Question for YeOldeStonecat

[illestdynasty]

I trust your information, and value your opinions. I know you have extensive experience with Linksys products and networking products in general. I want to know what you think about the Advanced Firewall 4 port cable/dsl router from Linksys. The BEFSX41. How does it compare to the BEFSR41?

Thanks,
Illestdynasty

[YeOldeStonecat]

That's the model I usually use lately if I'm using a Linksys router. More of a true SPI firewall than the prior models. Besides that, it's a router that still supports UPnP (for those offices that want Messenger), plus it can be a VPN endpoint...establish a VPN between two offices.

It's barely any more money than the regular SR model, so I always use it. It's an SPI firewall for incoming.

Good for the money? I think so. I mean...couple-a-bucks more than the SR model, with more features...it's a no brainer.

If you're looking for a solid firewall protection for a business though...may want to try to aim for something higher...such as Sonicwall. Now THOSE are some honking ISCA certified SPI firewalls. You should see the log files that baby keeps...will tell you exactly what kind of attack, with a link defining what that attack is, coming from what IP address, even tell you their MAC. Heh.

[cyberskye]

...and the sonicwalls can be configured to email you when an alert occurs - I have it set to email my cell phone. Good content filtering, too. Per-protocol bandwidth shaping.

I sound like a commercial, but I love my soho3 ;)

[JackMDS]

In the Automotive business.

You can be a Cooperate buyer looking for a "Fleet", you can decide for variety of good reasons that your fleet will be comprised of "Ford" - Linksys. or Sonic etc..

You can be a mechanic; you can decide that you are specializing in "Ford" - Linksys only, or Sonic etc.

You are a simple consumer; you can buy what ever fit to your need, and cost the least.

From an "Entry Level" point a view.

As far as I experienced Linksys is a preferred choice in certain 802.11b. I.e., WAP11, and WET11.

It is an excellent choice for 802.11g Wireless.

Otherwise, from a regular consumer perspective in most cases I found that Linksys is not the best choice.

However if you must buy LinkSys, YOSC point is very good one.