Replace my DGL-4100 with which router?

[LuMax]

My home router is an aging D-Link DGL-4100 and I am looking to replace it.
My max budget is ~$250 USD.

I use 2 Ubiquiti Unifi UAP-Pro APs in my home for WIFI access, so I have the WIFI aspect of my home network covered completely. All wiring in my home is either Cat5e or Cat6, my switch is a gigabit HP ProCurve 1810G-24, and my cable modem is a Motorola SB6120 (Comcast cable broadband). I have 7 IP cameras (security system), 5 streaming media players, several PCs, a server, and several other network connected devices. I am the only resident.

I am looking to maximize my WAN to LAN (& LAN to WAN) throughput while maintaining a very secure network. I also want the router to have reliable VPN and port forwarding. If it is a wireless router, I would most likely not utilize the WIFI feature, probably turning off the WIFI radios and just use the router functionality.

I don't have the time/patience to build a PFSense (or similar) box and learn the software, so am only considering an off-the-shelf solution. Yes I know that PFSense and Untangle are great, I simply won't have time to learn them presently or in the foreseeable future.

So, which router for wired performance and security would you recommend? Thanks.

 

[stevech]

Suggestion: don't spend more that $75 on an 802.11g/n router. Avoid overkill and know that in 1-2 years you'll want to change again as technology marches along.

you LAN throughput has nothing much to do with the router. Indeed, many of us put in a 10/100/1000 switch or two and all home things connect to one another via the switch - the router plays no role in data transfers inter-LAN.

LAN to WAN and WAN speeds: most any router today will keep up with the WAN speeds that most of can afford from our ISP.

 

[thiggins]

Considering where you are coming from, you can choose most anything and it will be fine. You need to move up to a UTM appliance before you get a higher level of security.

 

[LuMax]

I have not yet run iperf on my router, but being as old as it is I think I will be unimpressed with it's throughput compared to a current generation router. Yes, all of my devices go through the switch so LAN performance is not an issue. But with my heavy WAN usage a router with far great bandwidth and capability is definitely needed.

 

[tipstir]

WAN usage on my end beyond heavy usage, since I do a lot of 1080p streaming, 1080p HD image uploads and BT over 5.5 mb/s down with TP-LINK Enterprise SMB Wired Gigabit Router this has manage switch built in along with VPN there is an option to get the lower model but too me the VPN model is much better.

TP-Link SafeStream™ TL-ER6120 Gigabit Managed Wired Router

Closeup shot
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/304702_10151026154407949_1712908116_n.jpg

I am in quest for a better Wireless Access Point for SMB still using ESR600H which has 256MB of RAM, Gigabit Ports 4x ANT 5dBi.

Closeup shot
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/580824_10151026154752949_78084363_n.jpg

Wireless Clients:

Android Dual Core 1GHz 1GB DDR3 Tablet

36 Mbps download
12 Mbps upload

Wireless Clients:

Windows 7 64-bit i3 8GB DDR3 + RTO by JASPER TCP/IP (from me)
http://stage.results.speedtest.comcast.net/result/186986392.png

61.71 Mbps download - Peak: 61.76 Mbps
9.3 Mbps upload - Peak 10.6 Mbps

Results are getting better and I haven't rewired outside yet. The Cable Company had use way to many splitters outside box 1x 2-way and 1x 4-way. Those are gone! But there still two joiners that need to be removed in place of straight thru RG6 Dual Shield there is also Quad-shield Coax.

 

[LuMax]

Interesting you should mention that router, I was looking at the new TL-ER6020.
Concerned with the mixed reviews I have read on the TL-ER6120 though.

I couldn't be happier with the UPA-Pro for a WIFI AP. Dual simultaneous radios with excellent bandwidth and range, plus very easy to install and manage.
Also, yesterday I found a killer deal on a new SB6141 which has twice the bandwidth of my SB6120.

I found an old test of the DGL-4100 that showed with every feature in the router turned off, they maxed out the WAN>LAN throughput at ~98Mbps. I assume with the standard features enabled that it is significantly lower than that.

I did have the upcoming Ubiquiti Edge Router Lite recommended to me, it is a very intriguing prospect but as yet is unavailable. At ~$99 the price is perfect, throughput is supposed to be very high, and no wasted money on WIFI radios that I do not need.

 

[LuMax]

Why I want/need a better router?
My home network (see image).

 

[tipstir]

The only thing I don't have that you have is the IP Cameras. Which I going to get 4x of them two will be mounted in the outdoor patio on both ends, one indoors and the other one in the front. Wireless type version with in darkness viewing. One of my fruit trees seems to be missing fruit on it. I would like to know who's taking it? LOL

That router seems lite why don't you get what I have you'll be happy. I've tested and purchased way to many of these SOHO and could got a business enterprise CISCO for free but past on it. SMB from Tp-Link is the best along with their matching JetStream managed switch. With the Tp-link you need to upgrade the firmware that's it. No problems at all.

I do have Meraki MR12 SMB Cloud Base Wireless Access Point but that uses too much of my Comcast Bandwidth is the only issue with it.

Just taken this on my Android Smartphone in 1080p still shows out everything I have going on..

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/305559_10151185719252949_1756536653_n.jpg

Not like my massive 32 nodes but still good enough for now..

 

[LuMax]

Most of my stuff is in a small rack in the basement.
These photos are not current, but you get the idea.

 

[tipstir]

No more basement family room network closet for me this was last setup prior

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/206669_10150144382637949_2981903_n.jpg

first floor
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/204544_10150144382712949_1091857_o.jpg

second floor
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/193289_10150144382802949_1201483_o.jpg

That above was with Cox got almost 43mb down and 15 up. Larger house more connections. Now here no basement newer house so really don't need a lot of stuff to run the network here.