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Thread ID: 62493 2005-10-09 15:35:00 Wired Router Help LDanix (9035) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
394701 2005-10-09 15:35:00 I am building a small home network and am wanting to know about a couple router specs. I am looking into purchasing a Linksys router and the two that I am deciding between are the BEFSR41 and the BEFSX41. The later has a built-in firewall and the former states that it has something that "acts" as a firewall. What is the difference in the two "firewalls," and is it worth spending 50% more for the one with the true firewall? LDanix (9035)
394702 2005-10-10 00:38:00 Nope, why dont you just use a cheap switch. Rob99 (151)
394703 2005-10-10 00:50:00 I suspect the wrong end of the stick has been firmly grasped. ;) Again. :(

Isn't the router to be between your local network and the rest of the world? A router is not needed within a single network. A router connects networks.

A firewall is a desirable thing. I don't know about the actual products, but from your description I guess that one might have a processor which "is" a firewall, as well as a processor which does the routing, while the other uses the same processor for both tasks. Either, from a reputable manufacturer should be fine.

A home network will probably not give the router much work to do, so a single processor should have plenty of time to spare to be a firewall as well.
Graham L (2)
394704 2005-10-10 01:16:00 Both of the above products will need a modem(I know, I know), most of these "modems" will have NAT some even have firewalls, so I was guessing they already have the internet connection sorted and they just want to spred it around the house, a cheap switch will save 100's.

Any room on that end of the stick Graham :D
Rob99 (151)
394705 2005-10-11 13:17:00 I do have a high speed internet connection and I am needing to distribute the access. I also am wanting to set up file sharing. I will have a couple PCs and one entertainment device in the living room all connected. I am wanting to go as cheap as possible. Though, I was told by an IT manager that I should avoid switches. Would there be a difference in performance if I was streaming video and surfing the net at the same time with using a switch versus a router? LDanix (9035)
394706 2005-10-11 16:31:00 I use the Linksys BEFSR41 that you asked for information .

It has a dynamic IP that acts as a shield, and also has a physical firewall in it's design .

I have piggybacked three at a time for more outlets for more than 4 computers/devices and have not had a moment's trouble with it or any of them at all .

Besides they have nice little lights that twinkle .
SurferJoe46 (51)
394707 2005-10-11 19:49:00 A switch is just a splitter box, a router is a device you can configure all sorts of ways.

From what you describe a cheap $30 or so Genius switch is what you want, there is no setup to do just plug everything in and it should go.

The other idea of using a router will work but its over kill, if its only going to act as a switch anyway.
Rob99 (151)
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