SMC Barricade 7004ABR or Linksys BEFSR41?

[mooo]

I am looking for a basic router that will allow MAC address cloning to share my cable broadband service without any problems. Dont have a particular need for a printserver port (maybe good for the future). Decent firewall features are always good to have.

Would you knowlegeable ones please comment on which of these (or some other) products I should choose?

Barricade 7004ABR is available at J&R for $35 shipped (after $20 MIR); Linksys BEFSR41 is available at BestBuy for $50 (after $10 MIR).

What is the typical use life of these products (before a new one with better features and a competitive price tempts you into upgrading)? I dont see much change in this technology but for gigabyte ethernet, which will only be of use on the LAN side. Anything else?

 

[JackMDS]

The main difference between the Entry level Cable/DSL Routers is the number, and range of ports that can be open through the Hardware Firewall.

If you are a gamer, and or use applications that need ports opening, it is an issue you have to look at.

You can not go wrong with either of these units.

SMC cheaper, modestly colored grey.

Linksys, striking blue.

This is even less expensive with a Futurist look (no printer server).

4-Port Cable/DSL Gateway Router, $20 After Rebate

You can choose by color, price, look.

 

[mooo]

Thanks Jack.

Originally posted by: JackMDS

Routers is the number, and range of ports that can be open through the Hardware Firewall.

If you are a gamer, and or use applications that need ports opening, it is an issue you have to look at.

I probably will need to open some ports for application servers etc. (I will be doing software development mostly) do both of these offer the same capabilities in this regard?

This is even less expensive with a Futurist look (no printer server).

4-Port Cable/DSL Gateway Router, $20 After Rebate

This router does not appear to support MAC address cloning. Do you know that it does?

 

[JackMDS]

Good question. I don?t have this specific Model.

Most of Routers manufactures keep low about this issue. I think they try not to anger the ISPs.

You can download the Setup guide here:

Belkin -F5D5230-4

There are instructions in the Setup Guide for Cloning MAC.

The check list on Practicallynetworked.com is not the most accurate list in the world.

Read the actual review, they did not mention absence of MAC Cloning; I doubt that they will skip such a detail in a Review.

Belkin 4-Port Cable/DSL Gateway Router - Review.

 

[mooo]

i was wrong on two counts:

1. it is the Barricade 7004VBR that is on sale not the 7004ABR

2. took a look at the Belkin F5D5230-4 user manual, and it does allow MAC cloning. so much for trusting reviews.

 

[BaDaBooM]

I actually like SMC Barricades better than Linksys. I've know people who have had Linksys and they have to power it off and back on every once in a while. It just sort of freezes up on them. I've had like 3 Barricades and have never had to do that with any of them. Just my opinion tho.

*edit*I've had 3 cuz I bought for family members and "support" them. Not cuz I had to replace any of them. (thought it sounded misleading)

 

[bluntman]

FWIW, I've upgraded from a Linksys BEFSR11 to an SMC7004ABR router for the reason that BaDaBooM outlined in his reply.

 

[ojai00]

I'm a happy Barricade owner There's another thread in this forum about someone not being able to connect to RR service.

Barricade 7004ABR is available at J&R for $35 shipped (after $20 MIR)

You're looking at the 7004VBR. actual link for the 7004ABR

I had problems with my Barricade when I first got it. I would have to restart the router every once in a while, but since the last firmware update, I've been good to go. I have my FTP, XP Remote desktop, and web page running off it.

 

[mooo]

Thank you for all your input. I have decided to get the Barricade 7004VBR.