Do I need a router with SPI

[kornphlake]

I like the idea of SPI and the fact that it blocks unsolicited requests, but I'm not really willing to sacrifice stability for some buzzword that is supposed to improve my security. I was looking at the Linksys BEFSX41, although I don't need VPN it seems to be the lowest priced Linksys router with SPI and Linksys seems to be the most consistantly recommended. Tom's hardware gave this router an excellent review as did CNet, however the user's reviews have been pretty hit or miss.

Tom's review mentioned that most routers that claim to support SPI in fact don't work well with SPI enabled, would it be better to stick with a router that only supports NAT and save myself some hardware headaches with the possibility of some spyware slipping through?

 

[kornphlake]

anyone?

 

[dmcowen674]

Originally posted by: kornphlake
I like the idea of SPI and the fact that it blocks unsolicited requests, but I'm not really willing to sacrifice stability for some buzzword that is supposed to improve my security. I was looking at the Linksys BEFSX41, although I don't need VPN it seems to be the lowest priced Linksys router with SPI and Linksys seems to be the most consistantly recommended. Tom's hardware gave this router an excellent review as did CNet, however the user's reviews have been pretty hit or miss.

Tom's review mentioned that most routers that claim to support SPI in fact don't work well with SPI enabled, would it be better to stick with a router that only supports NAT and save myself some hardware headaches with the possibility of some spyware slipping through?

Looks like a decent piece of equipment. Just get what you need.

I wouldn't rely on it to stop "possibility of some spyware slipping through".

They make stuff up everyday designed to blast through somehow.