After using the Linksys Router for almost 3 months, I feel confident now that I can write a very good epinion on this wonderful product from Linksys.

Well, here's the deal. My family decided to go and get cable modem service from RCN (UPDATE: Opinion up now!) So in preparation of the impending installation and all, I did some research.

I wanted to have all the computers in our home (3) be able to access the internet through the cable modem. However, since RCN does not give away more than 1 IP address, I had to decide on two options.

1) Home LAN w/Proxy Software for internet access - This option would require that I setup my dad's computer to act as an internet server. I would need to have gotten 4 NICs (two PCMCIA, two PCI's), lots of cables, and buy sygate or wingate. This setup would be primarily software-based, and though it is a setup that many people I know use, it's not the easiest and headache free of choices.

2) Home LAN based on a router & switch - This is a hardware-based solution compared to #1 which was software based. This option requires that you buy two main items. One is a router, which acts like the proxy software, but it's hardware based. Essentially, what the router does is transfer the internet info you are sending and receiving through an indirect path. Thus, it's appears to be ONE computer, while that may not be the case. The router, since it appears to be a computer to the outside world, is also an effective firewall against hackers and intruders. No one can attack your computer if they can't see it.

The second item is a switch, which is simply a glorified hub. With this device, you can connect it to the router, and connect your computers as well. This will then allow you and other computers to use the internet with just one connection, and creates a home LAN in your home.

As you can tell, I decided to go with option 2.

Now if you've made it with me, here is what is great about the Linksys 4-port switch router.

A. It's a router & switch at the same time! This is one of the things that got this little router all its fame. This was the first time you were able to get a router and switch combo for consumers.

B. The price was right, if you look around, such as on ebay, or amazon.com, you can get this router for 120-140 bucks. Very cheap when you compare it to industrial versions of router & switch combos(Which can go up to $500!)

C. Built-in hardware firewall, though the router tricks the ISP to allow you to access the net with more than one computer, hackers and other intruders and programs have ways to get to your computer nevertheless. The Linksys router also has a built-in hardware firewall. What that means is, it conceals your computer from normal internet scanners. So when they get to your IP address, they will not get a response because the router is concealing your identity & existence. (Firmware 1.30 will make sure all your ports are STEALTHED.))

D. It's a DHCP server/client abilities! It basically means you can have it act as one of two things, a server or client. Generally most people want to have it act as a server if it is going to be the main conduit of your internet activity. When it's set on server mode, it will automatically assign each computer in your LAN an IP address, thus the reason you do not need software, b/c the router will route each connection to each individual IP it has assigned.

E. Ever evolving device, with upgrades, and expandability. Linksys is constantly updating and improving this device through its OS. This router is very useful and whenever users complain about certain functions that don't work, or what they like to see, Linksys will usually put it under their plans of updating. Example of this is when Linksys put in features such as IPSec, and stealthing the ports.

So should you buy this router?

If you're planning on creating a simple home LAN and want to share a broadband connection within that LAN, I would go with the router. Less headaches in terms of not having to have one computer on all the time. Since it's hardware based, there's no chance for you to ever get crashes. Plus, the maintenance and use of this router will pay back out to you in the end. It's a wonderful device, and it's made my home LAN admin a piece of cake.


Recommended: Yes