Linksys BFSR41 Router after firmware upgrade

[Murphyrulez]

I update my router firmware the other day, from 1.3 to 1.4 I think it was, and the new version has this option built in to download and purchase Zonealarm, and it installs itself in the router or something. That would be fine and dandy, but I use Norton Personal Firewall.
Well guess what. Now, after my computer has been on and running for about 10 minutes, my internet access gets cut off by the router. I have to disable Norton, then I can surf again. IT is this way on both of my computers. I can either power down the router and back on, and it will work for 10 more minutes, or just disable Norton and it works forever.

What's the deal with that? It's like they are trying to make you buy Zonealarm. Anyone else have this happen?

 

[mcveigh]

just disable zonealarm in the router

 

[Murphyrulez]

I never clicked the box to enable it. Thats why I don't understand what it is doing.


....

 

[mcveigh]

try going back to the old firmware.

BTW this should be in networking not gen hardware.
try linksystech support, I don't think you downloading zonealarm has anything to do with it,

 

[NOX]

Originally posted by: Murphyrulez
I never clicked the box to enable it. Thats why I don't understand what it is doing.


....

Then you have nothing to worry about. It's just an option if you use ZA or PC Cillin, and nothing more. I've been using the latest firmware for about a few months.

I don?t know what the purpose for running both ZA and a router etc... I know some people do it but I don?t see a reason too. Especially for a home network (5 or less computers).

 

[kgraeme]

Originally posted by: NOX

I don?t know what the purpose for running both ZA and a router etc... I know some people do it but I don?t see a reason too. Especially for a home network (5 or less computers).

The reason to run both is because the router/firewall is excellent at stopping stuff from getting onto your network. If you only run ZA at the computer, then your network is already compromised and the virus/hack/whatever has reached the computer and you are just hoping that a piece of software that sits at a relatively high level on the OS can catch it.

The problem is that the home firewall/routers aren't sophisticated at preventing outgoing transmissions. They basically assume that if your computer initiated the connection, then it is valid. ZA at the desktop helps in this case. So if you want to prevent certain software or hacks from "phoning home" or spreading from your computer then ZA can catch it.

Also it's my understanding that the Linksys ZA will communicate with the desktop ZA to give you better logs of attempted intrusions.

 

[kgraeme]

BTW, I don't have any idea why Norton is hosing your network. I will say though that from the reviews I've read, Norton doesn't do much good at being a firewall. Too many things got through. ZoneAlarm Pro seemed to do the best. Black Ice Defender, as I recall, did the worst.