Showing posts with label firewall. Show all posts
Showing posts with label firewall. Show all posts

3/21/2012

NETGEAR FVS124G ProSafe Gigabit VPN Firewall 25 Review

NETGEAR FVS124G ProSafe Gigabit VPN Firewall 25
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I decided to try purchasing this product even with all the negative reviews (since they were a little old) and needless to say the reviews have made me quite cautious about looking for performance and connectivity problems, but so far, other than initial setup problems it's been working well (only going on two days).
My first impression is that the device is pretty well-built (heavy) however it does get a little hot... I'm using the router with an Adelphia cable modem on WAN port 1 and BellSouth DSL on WAN port 2. The product mostly works right out of the box although you'll have to find where to set the password and change it from the defaults (I don't know why router manufacturers don't make this the first thing you have to do).
I attached my cable modem and was able to successfully connect through the router. I then attached my DSL modem and changed the internal WAN MODE setting to "Load Balance". Everything seemed to work well except WAN 2 kept being reported as DOWN... very frustrated and nervous about the reviews that I had seen I decided to call Netgear tech support... after registering the product I was quickly connected to a technician who walked me through the proper setup... turns out that I needed to change the default IP address of the router as it was conflicting with the DSL modem... I also ended up changing the IP address on my wireless router and disabling DHCP (on the wireless)...
So far so good...
I downloaded a torrent of CentOS4DVD to test the performance and sure enough I was able to realize the combined download bandwidth of both broadband connections... I also checked my remote web server access logs and saw requests for a page coming from both my Adelphia and BellSouth IP addresses... so I know load balancing is working properly... I attempted some SSL transactions and they seemed to work ok... I'm still not 100% certain how things will work with sites that use IP address verification to control sessions... so I'll have to wait and see.
I don't use VoIP and don't run a server from home but so far I can say that I am quite pleased... I hope this review helps somebody else.
******************* FOLLOW-UP TWO MONTHS LATER *****************
I've had enough time with the Netgear FVS124G to discover its warts... simply put... protocol binding does NOT work, at least when you're trying to bind a service to a specific wan port and destination network... so far I've been elevated to Level 3 support with no resolution... I'm sure that "level 3" just means the guy in the next cubicle but it sounds impressive... FYI, for anyone in a similar situation I'm using firmware 1.33... I would still recommend the Netgear as long as your routing needs don't get *too* sophisticated... and if the Netgear ironed out the bugs in its firmware it would be perfect... the only other device I've found that performs the same features and more is the PepLink Balance 200... but it costs four times as much!

Click Here to see more reviews about: NETGEAR FVS124G ProSafe Gigabit VPN Firewall 25

The NETGEAR FVS124G ProSafe Gigabit VPN Firewall offers enterprise-level protection, performance, and reliability to remote workers. With dual 10/100 WAN ports, you can connect a second network connection thereby providing failover protection.
Fast Gigabit Performance The FVS124G has four auto-sensing 10/100/1000 Mbps LAN ports for gigabit speeds, allowing for speedy connections between servers and workstations, and also for use as a backbone for switches.
High-class Security For businesses that require more than just a simple NAT router, the FVS124G offers significantly more protection. It provides: a Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) firewall to prevent Denial of Service attacks, an Intrusion Detection System (IDS), the ability to block Java/URL/ActiveX based on extension, and FTP/SMTP/RPC program filtering.
The FVS124G is VPNC tested and features 25 dedicated VPN tunnels for secure data transmission over the Internet. IPSec-based 256-bit (AES) encryption is also supported.
Easy Setup NETGEAR's Smart Wizard makes installation a breeze. A VPN wizard lets you create rules that allow up to 253 remote PCs or sites to connect from locations with IP addresses that are not known in advance. Additionally, SNMP support provides complete remote administration and monitoring. DHCP and PPPoE support makes widespread deployment simple.
The NETGEAR FVS124G ProSafe Gigabit VPN Firewall is backed by a 3-year warranty.
What's in the Box FVS124G ProSafe Gigabit VPN Firewall, ethernet cable, installation guide, resource CD, warranty/support information card.

