looking for a new router and have some questions

ramdex

I was looking for a new router because on my current one, one of the jacks no longer works. ANyways I was on new egg looking at some linksys brand routers. Well I have a couple of questions.

1. I was looking at the 8 port switch (Linksys EtherFast Cable/DSL Router w/ 8-Port Switch, Model BEFSR81) and it has a 10BaseT Port for the wan connecter compred to the 4-port router ( Linksys Broadband EtherFast Cable/DSL Firewall Router with 4-Port Switch/VPN, Model BEFSX41) with a 10/100 Ethernet WAN Port. What is the difference?
Is that a cat-5 line port? Currently mine goes, modem to router to computers. Will I have to get a new modem if i want to use this one?

2. The 4-port on there has a fire wall while the 8 port doesn't, but has other security features. Do i really need a fire wall or are these features on the 8-port better.

Anyways hope you can clerify some of this for me, Networking is not one of my strong points, but im learning.

O yeah, here is a link to the two. http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?submit=manufactory&catalog=28&manufactory=1413&DEPA=1&sortby=14&order=1

citrixmeta

from a quick look at it, Model BEFSX41 allows VPN features.

im not very familiar with Linksys but it can mean the following..

- this feature will allow you to establish VPN connections from your workstation to a remote location (since PPTP requires a special type of NAT)

- this feature will allow your router to establish an IPSEC tunnel to another firewall.

- This feature will allow your router to forward or act like a VPN server and allow external users to VPN to you.


if you dont need any of those features, get the Model BEFSR41

hope this helps

stoopid

Originally posted by ramdex
1. What is the difference?

The 10baseT is slower (not latency, but bandwidth/ability to transfer large chunks of data), about ten times slower... BUT, most WAN connections we use from cable modem or dsl services only need 2-5 of that 10 anyway, so you're probably safe with the 8...

Is that a cat-5 line port? Currently mine goes, modem to router to computers. Will I have to get a new modem if i want to use this one?

No need, everything's cat5 when you buy home networking gear (unless it says otherwise, like bluetooth or wireless).

2. The 4-port on there has a fire wall while the 8 port doesn't, but has other security features. Do i really need a fire wall or are these features on the 8-port better.

I have never taken advantage of this feature on any of the routing switches I've owned. The fact they are assigned the ip from your ISP and not your PC does about 99% of the work of acting as a firewall right there . Probably not enough of a difference to matter.

O yeah, here is a link to the two. http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?submit=manufactory&catalog=28&manufactory=1413&DEPA=1&sortby=14&order=1

I owned that exact model not too long ago. You'll be fine with either router, Linksys makes a good product.

ramdex

thanks guys, I guess ill have to choose if i need a 4 port or an 8 port. Ill be sure to let you know.

mmonnin

I never figured out why but I had problems with 3 Linksys routers (BEFSR41). I tried everything and no one at SM could help me. Then I got a Netgear, plugged it in and it all worked. I never had to change a setting and its still going.

BruceY

I'm running a SMC 7004(abr) I think.........its the one for network cable (cat5), I'm wasnt a wireless fan at the time. Anyhow it has 4 ports, Cat5 or USB hookup option to your pc. Built in print server which was a big selling point for me. And if the comcast cable goes out, an external modem will dial up a land line account automatcally. Had have it running for over 2 years now with NO problems.hope that helps a little..Bruce

berko

i picked up a d-link DI-707P 7 port w/ printer server port from newegg a while back when it was on sale

right now it is going for $74

i like it so far.
No problems yet.
Best of all it has more than the usual 4 ports and that printer server makes things much simpler

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=33-127-029&catalog=28&manufactory=BROWSE&depa=1

antthis

I have a problem with linksys router memory will go bad after large amount of data pass thur them say 8TB or more thuse affecting ARP Tables and host info this is pre cisco own so i don't know if newer modle have a fixs to this. Another thing these router seem ok and make it apper your connection is bad for it will seem fine for the first few hour after restarting// turning on

SteTheDude

i went for a "cheap as chips" option and got an Origo 4-port modem/router that does the job perfectly. I got 3 PC's and one Xbox linked up to that bad boy and no problems as yet, cost me £40.....