|
BuildOrBuy Group
Network
[ www.buildorbuy.org | www.buildorbuy.net
]
Cable / DSL Broadband Networking Routers
& DHCP Servers:
Turn
a PC into a Router Appliance - SmoothWall:
Download the ISO Image (7/10/2002).
These days, networking works so much
easier when using a DHCP Server / Router whether utilizing the Broadband
(Single or Dual WAN) port or not (DUN - Dialup Networking)
especially when requiring a DHCP Server for Automatic Internal LAN TCP/IP
Addressing. For further explanation of Windows
Network Protocols.
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration
Protocol) Server - Automatically assigns IP addresses to Client
Workstations logging onto a TCP/IP network. This eliminates having to manually
assign permanent IP Addresses to each PC. Better Resource Allocation
and better Time Management!
Command Line, use: Ipconfig to
verify current TCP/IP network configuration values for DHCP. Or Download
from www.ResKit.com the Win2000
(Windows NT IPConfig Utility - WntIpcfg) GUI Utility. Easier to
use the GUI WntIpcfg than the included IPConfig Command
Line Utility for some Users. IF behind a
Router, you'll need your WAN address, use this Windows Tool: IPMonster
- IP Address Tools to Trace Route - Your Current IP Address. Or... Go
to www.GRC.com and test your System to
see how well if at all you're currently configured for protection. Those
Tests will also tell you your WAN IP Address. See DNS
Tools for other options.
-
www.PCmag.com - Korgo has some twisted cargo:
Linksys Routers reported to have security problems. Verify your Router
Model. Expect another Firmware revision soon! (6/9/2004)
-
www.eweek.com
- A Look at All-in-One Security Appliances:
Maybe you really need a Gateway Solution? (12/24/2003)
- The
Register: Help! my Belkin router is spamming me! (7/11/2003)
- ExtremeTech.com:
Popular Linksys Router Vulnerable to Attack - "The
vulnerability affects all of the routers with firmware versions earlier
than 1.42.7. ...Firmware version 1.43 fixes the
problem." (11/7/2002).
- Turn
a PC into a Router Appliance - SmoothWall:
Download the ISO Image (7/10/2002).
- InternetNews.com:
Developer News -- CERT Warns of DHCP
Vulnerability (5/9/2002).
- CERT
Advisory CA-2002-12 Format String Vulnerability in ISC DHCPD
(5/9/2002).
- Internet
Software Consortium - DHCP (5/9/2002).
- CommView
- Windows XP-NT-2000 Shareware (4/30/2002).
- Link
Logger: The Ultimate Logging Tool
- Link Logger is the premier Windows logging tool for the Linksys,
Netgear, ZyXEL Prestige and ZyWall Routers & Gateways (4/25/2002).
- Network
security software: LANguard
Security Event Log Monitor
- Nexland
Partners with Symantec to Create Security Appliances (4/30/2002).
Router Recommendations:
-
www.HotBrick.com
- HotBrick VPN600: Dual WAN Router
-
www.xincom.com:
Twin WAN Router
-
Versa
Technology, Inc - MH200 - Dual WAN Router with 4 Port 10-100 Switch:
-
www.01tech.com
- Zero One Technology: AF420B Dual WAN Firewall Router
-
www.hawkingtech.com
- Hawking Technologies: Dual
WAN Routers FR24
-
Astrocom
PowerLink: WAN
Aggregation - Intelligent Link Load Balancing with
Automatic WAN Fail-Over for 100% Always Available Internet
Connectivity! An interesting way to increase
Broadband bandwidth among several connections. Simply put - (4)
Incoming WAN Ports & (1) LAN port, Web Browser Configurable.
Balance that Load! Let's see, this device (PowerLink) + Smoothwall.org
for a Hardware Firewall - Nice! PowerLink-Iplus
WAN Aggregator for $1,695.00
(8/13/2002).
-
NexLand.com
- Nexland -
Firewalls that support IPSEC & NAT: ISB
Pro800turbo Firewall & Internet Sharing Box. Now
owned by Symantec as of July 16, 2003 (8/11/2003).
Note:
"Due to unusually high demand the Nexland Pro800turbo is
backordered until May 3rd, 2002. The units will be shipped on a
first-come first-served basis so order now!" (4/30/2002)
ISB Pro800turbo
Features: Dual Modem Ports, 8 Port 10/100 Switch w/ Serial
- Features: (2
WAN) Modem
Ports that Load Balance 2 Broadband
Connections! We're intrigued by units ability to share
/ balance Broadband connections.
- Featuring: Dual
Disparate Broadband Connections. Not tested. Ability
currently unknown. Implements BGP (Border Guard Protocol) better
know as Border Gateway Protocol (BGP).
http://nct.symantecstore.com/0001/appliance_sfvpn200.html
- Symantec makes it really hard to locate these units on their
website. Go figure! Priced out of their market too! Priced Direct:
499.00! (3/26/2004) -
Symantec Store: Appliance Center -
- Gear
Source: DSL
Warehouse provides DSL Modems and Routers - See: DSL
Aggregators
-
NetGear
- Routers: Easy set up and install.
