My linksys router died...

... the older Airport extreme can be configured just like my linksys now? It has ethernet WAN and LAN ports?

Yes, but one of each. To attach more than one wired client requires a switch - I believe that is what your Netgear is, assuming your wired computers and printers are connected to it.

The current production Extreme has three LAN ports.

Of course, there's the issue of used vs new. That can be a crapshoot. The Linksys has 4 Ethernet ports with built-in 4 port switch. (Disclaimer: I don't own any Cisco-Linksys stock 😉) I know you had a bad experience with your previous Linksys, but not all Linksys routers are created equal.

Read the product description at Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Cisco-Linksys-WRT54GL-Wireless-G-Broadband-Router/dp/B000B TL0OA

WZZZ wrote:

Of course, there's the issue of used vs new. That can be a crapshoot.

eBay buyers hold all the cards, or whatever appropriate crapshoot metaphor might be. The risk is all on the seller these days. Don't like your purchase? eBay locks up the seller's Paypal account. In the meantime eBay refunds the buyer's money anyway, including shipping. Buyer has 45 days to file a dispute. Better than Amazon. It's a buyer's paradise.

It only takes a couple of returns where a buyer returns an item smashed to bits to wipe out a reputable seller's business. Lots of sellers have taken their business elsewhere. The sellers that remain have all raised their prices to cope with the nonsense.

That doesn't change the fact that it's a used router. Even if you're protected, who needs the hassle of having to return it when, for a few bucks more, you get a new router with free shipping. And, if necessary, which I strongly doubt, Newegg's RMA policy is flawless.

The crapshoot essentially isn't eBay vs somewhere else, it's used vs new.

New is preferable, that's why I buy new. Not everyone can do that.