I purchased this router last weekend (I started writing this in December 2000, see how far behind I am?). Well, almost this router, it’s identical except it does not include the 4 port switch, it only has one port, which you then connect to either a hub or a switch. I was a little disappointed at buying this model at first, because I was determined to get exactly the 4 port 10/100 model, but the local Fry’s was out of them, and I wanted to buy a router before my new Dell arrived. The BEFSR11 model (the one I purchased) was less expensive than the however; even including the Linksys 5 port 10baseT HUB I bought. I decided to get the router to enable my G3 Macintosh and my Dell to use the same DSL connection.

I decided against using a software solution, because I have had less than happy success doing this in the past. I do leave all of my computers on 24/7, but I didn’t want one computer to be dependant on another for connectivity. Also, the other issue is, which computer would the software run on? Instantly I see the fight between my boyfriend and I as to which computer would have this job. To make things simple for both of us (we are very set in our ways when it comes to computers, and we both think we are right), and keep our relationship a joy, the hardware solution seemed the ticket.

I decided on the Linksys brand/model router because I have heard success stories with other Macintosh users who used it, and I wanted a router that didn’t require I use only a Windows OS to set it up.

My ISP is Pacific Bell, and they use PPPoE. The software they provide for Mac users has made my G3 unstable, so using the router is an added bonus, giving the authentication job to the router, instead of the computer. The only annoyance I have had with PPPoE and the Linksys router is that if it loses it’s connection to the PPPoE server, it sometimes gives up after three attempts to reconnect. To regain the connection, I have to log into the router with a web browser and press the connect button. It is not difficult, just annoying.

I installed the for one of my bosses, at his home, so he could share his DSL connection with his wife and kids. He uses Pacific Bell as well for his internet access, but he is one of the lucky few that still have a static IP address. The setup of his router was just as easy as mine. Again, I used DHCP on the computers connected to the router. Set up time was less than an hour (router and 2 computers). In addition to the DSL/Router, I installed the Linksys & wireless PC card on one of the laptops. When a section is added to Epinions for this product, I’ll share my experience.

Technical (from the Linksys website):

* Connects to a Broadband Modem Or to An Ethernet Backbone
* Equipped With a 4-port 10/100 Switch
* Connects All of Your PCs to the Internet With Only One Purchased IP Address
* Supports Dynamic and Static IP Addresses
* Supports PPPoE
* Creates a Firewall to Protect Your PCs From Outside Intruders
* Configurable Through Any Networked PC's Web Browser
* The Switch Dramatically Speeds Up Your Gaming and Multimedia Connections
* Can Act as Either a DHCP Server or Client
* Compatible with All Standard Internet Applications
* Administrators Can Block Specific Interior Users Internet Access
* Technical Support - 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week
* Full 1-Year Warranty

Ports:

* 4 10BaseT/100BaseTX RJ-45 Ports
* One 10BaseT Broadband WAN Port
* One 10BaseT/100BaseTX RJ-45 Uplink Port

LEDs: Power, Ready/Test, Link and Activity for both WAN and LAN port(s), Partition and Collision for LAN ports

Recommended: Yes