Cisco-Linksys EtherFast Cable/DSL Router with 4-Port 10/100 Switch
by Linksys
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Our Price: $78.99 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $9.99 (click here) Category: CE See more product details |
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Cisco-Linksys EtherFast Cable/DSL Router with 4-Port 10/100 Switch
Customer Review: Easy to setup and bargain for the price
Summary: 5 Stars
I've had the Linksys router for about four months now and I'm still ecstatic with its performance. I consider myself a moderate computer user and set-up was a breeze. I was up and running in about 15 minutes (if you don't include the time it took to go outside and buy a Cat5 ethernet cable, because this router doesn't include one), and I thought the documentation was satisfactory.I've hooked this router up so that two of my home computers can share a cable modem connection, and I was more than pleased with the connection rates. I didn't lose any of the upload/download bandwidth, and I can download from both computers simultaneously at the maximum download rate. Definitely a plus.
Many other reviewers are complaining of frequent lock-ups with the router, but I haven't had such an experience. One of my Win2000 computers has started to freeze considerably at boot-up after connecting with the router, but the other one still works fine so I can't say for sure if the router is the culprit.
The added firewall feature is the greatest perk, I think. I've been using ZoneAlarm Pro before and after installing this router and ever since, I have not received a single hacker alert (I was getting frequent alerts before). I still keep ZoneAlarm on, but I think the router is holding up its end very nicely.
As a final note, a couple of caveats. One, no ethernet cables are included, which was disappointing. You'll have to go out and buy your own. Secondly, the router itself doesn't look as great as the picture on the box. One you see it for yourself, you'll know what I mean. It's extremely light and seemingly made of cheap plastic. Not that it's flimsy, but I definitely wouldn't want to drop it even once. But the price is a steal. Compared to buying a second IP address and getting a retail fireall software package, this router definitely is the better deal.
Customer Review: WOW Ethernet
Summary: 5 Stars
When I found this product to be just what the doctor ordered for allowing clients on my LAN to access the internet through a single cable modem. The physical set-up took about five minutes and the initial software set-up took about ten minutes. Had I not needed Laplink access to one of the computers on the LAN, the default settings would have been sufficient. Changing the settings is easy, through a browser window, to which access can be limited through customizable passwords. A basic understanding of networking principals is helpful but the onscreen help answered all of my questions. I didn't need any telephone or email tech support, so I can't comment on the quality of Linksys' tech support. In full firewall mode the computers on the LAN are virtually invisable to outsiders, yet fully available to the other LAN clients (according to your Windows sharing settings). You can also allow one or more computers on the LAN to open ports to the internet by using Linksys' "DMZ" function, and the administrator can easily monitor the connections to ensure that clients are getting access. I gave up on the software solutions, such as Microsoft's Internet Connection Sharing. They were too finicky and conflicted with the cable arrangement at my office building. With the Linksys Router there is no need to configure a second ethernet card in the connected computer or set the client TCP/IP numbers, unless you want to. The Router acts as the WAN connected computer and provides the router backbone for four direct connected clients. Additional clients can be added by connecting additional switches or hubs to the router, for up to over 200 clients.I didn't do a lot of comparison testing, but I read quite a few reviews and the reviews seem to be true, the Linksys product is easy and quick and probably the best for the money. A great deal at a super price.Customer Review: Pretty gosh darn happy with it
Summary: 5 Stars
I was able to set up this router *very* easily, virtually automatically and instantaneously, and have since been able to use multiple computers via my single broadband IP address at once without my usual deal of unplugging cables, releasing and renewing IP addresses, etc. The built-in Network Address Translation (NAT) firewall is great--though I previously received repeated warnings via Norton Internet Security about port scans, etc., I don't recall having a single one since this was installed.Given the relatively low price, the lessened hassle for connecting multiple computers is wonderful, though I primarily purchased the BEFSR41 for the increased firewall security, which has been enough of a benefit in and of itself to more than justify the investment. On the potential downside, I've simply heard elsewhere of people being moderately confused if they desire to adjust security settings for internet gaming, video conferencing, etc. (though I know this is possible). Admittedly, I also haven't experimented yet with transfers between computers and whether or not using the Linksys for such is much of a hassle.
One of the most worthwhile investments I can recall having made in recent years, I give the BEFSR41 from Linksys a full and thorough recommendation. Only potential lingering doubts have to do with whether or not I should have purchased a model with wireless capability for potential future expansion, but I don't think I could be happier for my current ongoing needs/wants. Outstanding product, and Amazon had the best price(s) I could find. If you don't mind internet searching for how to handle more advanced uses you might have (like the gaming and file transfers between computers), I think you'll find this one of the best tech investments you can come across. Kudos to Amazon, too, for such a great price and immediate shipping.
Customer Review: Can't go wrong with this router!
Summary: 5 Stars
I've had this router for 2 years, and it has been great!...Linksys has great tech support...I did fry my first one doing a firmware upgrade, but that was because I used an old TFTP program (that they supplied with a different version upgrade) for a newer upgrade (always use the one that comes with the upgrade) (plus be carefull in other ways, by not having any other programs running (including the automatic ones in your startup folder and system tray), give your computer a fresh reboot before attempting install, etc. Even though the router was fried, linksys just immediately shipped me out a new one and had me return the old one within 30 days (or else be charged). Another thing about this company is... don't immediately install new firmware updates. It's best to wait a couple-few months, then call in to their tech support to see if there are any issues with it. Besides, unless there are new features you need or really desire in the new firmware, I wouldn't recommend upgrading anyway.Anyway, this router (and company) ROCKS! (this is based on much use AND probably 40 calls to tech support over the years about various issues (most of them short questions, I try not to abuse the customer support). I don't know how they sell such a great product and support it so well when these things are going for such bargain basement prices now! I thought that even at [the price I paid}, and now I'm really flaberghasted. I know that whenever I buy network gear, it will be from Linksys in the future (as long as they continue with their excellence in both product and customer service).
Anyway, if you don't neeed wireless capabilities... GET THIS ROUTER for home/small office use. If you need wireless too, then check out their BEFW11S4 (though I can't vouch for it, my bet is, if it's from Linksys, it's at least decent, if not great!)
Customer Review: Fast and simple
Summary: 5 Stars
I found this product to be just what the doctor ordered for allowing clients on my LAN to access the internet through a single cable modem. The physical set-up took about five minutes and the initial software set-up took about ten minutes. Had I not needed Laplink access to one of the computers on the LAN, the default settings would have been sufficient. Changing the settings is easy, through a browser window, to which access can be limited through customizable passwords. A basic understanding of networking principals is helpful but the onscreen help answered all of my questions. I didn't need any telephone or email tech support, so I can't comment on the quality of Linksys' tech support.
In full firewall mode the computers on the LAN are virtually invisable to outsiders, yet fully available to the other LAN clients (according to your Windows sharing settings). You can also allow one or more computers on the LAN to open ports to the internet by using Linksys' "DMZ" function, and the administrator can easily monitor the connections to ensure that clients are getting access.
I gave up on the software solutions, such as Microsoft's Internet Connection Sharing. They were too finicky and conflicted with the cable arrangement at my office building. With the Linksys Router there is no need to configure a second ethernet card in the connected computer or set the client TCP/IP numbers, unless you want to. The Router acts as the WAN connected computer and provides the router backbone for four direct connected clients. Additional clients can be added by connecting additional switches or hubs to the router, for up to over 200 clients.
I didn't do a lot of comparison testing, but I read quite a few reviews and the reviews seem to be true, the Linksys product is easy and quick and probably the best for the money.