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3/19/2012

ZyXEL Home Firewall Router With 4 Port 10/100 Fast Ethenet Switch Review

ZyXEL Home Firewall Router With 4 Port 10/100 Fast Ethenet Switch
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
ZyXEL makes a full line of VPN firewalls that go by the name ZyWALL, and are generally considered the best products out there for the SOHO and small business market that needs VPN (Virtual Private Network) communication with remote offices or individuals. The Prestige 324 is a full SPI firewall with a 4-port switch that provides virtually everything that their ZyWALL product line does, only without the VPN circuitry. As a result, it is perfectly suited to most home users that want industrial-strength security for their always-on DSL or cable connections. It supports X-Box, Instant Messenger, UPnP, and virtually every Internet game out there. If you want to, it also provides all the settings that you will need to set up servers, web sites, etc.
The firmware that controls the product is taken directly from their enterprise level products. Because of this, it is subjected to a level of testing and evaluation by networking professionals that no consumer product would ever get. As such, the product has evolved to be virtually "bullet-proof".
I've used, tested and discarded every competitive product that I could find while searching for one that actually did what the marketing people said it would, but there was always some fatal flaw. The search ended when I met with some networking professionals. They unanimously suggested that I leave the department store brands and get into a professional product, especially since it was actually less expensive than most of the consumer-quality products. Finally, it looks great too -- it's not just an old tin box that is better suited to a laboratory than a home. All-in-all, this is a winner!
Amazon.com seems to carry the product on an inconsistant basis, but when it's available, their price is generally the best around, if you get the free shipping. I have a few friends and relatives waiting for it to come back into stock so that they can order one for themselves.

Click Here to see more reviews about: ZyXEL Home Firewall Router With 4 Port 10/100 Fast Ethenet Switch

4 x 10/100Base-TX LAN, 1 x 10/100Base-TX WAN - Broadband Router

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2/19/2012

NETGEAR FVS338 ProSafe VPN Firewall 50 Review

NETGEAR FVS338 ProSafe VPN Firewall 50
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I bought 2 of these for vpn tunnel between 2 offices, after updating to the june 2007 firmware everything worked like a charm. I share IP based phone system, Ip based camera system, and exchange servers between the two offices, the vpn works great between both offices. Everything works no problems. Maybe this model had problems before but it seems great to me now... Oh another thing I called up netgear support to help me setup the vpn and they practically setup my vpn on both ends by remote login. They made sure everything worked and even called me next day to make sure everything was working fine. All I did later was change the passwords and the vpn key. Overall a good buy.

Click Here to see more reviews about: NETGEAR FVS338 ProSafe VPN Firewall 50

50 VPN Tunnels for Encrypted Remote Access.NETGEAR's ProSafe™ VPN Firewall with Dial Back-up is a SNMP-Manageable, high-performance network solution that furnishes multidimensional security. Fully equipped and broadband-capable, this Virtual Private Network (VPN) firewall comes with connection insurance: a built-in serial port for dial-up access. This practical feature means your business can maintain operation if your broadband Internet connection fails.It lets you retain an analog modem for emergency backup and also provides a migration path from analog to broadband, making the transition effortless.High on security, this true firewall provides Denial of Service (DoS) protection and Intrusion Detection using Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI), URL keyword filtering, logging, reporting, and real-time alerts. It supports up to 50 IPSec VPN tunnels simultaneously using Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), reducing your operating costs and improving the security of your network. With 8 auto-sensing, Auto Uplink switched LAN ports and Network Address Translation (NAT) routing, up to 253 users can access your broadband connection at the same time.

