D-Link DIR-655 firmware stable now?

[doug]

Looking at used DIR655 routers, and from this forum and other resources I have learned that they have had some firmware issues in the past. Which firmware version finally "solved" those issues, or do they still exist? And which firmware/hardware versions are best to shy away from? Or do I have to even worry about this, and just install new firmware on whichever one I end up with?

 

[tipstir]

Looking at used DIR655 routers, and from this forum and other resources I have learned that they have had some firmware issues in the past. Which firmware version finally "solved" those issues, or do they still exist? And which firmware/hardware versions are best to shy away from? Or do I have to even worry about this, and just install new firmware on whichever one I end up with?

It was the Russian Firmware that did it for me.. I had the A3 Hardware. What issues are you having?

 

[stevech]

I've followed D-Link issues, and way back owned some products of the era. IMO, repeat IMO, they have among the worst track record of firmware stability inconsistency and bugs.

I'm long-pleased with Cradlepoint's products. They have a single firmware baseline used in all their products and it evolves along with new products. This is in stark contrast to most consumer gear where, IMO, the vendors (D-Link et al in consumer space) shop price in world markets, stick their logo on the web admin pages and on the box, and sell it for increasingly low margins. And IMO, that's a factor in why there is so much turmoil in consumer WiFi.

 

[doug]

Thanks for the info guys. tipstir, no issues YET, since I haven't bought the router yet-- just in the research stage right now. I currently have an ultra-cheap Belkin and am looking at something that would give me better coverage throughout the house-- one with detachable antennas that I can upgrade to higher gain ones but not break the bank. I have also considered a TP-Link 1043. I'll check out Cradlepoint as well, now that I am aware.

 

[stevech]

Cradlepoint's main market is professional applications in machine to machine (like Kiosk point of sale), libraries, etc. Most of their products have a USB slot and firmware for a cellular modem add-on, where cellular is the primary or backup WAN connection. So they're not trying to compete in the home market. But their users demand high reliability. I use them in my job. I found an older model home WiFi Cradlepoint on eBay for $60 (MBR900). I also have their small travel WiFi router - I move the USB cellular modem around. It's not the latest but I like its configure and ferget-about-it.

 

[doug]

I got a DIR-655 cheap on eBay for like $20-- hardware version B1 and firmware version 2.0NA. I put a couple of the Cradlepoint units onto my watch list in case this one doesn't work out-- a MBR900 and a MBR1000.