Decent Router/Firewall?

[Streckfus]

I'd originally planned on picking up a Netgear or LinkSys firewall router to put in front of my DSL modem, but I see that NewEgg has a good deal on a Zonet router...$26 for the item, $16 after rebates.

I don't plan on doing any networking; I just want a hardware firewall to help with security. Anyone have any experience with this model or am I better off spending the $40-$50 for a Netgear or LinkSys?

 

[InlineFive]

I'm preferential to the Linksys WRTxx series with an SPI firewall. Take a look around and see what you can find.

 

[cparker]

I have a linksys befsr41 that's a non wireless router with firewall. They upgrade the firmware frequently so it "has legs". The zonet will probably work fine as a firewall. But you might want to compare the two manuals (both available online) to see if the features of the zonet (compared to say a linksys) match your needs. If it does, you'll save 20 plus bucks.

 

[okb]

I have the same model as cparker and love it, although I've yet to upgrade the firmware. To me the extra $20 is worth it but I've no experience with Zonet.

 

[nbarb99]

I'm preferential to the Smoothwall system, though I have used Linksys NAT routers in the past. Can't say anything for any other brand, as I've only used Linksys routers (specifically the BEFSR41 and BEFW11S4 models).

 

[JackMDS]

CompUSA has today an 802.11g Wireless Cable/DSL Router for $7.99 after rebate.

However as far as Wired Routers go.

The main difference between the Wired Entry level Cable/DSL Routers is the Firewall "Filtering" system, and number, range etc. of ports that can be opened through the Hardware Firewall.

If you are a gamer, and or use applications that need ports opening, it is an issue you have to look at.

If you need special ports opening for Server, VPN, etc. You have each targeted Router to make sure that it can keep these ports Open.

If you want in general more elaborate Router with better VPN, and SPI capacities you have to look at the Top Models of SMC, Linksys, D-Link, and Netgear.

Otherwise I would go with the lowest price, and the decor

Link to: Cable/DSL Routers - NAT, Ports, SPI.

:sun:

 

[Streckfus]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
CompUSA has today an 802.11g Wireless Cable/DSL Router for $7.99 after rebate.

However as far as Wired Routers go.

The main difference between the Wired Entry level Cable/DSL Routers is the Firewall "Filtering" system, and number, range etc. of ports that can be opened through the Hardware Firewall.

If you are a gamer, and or use applications that need ports opening, it is an issue you have to look at.

If you need special ports opening for Server, VPN, etc. You have each targeted Router to make sure that it can keep these ports Open.

If you want in general more elaborate Router with better VPN, and SPI capacities you have to look at the Top Models of SMC, Linksys, D-Link, and Netgear.

Otherwise I would go with the lowest price, and the decor

Link to: Cable/DSL Routers - NAT, Ports, SPI.

:sun:

The only reason I want to get a router is for added security; the firewall is the only feature I'm concerned about. I'm using one computer, so networking isn't an issue. And although I plan on doing plenty of gaming, none of it will be online (I'm a single-player fellow - the online multiplayer stuff is too high-speed and intimidating for my tastes!). When you mentioned VPN and SPI capacities, I had no idea what you're talking about. So I wouldn't know what to do with those features anyway.

I don't want to pay for something that won't work (for security purposes), so if Zonet is known to be a crap brand then I'd go for a Netgear or LinkSys, but my only reason for getting a router in the first place is because these days it's highly recommended to add a firewall to your system to compliment your anti-virus/spyware software. So I'm not too concerned about bells & whistles, just reliability.

And do routers have any effect on connection speed? I definitely wouldn't want my new router to slow down my DSL connection, so if that's something that can happen perhaps you can tell me what to look for in a router/firewall?

 

[JackMDS]

Ok.

Taking into consideration your level of knowledge and your willing to learn, any Router will do what you need. I.e. have a Firewall NAT.

Get the cheapest that you can find.

:sun:

 

[Streckfus]

Thanks for all the feedback, but I think I'm going to spend a little more money and get the NETGEAR RP614. It's only $40 ($30 after rebates) - and from what I could see from various manuals, this one seems to be the most user friendly and the easiest to set up for a newbie like me.

 

[JackMDS]

Here save another $10.:thumbsup:

http://shop3.outpost.com/product/3321502?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

:sun:

 

[Streckfus]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
Here save another $10.:thumbsup:

http://shop3.outpost.com/product/3321502?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

:sun:

Thanks for the info and the link....the purchase has been made!