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1/31/2012

NETGEAR FWG114P ProSafe 802.11g Wireless VPN Firewall 4-Port 10/100 Switch with USB Server Review

NETGEAR FWG114P ProSafe 802.11g Wireless VPN Firewall 4-Port 10/100 Switch with USB Server
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I've applied the new flash upgrade, and performance is still quite good. Most of my comments from January still apply. Setup is quick, Citrix & terminal services work without modification, and I can connect to my main office via Cisco VPN client. Games are still working too.
As with most vendors, I suspect you'll have better compatibility if you use a Netgear WiFi NIC with this unit. I can get it to work with a Cisco Aironet NIC, but I cannot get WPA encryption to work. WEP (for what it's worth) works, but I'll probably have to spring for the corresponding Netgear NIC if I want to move to WPA.
The print server took a hit with the flash upgrade, however. Now it will only work as long as the PCs using it never reboot. If they do, you lose the connection to the print server until the firewall is rebooted. Tech support has been, um, less than helpful in resolving the issue. For that reason, my rating still stands at 4 stars. I strongly recommend you check the printer compatibility list on Netgear's site before you count on this as a print server.
A couple of other notes:
- The firewall is solid. I'm a networking guy, and I've tried to hack my way in a couple of times. Nothing's perfect, but this is a good solution in the home or very small business market. The worst I've been able to do against this unit is a denial of service, which disabled the Internet connection to my home network until I rebooted the unit.
- If you plan to use MSN Messenger 6.2 and/or Windows XP's Remote Assistance, you'll need to enable UPnP on this unit, which is a bit annoying, but more of a Microsoft issue.
- The e-mail logging is VASTLY improved over that of the previous flash. My logs are much more manageable, and the number of false-positive security alert messages is minimal.
- You can now create up to two remote access VPN tunnels with the new flash. I tried it and it works, although as a home user I can't imagine ever needing that feature. Difficult to set up, though, so unless you have a solid understanding of IPSEC VPN protocols, good luck.
Still, I believe this is a good unit for a home office. For me, combining the functions of print server, wireless access point, and hardware firewall into a single device make it worth the price.

Click Here to see more reviews about: NETGEAR FWG114P ProSafe 802.11g Wireless VPN Firewall 4-Port 10/100 Switch with USB Server

The NETGEAR FWG114P ProSafe 802.11g Wireless VPN Firewall 4-Port 10/100 Switch with USB Server is a mouthful to say but provides your business with a router, switch, print server, wireless access point, and firewall. Instead of multiple devices and a tangle of wires, the FWG114P is all you need.
Wired and Wireless Connectivity The FWG114P can connect up to 253 users onto the LAN, including 64 wireless users, to share a single broadband connection. Built in to the router is a 4-port 10/100 switch for up to four connections, as well as an 802.11g wireless access point. The wireless network supports speeds up to 54 Mbps and there is a detachable 5 dBi antenna included.
A USB port allows you to connect a printer to the network that multiple users can share simultaneously. An RS-232 serial port provides a backup connection in case the main network connection fails. A row of LED lets you know the status of the network at a glance.
High-class Security For more security than just a simple NAT router, the FVG318 offers significantly more protection. It provides: a Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) firewall to prevent Denial of Service attacks, an Intrusion Detection System (IDS), the ability to block Java/URL/ActiveX based on extension, and FTP/SMTP/RPC program filtering.
The FWG114P supports two simultaneous VPN tunnels to protect links between remote locations, encrypting the data between them. The wireless network is protected by 40/64-bit and 128-bit WEP encryption as well as WPA.
Easy Setup Even with all the functionality the FWG114P provides, NETGEAR makes setup a breeze with the intuitive Smart Wizard that automatically detects the ISP connection and adjusts your configuration accordingly.
The NETGEAR FWG114P ProSafe 802.11g Wireless VPN Firewall 4-Port 10/100 Switch with USB Server is backed by a 3-year warranty.
What's in the Box FWG114P, AC power adapter, ethernet cable, installation guide, resource CD, warranty/support information card.

