Refurb Wireless Dual N Router WRT610N-RM

Pros: Great speed. Wireless is only less than 5% slower than ethernet connection. USB link port is very solid.

Cons: Not designed for people who want plug & play devices with no knowledge of networking.

I will agree with a lot of people regarding people that stated that this router is no good. Those people do not know what they're doing.
I bought a REFURBISHED version 1... and it works perfect. After reading so many bad reviews, I had the feeling that all refurbished WRT610Ns were probably from people who didn't know how to get it to work properly.


****HOW TO PROPERLY SETUP A WRT610N ROUTER****

1) Download the latest firmware to your computer from Linksys' website. Do this even before you receive your WRT610N. Reading all the comments about the firmware, I didn't even bother trying the stock firmware.

2) Upon receiving the router, plug in the power cable and plug it into the AC outlet. No CAT5 cables...Read more

I ordered this refurb WRT610N and received a v.2 (better hardware & power switch). This is one of the most feature packed routers, with simultaneous dual-band performance (2.4GHz and 5GHz), a/b/g/n, USB port (data storage only without custom firmware), and amazing coverage.

I installed DD-WRT which enables the USB port to be used as a print server. It doesn't overheat, but just in case I plan on installing two small heatsinks on the RAM chip and the N-controller (both are known to get hot). Also, you can get a 7dBi antenna mod kit on eBay which I should have installed soon.

Overall, I'm VERY happy with this router considering the price. The refurb looks just like brand new (it probably is) - both inside and out.

I couldn't get the router working, so I was ready to do a return. Called up Cisco/Linksys and they tell me the Serial Number I gave them is not eligible for the 90 day warranty?? It is not in their database of refurbished routers... great.

Eventually I got it working after the 30-30-30 hard reset rule [from about.com]:
1. when the unit is powered on, hold down its reset button for 30 seconds
2. while still holding down the reset button, unplug the router from power and hold for an additional 30 seconds
3. still holding down the reset button, turn on power to the router again and hold for 30 more seconds