I want a firewall/router. Recomendations?

[VWhed]

I am looking at getting a firewall/router. I just want to make sure that I am getting the "currrent" technology. I don't really need wireless, unless there is a distinct advantage (other than being wireless). I was looking at this one from Newegg. text

What do you guys think??

 

[madthumbs]

Wireless is cheaper: http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=33-124-010&depa=1
Your router is $2 less, but add's 4.99 for shipping. The wireless is free shipping. There's also a $10rebate bringing the difference much further 😉
The WRT54G has it's source code available. This means that 3rd party firmwares are available unlocking some excellent features (like free upgrades).

 

[VWhed]

I didn't really think about it, but I guess the first computer "is" or "can be" hooked up with wires?? Are the firewall capabilities the same with both routers? It would be nice to be able to use a laptop at some time in the future with a wireless card. I just didn't want to compromise any security features to get wireless capability........

 

[amdskip]

VWhed, your assumptions are all correct. You can simply turn the wireless function off until needed.

 

[VWhed]

I got a WRT54G at BB today and am now wondering what I should do to maximize the purchase?????????? are there any sites that are helpful?

 

[VWhed]

what do I need to know to upgrade fimware? Is there a "best" version to use? What have you guys had success with?

 

[madthumbs]

I'm very pleased with WRT54G_Wolf_W42_Alchemy_6rc1_by_TheIndividual.zip from http://wrt54g.thermoman.de/ .

Current Alchemy feature additions:

* Hotspot portal
* PPTP VPN server
* Two-way bandwidth management (includes P2P, VoIP, IM)
* SSH client and server
* Telnet
* Startup, firewall, and shutdown scripts
* WDS repeater mode
* Client mode (support multiple attached devices)
* Adhoc mode
* OSPF routing
* RIP2 routing
* Power boost to 251 mw
* Antenna select
* Static DHCP address assignments
* Additional DDNS support
* Wireless MAC address clone
* VLAN support (hardware only)
* WPA over WDS
* WPA/TKIP with AES
* Client mode WPA
* Client isolation mode
* P2P blocking/bandwidth management (Gnutella, Kazaa, etc)
* Port triggering
* Wake-On-Lan
* Remote syslog
* Remote Ntop statistics
* SNMP
* Safe backup and restore
* Reset on firmware upgrade
* Status includes system uptime and load average
* Status for wireless clients and WDS
* Site survey
* Remote NTP server support
* Supports new WRT54G V2.2 and WRT54GS V1.1 models