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12/04/2011

Netgear FVS318G PROSAFE® 8-PORT GIGABIT VPN FIREWALL Review

Netgear FVS318G PROSAFEĀ® 8-PORT GIGABIT VPN FIREWALL
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I wanted to upgrade my network to gigabit as well as improve security over my current WRT54Gv8 router. After much research I settled on this unit, its really one of the only vpn/firewall with 8 port gigabit and was excited when I received it. I've configured many routers and never had issues like I did with this router. It was so bad I may have received a defective unit. Ultimately I returned it.
1. The connections are on the front, not the back the way Amazon photo shows. I knew this but just wanted to share so you have less surprises.
2. UPNP is broken and is well known error. As a pro level router UPNP isn't a priority.
3. The netgear forums that will let you know just how many problems this router has, are locked to the public, and only when you have the router and register with the serial number can you actually see the vast complaints. The forum is locked as this is a pro level router.
4. Dropped connections regularly and was completely unstable
5. Required frequent reboots and seemed to take 2 minutes or so to reboot.
6. Would lock up my cable modem and require even that to be rebooted.
On the upside
1. the firewall is very nice and configurable. All ports open as expected and is very flexible.
2. The level of control is so superior to the WRT54gv8 I'm currently using - if only it was stable.
3. QOS worked as it should and was not a gimmick like my current router.
I'm content with 802.11G speeds so I planned to use this vpn router and have the WRT54Gv8 be an access point. In the end the constant instability forced me to return it. I put the lowly consumer router back in service, updated the firmware for good measure, and returned to the stability I had prior.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Netgear FVS318G PROSAFE® 8-PORT GIGABIT VPN FIREWALL

Netgear ProSafe FVS318G Firewall FVS318G-100NAS Network Security & Firewalls

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9/18/2011

Cisco RV016 16-port 10/100 VPN Router - Multi WAN Review

Cisco RV016 16-port 10/100 VPN Router - Multi WAN
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I use this router on our main network of about 40 permanent users and another 20 or so users (clients) that come and go. At any one time it is negotiating 50 to 65 users via DHCP through four 24 port managed switches about ten 4 to 8 port hubs and six WAP's. Clients come and go everyday, some with Mac's others with PC's and I never have to do anything to get them on the internet. In the two years it has been in service I think that I rebooted it once and I'm not positive that it was the problem since I will reboot the modem, switches and router together. Occasionally things do get turned off for maintenance, but looking at the router admin page right now it has been running 54 days straight. I have to say it is much more stable than other small routers that advertise delivering 99 DHCP address's but really can only deliver about 10 without having to use static IP's. It's powerful browser interface lets you manage port bandwidth, port function and port priority easily. Some departments need more or less speed or higher priority. Security notifications via email keep me on top of potential attacks. The effect on speed due to security features was negligible. The "Block WAN request" even keeps our own ISP from seeing us. All these things are simple to setup. As a basic router it is very powerful.
The only short coming that I see is with the load balancing. This seems to really slow the speed significantly. I think that it is just too much for the CPU to handle. My intention was to have two different ISP's for redundancy. As a fix I leave both providers connected but only activate one WAN port at a time. If one WAN goes down I can quickly activate the other WAN port without anyone really being affected. The other ISP is mainly used for FTP anyway.
On the problems with VPN's, we don't use them so I can't comment on that.
In closing, you could spend thousands to get some of the features that facilitate subnets and load balancing, for the price it works very well.
Update: I have since purchased a second RV016 (firmware 2.0.13) with the same solid performance. I've read about some of the problems that others are having and would say that compatibility with other vendors is an issue to consider. Also using switches versus hubs takes some of the load off the routers CPU.
Update 2: We now own three routers without problem. I know that some have complained about customer service and I have to agree it's lacking. But what I would tell less experienced users is that the Sitemap column on the right side of the browser interface has extensive explanations of all the settings. This combined with a little experimentation should get you where you need to be. The file sharing problems that another reviewer had has nothing to do with the router, it's all about the computer settings. Another reviewer commented on customer service asking about the color of the cables. In the early days of DSL and daisy chaining hubs, crossover cables were used and they were generally orange or yellow and will not work with most equipment.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cisco RV016 16-port 10/100 VPN Router - Multi WAN

WAN VPN Router, formerly part of the Linksys Business Series, is designed and built for small businesses. It provides connection sharing and secure remote access at the heart of your network to allow your employees to access the resources they need to be productive. Multiple WAN ports can be used for load balancing and redundancy. Strong security features include VPN, a proven firewall, and an optional security service that helps fight spam, viruses, and other threats. The built-in switch can connect devices in the office or additional switches.

