SMC7004AWBR or the newer SMC7004VWBR?

[Salvador]

Hi,

I was just about to go ahead and buy a SMC7004AWBR, Amazon has it for $119.00 - $10 coupon - $40 MIR = $69.

I was just parusing techbargains and saw that someone had the SMC7004VWBR on sale for $109 -$10 MIR = $100. Amazon also has it for $109 - $10 coupon = $100 without rebate.

So.. The new router is actually cheaper at Amazon before rebate. The rebate makes the old router about a $30 better value.

Now.. Which router should I get? It appears that the newer model dropped a com port? They also dropped parallel printer support? They did add some firewall features and improved the installation software.

Does anybody know anything about these two routers? Is the newer one worth $30 extra? Is there anything else out there that I should be looking at? I'm planning on using this with a remote desktop and a Orinico USB Gold Client.

I actually put my order in already on Amazon for the older router, so the quicker I can get some info the better.

TIA,

Sal

 

[JackMDS]

The new unique feature of the 7004VWBR is the capacity to put up to 10 Computers, in the DMZ.

However in order to Route each computer on the DMZ it needs it own external IP address (external IP is the one given by the ISP).

The advantage is that you run only one cable from the modem to the Router. All the computers can be on the Routers switch, and you can switch them, in and out of the DMZ by configuring the Router.

A good solution for people who have few External IPs and want flexible settings.

If you don?t need this unique feature you pay $30 more in order to loose the serial port and printer server (make a lot of sense Ha!).

As for the software wizard. My only comment concerning all of these wizards is DUH! There is no magic in them.

YMMV, download and read the manuals of the two items to make final decision.

 

[Salvador]

Excellent information Jack!! I only have one IP address and use the router, instead of a switch, so the router can give me multiple IP addresses without having to purchase extra's, so I think that this feature isn't for me. I can also care less how many cables run from my router to my cable modem. They are both stuck under my desk in a maze of wires anyway.

The review that I read about the VWBR talked about improved firewall protection? Does this have something to do with hooking up several computers and using external IP addresses, like you talked about? I always thought that my router was pretty secure anyway. Every site testing my ports has said that I'm either "stealth" or I don't have any ports open, so that's pretty good, isn't it?

If you don?t need this unique feature you pay $30 more in order to loose the serial port and printer server (make a lot of sense Ha!).

This quote says it all and certainly makes up my mind. I'm going to go with the SMC7004AWBR and save $30.

Thanks Jack!!

Sal

 

[RossMAN]

Nice info thanks Jack!

 

[xEkSx]

Hey guys well that is some good info. I'm considering either the Netgear MR314 or the SMC7004AWBR. Do you guys have anymore info on either of them?

 

[JackMDS]

Check it out; I think that the SMC VWBR7004 is on sale for a very good pricing $49.99 After Rebate.

Barricade? Wireless Cable/DSL Broadband Router (SMC7004VWBR).

Scroll down there is a pdf file with $50 rebate.

 

[Plantsman]

What's a good USB or PCI wireless nic to use with this router?

 

[mcveigh]

I have the 7004VWBR.. it also has a stateful packet inpection firewall it will also email you when it detects attacks.
I love mine I used to have a 7004abr, and I find the software of the vwbr to be much better

the awbr does have the printer port though.



7004awbr

7004VWBR

 

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: Plantsman
What's a good USB or PCI wireless nic to use with this router?

If your projected use is for close distance (same room, or next room one wall, or up to about 30-50?) any card will do. For more demanding environment Orinoco Gold PCMCIA for Laptop, Orinoco Gold USB for Desktop.

 

[ericboo]

I have the MR314 and just purchased the SMC AWBR for a friend to set up at his house. I like the option of replacing the antennas on the SMC if needed, but fortunately it was not. Both perform fine. Get one with SPI, as most new units have it. 3 Linksys wireless routers had to go back for repair.

Stay away from Linksys wireless NIC's, they stink and I no longer buy Linksys. Orinoco's work great. I also have a Netgear wireless CF in my Jornada, and that works equally as well.

 

[xEkSx]

Hey ericboo i have a question for you. What is SPI? Also I see a price difference in the netgear and the SMC, is the netgear worth the more money? If so why?

 

[JackMDS]

All Entry level Cable/DSL Router's Firewall is by product of the "Network Addressing Translation" (NAT, lets in only the info that was called from inside the LAN); some of the new Routers have Firewall based on NAT and an additional "Stateful Packet Inspection" (SPI). This controls on the nature of the information passing through the Router.

SPI looks at the content of the packets, and let you filter incoming, and outgoing information by rules. The resultant is better control of the info coming and going. E.g. parents can block exchanges that they deem unfit for their children.

Some of the old Routers (like the SMC Barricade line) can be upgrade to SPI by the most recent firmware.

 

[xEkSx]

ahh ok. Well thanx for the explaination JackMDS. Now only if someone can give some input on the netgear wireless router.