Recommend me a middle to high-end router

[Mojoed]

I?m looking for a new router, something feature-rich and with loads of functionality. What features and functionality you ask? Honestly I don?t know, I just want to mess around and learn new things. I?m not looking for a cheapie Linksys or D-Link or anything like that, more like a new or used Cisco or whatever you guys suggest.

I?ve learned a lot messing around with my Netgear FVS318, and it?s fine for the most part, but not as robust, speed-wise as I would like.

Must-have features:

8-ports, 10/100 (10/100/1000 would be great too)
Wired (wireless is NOT an option)
NAT, VPN, etc, etc
Robust CPU
Built in print server would be nice, if such a thing exists.

I have no problem whatsoever buying something used from eBay or where ever, in fact I would prefer that. (There are many $1000+ Cisco routers on eBay for like $50) I?d like to keep the budget between $200-$300, but I can be convinced to spend more I suppose. I can also be convinced to buy separates if that?s what it?s gonna take to get me the most features/functionality. Like I said, I'm just looking to learn new things.

Looking forward to hearing your suggestions.

 

[JackBurton]

Here you go man. This should keep you busy for awhile.

 

[nweaver]

putting "high end router" and "8 ports, 10/100" in the same statement is wrong. A router has (normally) 2-6 etherenet, a few serial, maybe a BRI port. Switchports are not part of a router...at least not a "high end" router. And for a true "Gig" router, you will be spending the big bucks. If you want a full featured box that you need to learn, and has many functions, get a cheap dummy switch and a box to put linux on. It will do VPN, print server, gig, firewall, routing/natting, etc.

 

[Mojoed]

Originally posted by: nweaver
putting "high end router" and "8 ports, 10/100" in the same statement is wrong. A router has (normally) 2-6 etherenet, a few serial, maybe a BRI port. Switchports are not part of a router...at least not a "high end" router. And for a true "Gig" router, you will be spending the big bucks. If you want a full featured box that you need to learn, and has many functions, get a cheap dummy switch and a box to put linux on. It will do VPN, print server, gig, firewall, routing/natting, etc.

Thank you for the Linux suggestion. I may try that someday soon, although it's been awhile since I've used it. I had a bad experience with Red Hat Linux 5-6 years ago and haven't touched Linux since, in any form. I know a lot has changed since then, maybe I'll set something up.

Anyway, I understand it's unlikely I'm gonna find an affordable mid/high-end router/switch with the above specs, but I figured I'd ask anyway. I guess I was hoping such a product existed and I could pick something up cheap on ebay (Cisco 2501 is like $35). I guess "Mid to high end" varies tremendously depending on who you're talking to. 😉 I'm still open to the idea of seperates if you have any suggestions.

Thanks again. 🙂

---

JackBurton - Thanks for the suggestion, very nice router. I will read up on Cisco PIX stuff.

 

[Landstandr]

I'm assuming you'll be doing this at home to a sub-10megabit ethernet broadband connection (cable modem or DSL box in bridging mode). IIRC, a Cisco 2501 routes between a serial connection and an ethernet connection, so that would not work in a home situation. Also, don't make the mistake of getting one of the Cisco 2505 style (built-in 8-port hub) - those don't route between the ethernet ports - only between the ethernet and the serial connection. You need a dual-ethernet router - on the cheap side of the Cisco world that is the 1605, the 2514, or a 1720 with another ethernet module (WIC-1NET). There may be others, but those are the ones I have found. I can't say which of these can support the highest level of Cisco IOS (better for training). Maybe someone else knows which of these can support the newest version? Just get a switch for all your PCs (and the LAN side of the router) to plug into.

 

[JackMDS]

As far as End Users and SOHO Goes.

This type of wish list is a typical invention of End Users that appears a lot on forums.

Howvevr, in reality there is No Inexpensive aninmal like this is available in Mid price.

1. Printer Server.

Big Mistake to get it as an Add On on a Router. Most of Current End User/SOHO printers needs two way communication and include a lot of propriety hardware. As a result it is very rare that they would work well with general printer server. A decent Network capable printer can be found for less than $2000.

2. Speed

I never found a sub 10Mb/sec. Interent connection that would suffer from the Router (unless the unit is defective or your tryning to use it in a ?Kinky" way).

3. 8 Ports

There are more switches out there than the sand on the beach, No reason to burden a regular Router with too many ports.

4. VPN

There are few Good Routers that are VPN End Points (The Netgear FVS318 is Not an End Point).

5. NAT

All Routers do NAT, if you need some thing specific with NAT, please tell us.


So, find a Nice Router that does VPN End Point, and buy a Network Readfy printer.

You might have Happy life for $300 - $400 (or less).

If you want to spend more and get "Power", look at the Sonicwall line of VPN appliances.

http://www.sonicwall.com/products/vpnapp.html

:sun:

 

[bgroff]

The 1600 and 2500 series routers are getting dropped after the 12.3 codetrain. It looks like the 1700 series is going to make it to at least 12.4. If you're going to be getting into the Cisco stuff, go with a 2600/2600XM router. Those will do pretty much everything that their big brothers will do.

 

[qaa541]

Cisco 1800 series, a bit pricey but it will definately let you learn IOS and give you the features you want. If you can get away with 4 switch ports, then a Cisco 800 series like the 871 can get you by.