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9/16/2011

TRENDnet 4-Port Gigabit Firewall Router TWG-BRF114 (Black) Review

TRENDnet 4-Port Gigabit Firewall Router TWG-BRF114 (Black)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
At first install, speeds were capped well below my ISP's capacity. After upgrading the firmware (which can ONLY be done using I.E. since their code is not compatible with Firefox yeah, major yellow flag!) to v1.0 Revision 04 the speeds were acceptable, however the router disconnects if idle and for some reason you cannot turn that feature off. It also does not return ping requests, there is a serious bug in the firmware that tech support could not overcome after over an hour on the phone and 3 different techs.
Also there is no way to save the original Revision 02 firmware, and they don't host it on their site so it can't be downloaded. Once you upgrade the firmware (as their tech support insists!) there is no way to go back! Their top tier tech support never called back like they said they would. 24/7 tech support my A$$!
The NAT implementation is horrible, it does let you open port ranges manually but cannot forward them to a specific host on your network without jumping through hoops and creating a "virtual server" why can't they just do like everybody else does?
Also you cannot delete or edit "default services" that they bind to certain ports, what if you want to use that port for another application?
Overall, save yourself the trouble and jog on over to Radio Shack and get something that works, something you can take back within a few minutes rather than have to get an RMA, ship the item, wait for credit, yada yada.

Click Here to see more reviews about: TRENDnet 4-Port Gigabit Firewall Router TWG-BRF114 (Black)

TRENDnet TWG-BRF114 Gigabit Security Router TWG-BRF114 Routers & Gateways - Wired

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9/13/2011

TRENDnet 4-Port Advanced VPN Firewall Router TW100-BRV304 (Blue) Review

TRENDnet 4-Port Advanced VPN Firewall Router TW100-BRV304 (Blue)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Beware buying this product from Antonline, they have a poor return policy:
Unfortunately, products with customer caused item, packaging or accessory damage; OR that are missing items, accessories or packaging; OR with activated software or intellectual property agreements; OR with missing packaging or accessories; OR that cannot be resold as new - exactly as you received the product are not eligible for return or refund.


Click Here to see more reviews about: TRENDnet 4-Port Advanced VPN Firewall Router TW100-BRV304 (Blue)

TRENDnets TW100-BRV304 Cable/DSL Advanced VPN Firewall Router provides small business users advanced broadband security with a Stateful Packet Inspection Firewall (SPI) that filters traffic down to the packet level and incorporates protection against popular hacker attacks such as Denial of Service (DoS) attempts. It includes VPN encryption with support for up to 70 simultane-ous VPN tunnels via client pc-to-endpoint or endpoint-to-endpoint configuration. To allow direct access to a web server or PC around the firewall the router includes a dedicated DMZ port. Installation and VPN Set-up is quick and easy with the help of the install wizard. The new VPN Firewall family delivers ad-vanced security at an affordable price.

