randallw's Full Review: Linksys EtherFast® BEFSR41 Router
I have been using a Linksys BEFSR41 router for about 4 years. I have used the router for home use, and has been reliable. This model is hardwired ( not wireless ).
I've noticed many negative reviews of this model; perhaps it was designed without compatibility for certain modems or ( even worse ) the quality control of the parts for it is very poor.
For you people who are not technologically inclined you may be wondering "What does this router do?" Think of a router's job as being similar to an AC power strip: electrical power moves from an AC outlet into the power strip then is distributed through multiple outlets. The strip turns a single output into multiple outputs. This router receives an internet connection from a high speed modem ( cable or DSL ) and distributes it up to 4 individual computers without requiring a hub or switch.
If a hub or switch is used it should be connected to the Uplink port, and nothing should be using port #1.
This router has been dependable for me. There are occasional internet connection problems, but none trace back
to the router being faulty. Sometimes the connection speed may decrease, but I suspect that is from use of more than one computer at a time.
For people with a lower amount of computer knowledge getting the router operational may have some frustration, but it can be done if all required information is known, and extra connection cables are available.
If the internet connection is troubled, there is a chance it will be restored by having the router, modem, and computer restarted. The router can be restarted by having the power unplugged, or the reset button can be pushed for one second. If the reset button is held down for 30 seconds the settings are restored to original settings.
The button is inside a hole, requiring a small object ( like a pen ) to be pushed inside. I have no idea why the router designers didn't use a simple pushbutton; perhaps they are worried someone would accidentally push the button if it stuck out and the world would be in danger of self destruction.
The router supports the PC operating systems Windows 98SE, Me, 2000, and XP. It was designed before Windows Vista existed, so I have no idea if it works for it or not. Some reviewers have complained the router does not work for Mac computers, but since the router does not seem to have been designed for it.
Use of the router assigns an IP to each computer connected to it; use of a firewall may block the computers from being able to communicate with each other unless their respective IPs are added to the trusted zone of the firewall.
The router comes with a quick start instruction guide, and a setup CD. Some confusion can occur since the installation steps aren't exactly the same.
Installation instructions by quick start guide
The modem ( cable or DSL ) is connected to the signal from the wall ( a cable should have been provided for that with the modem ).
The output port ( labelled as a LAN or Ethernet port ) on the modem is connected to the WAN port of the router. The connection cable should be a Cat5 type.
Another Cat5 cable is used to connect the computer's Ethernet card to one of the router's LAN ports ( numbered #1-#4 ). At this moment the computer should be off.
The router's power adapter ( plug end ) should be plugged into the router, then the transformer end is plugged into an AC outlet. The router has no on/off switch, so any time the router is receiving power it is on.
The Network settings of the computer ( through the Control Panel of Windows ) should have the IP set to "obtain an address automatically".
The router's settings are checked through an internet web page. The router supports one of five types of internet connection: DHCP ( automatic IP ), PPPoE ( point to point protocol over ethernet ), static IP, RAS, or PPTP. The internet service provider knows which type they use; their technical support people should be able to tell you if you don't already know which type it is.
The web page with the router settings has many advanced settings; I won't get into that since there are many to list and would require heavy explanation.
The computer and modem should be restarted ( but not the router ) so any changes made are sure to take effect.
Installation by CD-Rom
There are two setup options on the CD: there is a process to connect the first computer to the router, and also a process to connect a computer if there is already at least one connected.
To connect the first computer the modem is connected to the computer ( the router is temporarily ignored ), connection and login details ( such as the user name and password of the ISP account if needed ) are entered, then the CD software tests the connection. If the connection is good then the router is connected for the full modem-router-computer chain. The temporary bypass of the router ( to check the modem-computer connection ) isn't performed in the quick start guide.
To connect a computer after one is already connected the extra computer is connected to the router, then the connection is tested.
Firewall capability and firmware
The router has an internal firewall, and supports the Zonealarm brand firewall software ( installs on the computer ).
Specifications and readouts
The router supports IEEE 802.3 ( 10BaseT ) and IEEE 802.3u ( 100BaseTX ) standards
One input port ( connects to modem )
Four output ports ( connect to ethernet ports on computers ) and one uplink port ( for hub or switch )
Router measures 7.32 inches wide, 6.06 inches deep, 1.89 inches high
Router weighs 11.04 ounces
Router is powered by AC adapter ( 9 volts AC, 1000 mA )
Router has FCC and CE certifications
Operating temperature is 32 degrees F to 104 degrees F
Storage temperature is -4 degrees F to 158 degrees F
Operating humidity is 10%-85% non condensing
Storage humidity is 5%-905 non condensing
On the front panel there are LEDs to show power and connectivity. An LED indicates if the router and modem are connected to each other, and another LED shows if there is a fault somewhere. Each port has three LEDs to show if the ports are connected to a computer and if there is internet activity currently in progress. The reset button is also on the front panel.
Both the top and bottom of the router have holes to allow air circulation.
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