As you know, over the past few weeks, we’ve been compiling a list of routers that auto-configure with Windows Home Server. In theory, the platform should be able to seamlessly configure all uPnP compatible routers for remote access to your home server through a configuration wizard - however, the execution of this is decidedly patchy. Our list of routers will help WGS readers ensure you have the best experience of Windows Home Server.
I caught up with some of the guys in HP’s MediaSmart team last week in London, and whilst in a discussion around how bad the router configuration experience is in WHS, they told me that they’d been working on a series of tests for a range of popular routers, and had developed a “Top 10″ list of routers that they’ve found to auto-configure consistently well with WHS - sounds like we’ve got the same interests at heart!
So, whilst there’s a few corporate caveats chucked in here for good measure (along the “Your milage may vary” line), here’s HP’s Top 10 Routers for Windows Home Server (in alphabetical order):
- D-Link DGL-4100 GamerLounge Broadband Gigabit
- D-Link DGL-4300 GamerLounge Broadband Gigabit
- D-Link DIR-655 Wireless Xtreme N Gigabit
- D-Link EBR-2310 Ethernet Broadband
- D-Link WBR-1310 Wireless-G
- Linksys WRT150N Wireless N Broadband
- Linksys WRT54G3G-ST Wireless G for Mobile Broadband
- Linksys WRT54GC Compact Wireless-G Broadband
- Netgear WPN824NA RangeMax Wireless Router
- Trendnet TEW-631BRP Wireless N Draft
Furthermore, they’ve found a number of routers which bomb when it comes to auto-configuration:
- Linksys WRT330N Wireless-N Gigabit Gaming
- Microsoft MN-500 Broadband Networking Wireless Base
- Apple Airport Extreme Base Station
- Linksys WRT55AG Wireless 4 Port
- Qwest Actiontec m1000DSL
- US Robotics USR8001 DSL/Cable with Print Server
So, that’s the view from HP - do you agree? If you’ve had a better/worse experience with these routers, let us know.
More Info: HP’s Top 10 Routers for Windows Home Server
March 7th, 2008 at 12:43 am
Disagree. The Microsoft MN-500 Broadband Networking Wireless Base Station (and the G version called MN-700) worked perfectly in many tests I ran them through before I added them to the list of supported routers on this site. I wonder why they found them to be a problem when I didn’t?
March 7th, 2008 at 1:55 am
I have to say my WRT350N which is in the list that Terry put together worked initially but was completely fudged when I put a device in the DMZ. Remote desktop stopped working and the UPnP just had a complete fit! I would recommend manual config for this router (certainly V1 which is the North American model - I believe Europe has the V2).
March 7th, 2008 at 8:19 am
Got the D-Link DIR-655 myself and it’s just perfect, 4 gigabit ports and wireless N
March 7th, 2008 at 11:50 am
There is a known exploit where a PNP router can be compromised from the Internet. Make sure your router is either patched to protect against this or turn off PNP in the router once WHS configures it.
March 7th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Just hooked up a DGL-4100 to a new HP EX475, new Dell Precision T3400 workstation, and twother existing desktops. Whole network plugged into a Cablevision modem (home cable, internet, VOIP). Router configuration was flawless and remote access with TZO.COM DDNS works great.
March 7th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Wish I knew which list my Motorola WR850GP was in. I have been unable to get Remote Access working. I have manually configured the ports and still cannot got it working. I would just go buy a new router if I knew I needed one, but I don’t know that the router is the problem. If I could find WR850GP on a good list or on a bad list, it would give me some guidance. Will be changing ISP next week, maybe that will fix things.
March 8th, 2008 at 1:45 am
My DIR-655 has to have ports forwarded for it to work.
March 8th, 2008 at 5:42 am
Have any of you checked out the WATCHGAURD routers? They are great firewall routers. The only drawback is there is no UPnP
March 9th, 2008 at 12:10 am
So Microsoft;s own MN-500 Broadband Networking Wireless Base (router) bombed when it came to working with WHS. But, D-link worked better… To bad D-link not make an operating system instead of Microsoft!
March 25th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
Update to my earlier post regarding Motorola WR850GP router. After I switched from AT&T DSL service to cable internet, my router immediately began functioning normally. It appears that the incompetence of AT&T technical support resulted in me being mis-informed about port blocking by AT&T. I have several other horror stories about AT&T technical support incompetence too, but this is not the forum for them.
I guess I have one of the only two or three WR850GP’s ever made, but if anybody else out there has one, it will work with your WHS! I had been into the router configuration so many times trying to get remote access working with AT&T that I don’t really know if it is capable of auto-configuration or not, but at least I know it can be configured and works just fine.