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9/07/2011

Cisco RV042 4-port 10/100 VPN Router - Dual WAN Review

Cisco RV042 4-port 10/100 VPN Router - Dual WAN
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I wanted a low-cost VPN solution and had been debating purchasing the Cisco 501 PIX firewall and Netscreen's lowest end 5GT VPN router (which costs $450 + maintenance/support contracts) before discovering this bargain model. Tom's Networking Hardware has a good review about the RV082 holding up with Netscreen's 5GT VPN router in performance tests, which pretty much convinced me to get this Linksys brand. I use the RV082 for our main office and the RV042 as a client in our remote office in mainland China, so I can't say for sure that an RV042-RV042 solution works. Note: If you intend to purchase this model and use it for an international location, however, you do need to purchase a separate 220 volt/1000 mA/12 volt adapter, since the unit only comes with a 110 volt adapter. (Linksys apparently has yet to provide a universal power adapter for this product line.)
I thought the RV042 would be exactly the same as the RV082 except with 4 ports instead of 8. However, I found that the firmware is still a bit behind the RV082 (the RV042 also does not come with an internal PPTP server, though this PPTP server is still not compatible with the Win2000/XP PPTP client). One major benefit of the RV082 is that it comes with a free VPN client called QuickVPN (downloadable in the same section where the RV082 firmware is located). Unlike other Linksys VPN routers, the RV082 using the QuickVPN client avoids the trouble of needing to follow a 16-page procedure for configuring a Win2000/XP client to access the VPN.
The RV082 firmware (v1.1.6.3) contains an "HTTP Service" option that must be enabled to provide QuickVPN support. The QuickVPN client appears to retrieve some VPN server information through https:// requests, which isn't evident unless you look closely at the wget_error.txt located inside the C:\Program Files\Linksys\Linksys VPN Client directory. The RV042 firmware (1.3.1) does not yet support this feature, but their current BETA version (v1.3.3) does (downloaded from linksysinfo.org). Linksys has yet to officially release this firmware, so be forewarned!
The RV units may also be compatible with other VPN brands. We had been using the really flaky Symantec 200 VPN units and managed to get one of the units to negotiate a IPSEC tunnel with the RV042 and RV082. You can use the VPN log feature to see if the negotiation works. Enable the keep-alive option in the Advanced features to help maintain a persistent tunnel too!
Instructions for QuickVPN and setting up the RV042:
1. Upgrade to the latest firmware version (1.3.3 beta off Linksysinfo.org. Additional note: There are reports of problems with the the 1.3.6 beta so have stayed away from using it.)
2. Inside the "Firewall" section, enable the HTTPS service. Make sure to Save Settings too.
3. Inside the "VPN" section, click on the VPN Client Users. Add a username and password that will be used for the QuickVPN Client. Make sure the user that you will be using is selected as Active.
4. Make sure that your client's NAT/firewall has IPSEC passthrough capability turned-on. If you don't, you may see that the QuickVPN client successfully connects but freezes at "Verifying Network".
5. Your client's IP subnet should not conflict with the other remote networks (i.e. Your client subnet should be 192.168.2.0 if your remote networks use 192.168.0.0 or 192.168.1.0)
6. Verify that the IPSEC services is running on your Windows machine.
7. If you are running Windows XP SP2, you need to disable the Windows Firewall. You may also see the connection established but QuickVPN get stuck at the "Verifying Network" message.
A good place to debug your problem is to look at the error logs in the wget_error.txt in the directory where the QuickVPN client is installed (i.e. C:\Program Files\Linksys). The wget program apparently tries to connect via HTTPS to the RV042/RV08 to obtain VPN server information. If the connection is successful, you can see several .conf files downloaded into the same directory.
One another note: Both the RV042 and RV082 have a second WAN port for load-balancing, but I've seen enough reports to stay away from using this feature until Linksys manages to resolves the issues in the firmware.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cisco RV042 4-port 10/100 VPN Router - Dual WAN

Network connections are the backbone of business connections. One of the Cisco Small Business Routers, the RV042 Virtual Private Networking (VPN) Router supports up to four wired and 50 off-site connections. The latter allows users to connect into your network with secure access to your files and intranet. The RV042 comes with dual Internet ports that can serve as a failsafe system for 24/7 network uptime, or as a secondary connection to a separate Internet provider. Whether they're used for backup or speed boosting, the router's networking hardware will keep bottlenecks away from your network, period.

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9/04/2011

Netgear FR114P Firewall Cable/DSL Router with Print Server Review

Netgear FR114P Firewall Cable/DSL Router with Print Server
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I read the other reviews here with some dismay before I bought this unit. I decided to go ahead with the purchase because I had spent a lot of time researching router/switch combos with print server capability and true SPI firewall capability. There are not a lot of reasonably priced options out there. In summary this unit has performed like a dream. I had two PC's, a NIC laserprinter, and a parallel port printer (via print server) all plugged in, configured with my DSL service, and all up and running in less than 30 minutes. Please note that BEFORE I purchased this unit I made 3 separate "pre-sales" calls to Netgear tech support and received what I considered to be good information in each instance (I even placed a call at 3am one morning to check if they really were 24/7). Read the installation guide from cover to cover BEFORE you actually DO anything and you will probably find (as I did) that this is a no-brainer deal.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Netgear FR114P Firewall Cable/DSL Router with Print Server

The Netgear FR11P ProSafe firewall/print server is a true, broadband-capable firewall that provides you with the utmost in business-class security--Denial of Service protection and intrusion detection using Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI), URL access and content filtering, logging, reporting, and real-time alerts. VPN pass-through maximizes network security with access control and encryption. And a built-in print server removes the bottleneck of a dedicated PC print server and supports multiple print jobs simultaneously. With four auto sensing, switched LAN ports and Network Address Translation (NAT) routing, up to 253 users can access your broadband connection at the same time. There's even a 100 Mbps WAN port for future high-speed broadband services. Smart Wizard and Install Assistant get your network up and running in minutes, and a complete antivirus software bundle is included at no extra cost to shield your network with additional protection.

