[milf]

I've been researching various routers to use with the built-in airport card in my new Powerbook. I've read through various posts in this forum and the name Asante has appeared all over.

FriendlyNET FR3004FLC Internet Router with Firewall

This router seems to have all the features(*) I am looking for and supports Macintosh. I'm wondering if anyone has this router and if they can give me any feedback on it.

Are there any pros or cons that I should consider? Anything that should push me towards doing a bit more research on other routers?

Thanks.

* - share connectiong between Powerbook & PC, share printer wireless to powerbook and wired to PC, file-sharing between PC and Powerbook

[hart]

at the moment I have a mixed wired and wireless network with three computers and an airport base station, also mixed OSX and 9 connecting to DSL modem through the router. The FR3004 has worked flawlessly through 2 years of various configurations. The most I've ever had to do is reset it which is simple.

I can only assume that the more current models are as good or better.

One thing about choosing an Asante product is that it's a pro-Mac move. Most of those other routers are PC models that happen to work with a mac (meaning you're on your own if you need tech support) while Asante actively supports the platform.

J

[ghporter]

Heart,

I hate to burst your bubble, but the FR3004 is the same hardware (internally) as SMC's 7004, and the D-Link and 3-Com models with the same number of ports. The firmware is all basically the same, too, though the different companies do add their own tweaks (and of course their own names on the configuration web pages).

The only thing that a browesr-configured router may or may not do is handle AppleTalk. Since AppleTalk is not a standard IEEE protocol, it may or may not be routed. If you depend on AppleTalk for network printing then you need to carefully examine whether or not the product you want actually supports it. On the other hand, if you're printing through a USB port, or if you want to use the IP print server built in to all the above mentioned routers, then AppleTalk is not a problem at all.

The bottom line is that you shouldn't have to pay extra (and Asante' does cost more than many other brands) just because the company puts the term "Mac" in their ads. There are a LOT of routers and wireless routers to choose from, so shop thoroughly. Look at Practically Networked for lots of reviews, and more advice, support and instructions than most people could possibly need.

[aaanorton]

Originally posted by GHPorter:
The bottom line is that you shouldn't have to pay extra (and Asante' does cost more than many other brands) just because the company puts the term "Mac" in their ads. There are a LOT of routers and wireless routers to choose from, so shop thoroughly. Look at Practically Networked for lots of reviews, and more advice, support and instructions than most people could possibly need.

In theory I agree with this sentiment, but in practice, I prefer to buy from companies who actively support my chosen platform. No, it shouldn't cost more for this "feature", but I am willing to pay more for the principle. As you yourself have pointed out any number of times on these forums, there is no technical reason for AT to not be supported on ALL these routers, but it simply is not. The problem is not that Apple uses AT, but that manufacturers CHOOSE to not support it. This is just silly. It is a protocol used by 25 million users out there. I prefer to not give dumb companies my money whenever possible.
Ok, I'm done with that...
milf,
I have that Asante router. It is awesome. I can't remember the last time I had to even reset it (other than after I made config changes requiring a reset). I've had it for 2+ yrs now and it has been flawless. Have you considered the FR1004AL model? It wasn't available when I bought mine, but it looks real nice. I talked to Asante after it came out, and they indicated that it would do everything I have my FR3004 doing now, for considerably less money. It also has external antennas, which is cool.

[ghporter]

On reflection, I find that aaanorton is right and that my earlier post could be described as a "rant." Asante' is not a bad company, and they don't gouge with their pricing. They DO actively support Mac specific issues (not just AppleTalk), and their firmware is solid.

I guess I just get tired of other companies that simply make use of a feature in the OEM hardware they sell and then spout that they "support Mac OS." The holiday marketing frenzy is starting to wear me down, and I lash out inappropriately some times. Sigh. Sorry about that.

milf, one of the best kinds of research is listening to customer testimonials. You have a great one from aaanorton; not just "I like..." but useful stuff about how reliable the box is. That says a lot.

[aaanorton]

Originally posted by GHPorter:
The holiday marketing frenzy is starting to wear me down, and I lash out inappropriately some times. Sigh. Sorry about that.

'Tis the season... "Happy birthday Baby Jesus. Hope you like crap".