless bridge previously and did notice the wireless drop out

)

I'm surprised how expensive ADSL wireless routers are these day :

Cant I get one that like a pack Wireless ADSL modem (54g) + a usb wireless card - this stuff should be cheap like around the Â£40 mark ?

TheBlueRaja · 18-01-2007, 12:32

Linksys are sh*t mate - i ripped out all my Linksys gear for Netgear a while back and its been far better.

Still has some issues but its way better than Linksys ever was.