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8/18/2011

Cisco-Linksys BEFSX41 EtherFast Cable/DSL Firewall Router (4-Port 10/100 Switch / VPN Endpoint) Review

Cisco-Linksys  BEFSX41 EtherFast Cable/DSL Firewall Router (4-Port 10/100 Switch / VPN Endpoint)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I've used two SX41s for over three years on DSL and they are rock solid providing that I don't violate the cardinal rules of operation. The VPN tunnels are easy to set up if you follow the guidelines. First of all you must use a stable firmware. 1.45.7 is the most stable. The latest 1.52.9 is okay, but not as stable. Also you must NEVER set any of the Web Filters to deny or you will have reboots. Generally it is as simple as that.
There are also rules for flashing that must be observed. It doesn't matter whether you use a ver 1 firmware on a ver 2 router or visa versa. Thinking there is a difference is nonsense. What DOES matter is that the router MUST be reset to factory defaults (30 secs on the reset button will do this) before a flash or you risk bricking the router. When flashing with the Web page flashing tool, use IE or you will risk bricking the router. Use the TFTP utility for the SX41 obtainable from Linksys if you wish to use a Mozilla-based browser to flash. After you flash, you should reset once again to factory defaults. There are residual register settings carried over from the previous firmware versions that can cause reboots and other malfunctions.
Even the best flashing procedures can fail, but there are procedures for recovering from a bad flash at DSLReports.com. The recovery rate is probably better than 90% using those techniques. Guidelines for setting tunnels up are also posted there as well as access to the 1.45.7 stable firmware.
Successful operation of the SX41 requires modest intelligence, some networking experience, and following the operating rules. Linksys support hasn't a clue as to what those rules are so don't even bother with them unless you are trying for an RMA for a defective unit. Basically the router has gotten a bad rap from people who don't know how to operate it. Unfortunately they can't learn how to do that from the minimalist manual or from the so-called tech support personnel. Ask for operation help in the Linksys forum on the above mentioned web site if you are struggling with this router.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cisco-Linksys BEFSX41 EtherFast Cable/DSL Firewall Router (4-Port 10/100 Switch / VPN Endpoint)

The Linksys Instant Broadband EtherFast cable/DSL firewall router with 4-port switch/VPN endpoint is the perfect solution for connecting a small group of PCs to a high-speed broadband Internet connection or a 10/100 Ethernet backbone. The router can be configured to limit internal users' Internet access based on URLs and/or time periods (URL filtering and time filtering). For enhanced protection against intruders from the Internet, the router features an advanced SPIfirewall.
Use the cable/DSL firewall router with 4-port switch/VPN endpoint to create IPSec VPN tunnels, so you can securely connect to the corporate server from your home office--or from any location, when you're on the road. The router provides a dedicated port for DMZ hosting and acts as the only externally recognized Internet gateway on your LAN. With the performance and security features of the Linksys cable/DSL firewall router with 4-port switch/VPN endpoint, your network will take advantage of the Internet while keeping its data secure.
This router is compatible with Windows 95, 98, NT, 2000, Me, and XP.
Note: All Linksys routers now include a special edition of Norton Internet Security! Claim your free CD-ROM by calling (800) 814-0180, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific, seven days a week.


