Need a hardware firewall for under $100. Any suggestions?

[bluehorizon]

I'm definitely not a network expert, so I'm not too up to date on what's good and what's not. I just need a inexpensive firewall router to connect between my cable modem and my PC. I have no need for a wireless router.

Any suggestions on make and model?

 

[Gamerguy68]

You could always try Smoothwall
Just use an old Pentium system.

 

[flexy]

linksys wrt54g (w/ wireless) or the appropriate one without the wireless. (eg. BEFSR41).

They're all well below $100, and my wrt54g (with wireless) is also only $59 after rebates. (the befsr41 wired one is also $59,99)

Otherwise....i recommend Kerio 2.1.5 as a software firewall but it requiers some setup-knowledge. Cheap linksys router would probably be better/easier to set up. Usually they work fine out of the box. (only advanced configuration need some tweaking with the web-interfac, eg. port fowrading or setting an encryption key for wireless etc.)

 

[Hyperfocal]

Netgear RP614 worked well for me. They can be had for under $30 AR.

Consider getting a wireless router and keeping the access point shut off until you need it.

 

[JesseKnows]

Staples is selling the Belkin 802.11b router for $50 with $40 rebate this week. As Hyperfocal said, you can disable the wireless until you need it.