wrt54g vs airport extreme base station

[bagac]

I recently bought a wrt54g router but the ae base station really looks cool. Plus it has a usb for a printer. Does it mean that it is like a printer server too?

I'm fairly satisfied with the wrt54g since it has a 4 port switch while the apple has only 1. But I really dislike the fact that I need to open one of the computers serving as printer server. I'm contemplating on selling the wrt54g.

What do you guys think?

[elbert]

Personally, I like the wrt54g more. Sure, it's not pretty, and it doesn't have a modem, nor a USB printer port, but it's a helluva lot cheaper!

[extremyks]

If sharing a USB printer wirelessy is your most concern yes, the AE base station will do the trick. Some other 3rd party wifi manufacturers can also do this, check the d-link brand. But hey having a AE makes setting up a snap plus all the extra feature you get like PPP dial-in, external antenna,seamless wifi bridging.

Well if you decided to let go of the wrt54g... do let me know, I need another one for my office.

[extremyks]

Or.. you could get something like Wireless Printserver and another D-link solution.

[dust]

As a AEBS owner I can safely say I preffer the WRT54G for the following reasons

External Antennas
4 port ethernet router
Ability to install user-made hacks for more features
Cheaper

[Henjie]

Originally posted by bagac
I recently bought a wrt54g router but the ae base station really looks cool. Plus it has a usb for a printer. Does it mean that it is like a printer server too?

I'm fairly satisfied with the wrt54g since it has a 4 port switch while the apple has only 1. But I really dislike the fact that I need to open one of the computers serving as printer server. I'm contemplating on selling the wrt54g.

What do you guys think?

I'm with Elbert and Dust on this one. The AEBS looks cool but the WRT54G's got better range and better features (4-port 10/100 switch, etc. etc.).

How about buying a Linksys print server instead? For wireless, check out extremyks' last post. You can even go for a traditional wired ethernet print server, something like the Linksys PPSX1. :-) Total cost for the WRT54G and PPSX1 will probably be equal to the price of a single AEBS. ;-)


~Henjie

[Edited on 4-16-2004 by Henjie]

[directX]

Linksys vs AEBS

External Antenna: Linksys and AEBS
Ethernet Port: 5 (1 WAN port) for Linksys, 2 (1 WAN port) for AEBS
USB Print Server: None for Linksys, 1 for AEBS
VPN Support: yes for both but not sure if Linksys now supports its mother company's LEAP protocol
WDS: not sure for Linksys router (access points, yes), Yes for AEBS
Signal tweaking: None for Linksys, AEBS signal can be set
RADIUS Authentication: No for Linksys, Yes for AEBS
Cost: Cheaper for Linksys

Personally, I prefer the Linksys for its price but the AEBS has more features. Frankly, the AEBS conforms to standards more than the Linksys. However with CISCO as its mother company, they might produce better products but it might just eat up on the market share of the high end CISCO access points.

If you can get a Netgear, it is far better than the Linksys and at the same price range.

[PatrickGaerlan]

I prefer the AEBS just for the dial-in PPP feature. Lets me dial-in and access my home broadband Internet connection from anywhere there's a phone, no need to use a prepaid ISP. Saved me a lot of dough.

[dust]

Penguin that's one cool feature. I didnt know you could do that.

[PatrickGaerlan]

There are actually 2 models of the AEBS, one with a built-in modem and a port for an external antenna, and one without. That feature is only available on the one with the modem. VERY useful for me Another friend of mine went with the AEBS with the modem for the very same reason. He dials in from his office during the day