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6/28/2011

TRENDnet 54 Mbps Wireless G Broadband Router TEW-432BRP (Blue) Review

TRENDnet 54 Mbps Wireless G Broadband Router TEW-432BRP (Blue)
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Upgrading finally from my B router. Probably the last one in the neighborhood to do so.
There are three versions of the TEW-432BRP (the outer casings look slightly different). They're roughly labelled A, B, and C. I wound up with the C one. Its the best G router i've ever seen, for a few reasons:
1. "Easy CD" actually worked and led me through a wizard that had me running in under 5 minutes. It was even intelligent enough to figure out that my cable company's router needed a reset.
2. When you go into the firmware, there are some interesting and unusual settings you can tweak. It has the usual things like 'dont broadcast ssid' and all the rest of it. But it also had unusual settings that I'd never seen before, like the ability to set the output of its signal at "full power" or "half power" or "quarter" or "eigth" or "minimum". Seemed like an interesting option; I usually sit 10 feet from it, maybe I can reduce the microwaves bombarding my brain? I tried it on the various levels and did throughput tests. Interestingly, it was at "quarter power" that I had the fastest throughput. I dont know why, but I can live with that. I was glad to have that option to reduce the output signal's power level in the router, though.
3. Excellent transmission spread, strong signal, and fast. I know the bottleneck is supposed to be the dsl/cable conneciton itself, but I would swear my browsing is faster and snappier now. And my connection speed to my local network drive improved five-fold (which was why I got a g router in the first place).
Its a great deal under twenty-five on sale.

Click Here to see more reviews about: TRENDnet 54 Mbps Wireless G Broadband Router TEW-432BRP (Blue)

The 54Mbps Wireless G Router offers a complete wireless solution that allows you to share files, an Internet connection, or network resource while protecting your network using enhanced security features. Simply plug your workstations and your broadband modem into the Wireless G router, and configure your broadband connection using its built-in Web Interface. Use the Virtual Server feature to configure any workstation as a Web Server or FTP server easily, allowing users to view files from the Internet. You can also protect your Wireless LAN using 64/128-bit WEP encryption or industry standard WPA-PSK with TKIP or AES algorithms. Increase security by enabling MAC, IP, or Protocol Filtering as well as setting Firewall Rules to limit Internet Access or block malicious intruders from accessing your network.

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6/06/2011

D-Link DGL-4100 4-Port GamerLounge Broadband Gigabit Gaming Router Review

D-Link  DGL-4100 4-Port GamerLounge Broadband Gigabit Gaming Router
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This router hands down is a solid performer that beckons to be on radar. Configurability, performance, stability, firmware updates, D-Link has made a huge statement in a world of cheap routers that freezes, frustrates, and basically ridicules users that demand more out of their internet connection. Not sure if my Cisco CCIE VoIP certification makes any difference to this review but I can honestly say with what I do both at work and at home, I expect network device to perform to their specification and more. I also play hardcore online MMORPG with 5 accounts running through this router, no lag, no hiccups, performs like a star. A Router's first priority is stability, this thing is so solid, I wonder if there is something wrong with it. Without stability, nothing matters. With stability non-issue, next comes performance. When I prioritize my MMORPG traffic to 1 (highest priority possible), regardless of how many Torrent traffic in the background, or the 10 or so desktop/laptops that running in my home, this BEAST can take it. Functionality? I bought the LAN only version, no wireless, and I hook up my old Linksys Wireless-B router, disable DHCP, and this D-Link automatically detects, AUTOMATICALLY re-routes its network path internally, and can broadcast wireless network as an extension. READ: ease of use. Other functionality includes being able to lock down every MAC address easily, and assign easy to understand NICK NAMES to every individual laptops/desktops MAC Address with great organization and quick lookup for network troubleshooting. I like the ease of setting up Static IP assignments for key Gaming PC/Laptops that can be easily tracked, monitored, and configured for QoS applications. Though not as robust as professional software but I am able to track all TCP connections with their corresponding ports all in one convenient page. I am able to see if my little brother is downloading/uploading porn and shut it down if I pleases. Last but not least, the last update allows the router to update ANY/ALL changes WITHOUT requiring the router to REBOOT. THAT shot my rating up to the stars.

Click Here to see more reviews about: D-Link DGL-4100 4-Port GamerLounge Broadband Gigabit Gaming Router

4 x 10/100/1000Base-T LAN, 1 x 10/100Base-TX WAN - Router

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