- NETGEAR
- ProSafe™ VPN Firewall 200 w-8 Port 10-100 Switch -
Dual WAN!
-
NETGEAR - Support - Cable-DSL ProSafe VPN Firewall with 8-port switch:
FVS318 -
DataSheet
- NETGEAR
FR314 Internet Gateway Routers Product:
Includes Stateful Packet Inspection.
- Have tested NetGear
RT314. Easy Setup / Configuration.
- NETGEAR
- DSL and Cable Internet Gateway Router w- 4-Port Switch:
- NetGear
RT314
Support Page
FAQ - Redirects. NetGear site is slow loading as of (3/23/2004).
- Netopia
- - Welcome to Netopia - Broadband Equipment (Routers), Services
& Software - Routers used with EarthLink
Business DSL (4/10/2002).
- LinkSys
- Same. Tested LinkSys EFSP42 EtherFast
Switched 2-Port Print Server (4-Port Switch + 2-Port Print
Server).
-
LinkSys Products Overview:
- Siemens
- Efficient Networks - DSL and
Broadband Access Solutions:
-
Efficient
Networks Products - World Leader in CPE Solutions:
- SMC
- From Tom Tyner's initial
testing, somewhat problematic. 1st unit tried was trash! 2nd unit
success after consulting with tech support. Tom Tyner will elaborate
on this in the future. Yes, details to follow! We will examine another
model, SMC
Barricade 7004ABR and report our experiences here.
On subsequent units we have found SMC products to be reliable
enough to recommend. Full featured offering support for
DialUp Back Up (requires external
Serial
Port Modem) & Print Server (requires parallel port printer).
The SMC Barricade 7004ABR can be fully utilized by Modem Users with
the BackUp DialUp feature and grow with you if and when Broadband becomes a
necessary reality for Internet Connectivity.
SMC
Networks, Europe: Fast Ethernet,
Gigabit Ethernet, routers
SMC Barricade 7004ABR Broadband
Router
- D-Link Systems, Inc.:
Good products. Routers are too cheap not to own one for the extra
level of security they provide.
-
SoHoWare
- None reviewed yet.
-
See:
SoHoWare Broadband Basics
-
- Symantec
Enterprise Solutions: Symantec
Firewall/VPN Appliance (Models 100, 200, 200R)
- VPN 100: (1) WAN Port + (4) Port
Switch
- VPN 200: (2) WAN Ports + (8) Port
Switch
Nexland
Home:
Symantec
Firewall/VPN 200 Appliance
- VPN 200R: (2) WAN Ports & VPN
Support + (8) Port Switch
Features: Stateful inspection
Firewall Protection & Load Balancing on Dual WAN Ports.
- See:
Software
Spectrum and Symantec Microsite Home - Note: A product you cannot buy nor find @
Software Spectrum! Go figure? And you want to trust who with your
Anti-Virus software?
-
PROVANTAGE.COM
PC Products Superstore: Symantec Firewall VPN
200 Appliance (Dual WAN Router),
Only $599.36
Symantec, a software company, has taken the Nexland Pro800turbo -
DUAL WAN Router, a $350.00 product and turned it into their own VPN
200 for $575.80. Sure, Symantec added their own AntiVirus Solution.
Progress? In all fairness, Symantec has recently dropped the price
of this Unit to - 499.00 Direct!
Smart choice! (3/26/2004)
The Symantec Firewall/VPN 200 Appliance main features:
- Two 10BaseT WAN Ports with 8Mbps bi-directional throughput
and load balancing technologies.
- Eight 10/100 BaseT Switched Ethernet LAN Ports.
- Dial-up Backup + Secondary Configuration Port.
- VPN tunneling.
- Configuration via Web Browser.
Note: "...there are no restrictions on the number of users
and no per-user licensing requirements. Complimentary Silver Support
starts on the date of purchase of the appliance and ends ninety
calendar days later. Symantec Firewall/VPN 200R augments the
capabilities of the 200 model with support for remote VPN
clients that include an integrated personal firewall. Firewall / VPN
Technology is a key Component of Symantec Enterprise Security."
Sure. Time for ZoneAlarm
whether Corporate or Consumer!
Fine. Symantec considers this hardware product to be an
Enterprise Appliance whereas Consumers and SOHO Users might find
greater benefit from these capabilities instead. Symantec does NOT
mention this as a Router, only makes mention as a DHCP Server
even in their own Documentation. Call it what you like. This is
definitely a Router, a Dual WAN Router. Appears Symantec is trying
to promote a High End Consumer & SOHO Router as a Firewall / VPN
Appliance while missing the boat - The Customer! (3/26/2004)
Check
DSLReports.com for tweaking
Broadband connection speeds!
We will continually add to this page as
needed. Expect future updates to include:
-
What Features to look for in a Router
- Needs vs. Wants, now and later expansion.
- Why Buy a Router? Why
buy a Switch when you can have a router which acts as DHCP Server of
IP Addresses on a TCP/IP LAN segment? Keep
It Sweet
& Simple!
- Upgradeability - Growth
Potential. 4 ports or 8 ports?
- Security
-
- Which brands / models
deliver as advertised!
|