Help buying a router.

[alanwj]

Hello everyone. I'm in need of a new router (my Netgear RT314 quit on me, and I don't want another one of those).

I would like to find one that has the greatest subset of the following :
1) telnet based configuration (local and remote). having web based too is okay, but a telnet interface is vastly preferred
2) Can act as a DCHP Client for the WAN connection, and a DHCP Server for the LAN connection.
3) Has good port forwarding options, including a "default" option to forward all ports to the same computer.
4) Has a good setup for filtering rules.
5) Somewhere in the < $150 range.

I am strongly considering the Linksys BEFSR41. Does anybody have any experience with that router? How do you like it?

Any ideas, comments, suggestions, idle ramblings are welcome.

Thanks.

 

[ViperXX]

I use the BEFSR41 and I think it's a very good router. I don't use DHCP for the WAN side I had to manually configure it (but it does support it). I do use DHCP for the LAN side and it does the job well. Most of the options your looking for are included with the BEFSR41 but I'm not to sure about the rules setting I've never tried to configure that part of the router. I think I paid $60-$80 for it. Real easy to setup I always configured it through the browser never tried to telnet into it though. Good router and I recommend it.

 

[mboy]

I had a barricade for a week, Didnt like it, got the Linksys. LUV it. Never had a problem with it running 24/7 for a couple of months now.

 

[JackMDS]

There are no significant differences between most of the Entry level Cable/DSL Routers.

Conventional Wisdom claims: The Routing Trinity.

1. Netgear RT314
2. Barricade 7004ABR
3. Linksys BEFSR41

(The above are 4 ports, they have also 8 ports version, same reviews apply).

Some Routers have an additional Printer Server, and DialUp Modem input for backup.

I would choose the one that has the features that fit the way you use the Internet (and may be it is on sale).

Table comparing these Routers.

Comparing Cable/DSL Routers.

Link of Courtesy of: TallGeese