bs03751's Full Review: Linksys EtherFast® BEFSR41 Router
Here's the scenario. You sign up for high-speed internet, and your ISP provides you with a standard cable modem. One Port, no network security, and then you plug in your vulnerable Microsoft based PC.
What's wrong with that picture?
Everything, because your ISP is not protecting you from internet vulnerability! They don't even empower you with the knowledge to "surf safe." Go figure.
One solution is to get a router with some basic security features. Some folks don't use wireless because they don't want freeloaders. I use this router because it was nearly free after rebates. I'll probably soon purchase another Linksys wireless router, but for now, this works just fine. I don't really need to carry my laptop around the house to surf in my easy chair, while watching TV.
While the price lured me in, the security feature set closed the deal.
Having NAT (Network Address Translation) means your PCs are not exposed to the internet directly. The router has an IP address which is exposed to the internet and your PCs are using their own stealth IP addresses invisible to the internet. This protects you from several kinds of vulnerabilities. Think about it this way ... If you didn't have my address, how could you come rob my house?
The unit acts as a switch as well, allowing multiple PCs to gain access to the internet.
Set up was a breeze, with the browser based administration. I simply connected the unit in front of my cable modem, and hooked up my 10/100 PC ethernet (cat 5) connections.
This unit has been running reliably for several years. Like I said, I will may get a wireless router (linksys), but I don't feel compelled to rush out to make a change for any reason. This unit has been 100% reliable from the day I installed it, and I wish I could say the same for my ISP which serves up unplanned outages at least monthly.
Everyone should be running some level of router (hardware) based security before accessing the internet, and this unit certainly covers the basics quite well.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 20 Driver Availability: Windows, Linux, and Mac
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