Looking for a REAL router...

[Jeff7181]

Brand new, they're out of my price range... but I've seen some on eBay for less than $100... what's the catch? The auctions claim they're in perfect working condition.

 

[drebo]

The software on them is not licensed for production use. So, while it may be functional, if you ever have a problem, you're in a black hole as far as Cisco is concerned. As I understand it, the license for production use of Cisco IOS, CATOS, and the PIX software does not transfer if used equipment is sold. That'd be why most lower-end Cisco equipment on eBay generally is geared toward lab setups.

I could be wrong, though...and if I am, someone with more knowledge of this, please correct me...I don't know the Cisco EULA as well as I should.

 

[cyberfish]

You can always make one out of an ancient PC running linux and a very cheap switch/hub.

 

[robmurphy]

You need to check the model matches what you want. Some of the 800 series have a DSL modem as the WAN connection, some have an ISDN connections and some have ethernet.

The more expensive ones have more memory, and better support for VPN (i.e. VPN throughput).

Another point to watchout for is that the 831 model has an ethernet WAN connection but its only 10 Mbps.

The 830 series is now quite old and they may be the ones you see going cheap. I would think that a router with a basic rate WAN interface would not be that usefull to small offices and home users. In the UK I do not think you can order basic rate ISDN, and if you did you would find the price very high compared to a DSL connection.

As Drebo said if you buy secondhand the Cisco IOS software is not valid and you will get no help or support from Cisco if you need it. To buy a support pack (if you can) will cost nearly as much as buying the new router. That was my experiance after buying a secondhand Cisco 2950M switch.

I have noticed in the UK that quite often the price paid on Ebay for some of the 800 series routers is nearly as much as buying them new from an approved supplier.

Rob

 

[Jeff7181]

Originally posted by: cyberfish
You can always make one out of an ancient PC running linux and a very cheap switch/hub.

I considered it, but it's really not an option... a router than uses 100-150 watts is not ideal. Plus my main reason for wanting a Cisco router is to gain experience with IOS.

Thanks for the input, everyone. I guess I'll stick to my Linksys router and Boson simulator a bit longer.

 

[akhilles]

You don't want a business/enterprise class firewall that has multiple ports cuz they cost 2 arms & 2 legs + 4 limps. What you want is an outdated biz firewall with 1 in & 1 out ports.

[INTERNET/UNTRUST]---[FIREWALL]---[PC/ROUTER/TRUST]===[PC'S]

I won a $250 Netscreen 5XP for $29 + shipping. I did my homework prior to bidding. Looked at the install guide, user's manual, reviews, pictures, etc. There are about 30 built-in firewall rules for each interface. It can run in NAT (for multiple pc's; 1 to many) or ROUTE (for 1 pc/router; 1 to 1) mode. It can even run in a transparent mode behind a router. Also, there can be policies & groups of users/computers.

http://www.juniper.net/custome...ducts/netscreen5xp.jsp

The only drawback is that my firewall isn't licensed for updates. So I'm using the old ScreenOS (firmware) in a web browser. Yup, pretty much all the hardware firewalls on ebay aren't licensed for updates. Some even don't have working features like antivirus, etc. Such as the Norton hardware firewalls. You don't want those.

There are a few 5XT which is a better one than 5XP. It's about $50 used on ebay. I'd pick it up if I didn't have 5XP.

Look at the install guide, manual, and screenOS guides & see if you like it. The setup/admin is done in a web browser.