wired routers

We have a PC upstairs, which is our primary computer, and a Mac downstairs in the tv room. I wanted both to be able to share our broadband Internet service. I looked at several routers, both wired and wireless. It came down to the Linksys (wired version) and SMC Barricade Wireless. I kept coming back to Linksys because a friend owns one and raves about it.

Besides the fact that it looks really cool, it almost took me longer to get it out of the box than it did to set it up. No kidding! Using the QuickStart guide, I was up and running in less than ten minutes. You hook up the necessary cables, restart your computer, log-in to the Linksys website to configure your router, restart your computer again, and you're good to go.

I wasn't as optimistic about setting up my Power Mac G3. However, I was pleasantly surprised and it took me all of about five minutes before I was doing some high-speed surfing on that machine as well. Fortunately, my Mac has an Ethernet port so it was just a matter of attaching the CAT-5 cable from there to the Linksys and setting the TCP/IP control panel to the Ethernet and DHCP options. I saved my configuration, opened up my browser and spent the next two hours high-speed surfing with no problems.

I have no problem recommending the Linksys, especially for its ease of setup on a PC and Mac network. While I would have preferred a wireless setup, they've received mixed reviews and I was concerned about Mac compatibility. After seeing how well my Mac performs with this Linksys, I'm ready to make ours a wired household!

I was able to set up this router *very* easily, virtually automatically and instantaneously, and have since been able to use multiple computers via my single broadband IP address at once without my usual deal of unplugging cables, releasing and renewing IP addresses, etc. The built-in Network Address Translation (NAT) firewall is great--though I previously received repeated warnings via Norton Internet Security about port scans, etc., I don't recall having a single one since this was installed.

Given the relatively low price, the lessened hassle for connecting multiple computers is wonderful, though I primarily purchased the BEFSR41 for the increased firewall security, which has been enough of a benefit in and of itself to more than justify the investment. On the potential downside, I've simply heard elsewhere of people being moderately confused if they desire to adjust security settings for internet gaming, video conferencing, etc. (though I know this is possible). Admittedly, I also haven't experimented yet with transfers between computers and whether or not using the Linksys for such is much of a hassle.

One of the most worthwhile investments I can recall having made in recent years, I give the BEFSR41 from Linksys a full and thorough recommendation. Only potential lingering doubts have to do with whether or not I should have purchased a model with wireless capability for potential future expansion, but I don't think I could be happier for my current ongoing needs/wants. Outstanding product, and Amazon had the best price(s) I could find. If you don't mind internet searching for how to handle more advanced uses you might have (like the gaming and file transfers between computers), I think you'll find this one of the best tech investments you can come across. Kudos to Amazon, too, for such a great price and immediate shipping.

It does deliver. It's very cheap, and installation was as easy as 1, 2, 3. I had never connected a network before, and this took me seriously about 10 minutes...that was all!!!
Now my family is able to get online with both my pcs at the same time, share my printer, share the cd-rom, as well as music & files between both of the computers. I am also able now to enjoy multiplayer games in a different level -- with my own family in my own home.
The routher is very easy to configure, and you just need to know the basics. It does have a bunch of features like port forwarding, dynamic routing, static routing, dmz host, dhcp, and also supports pppoe connections.
I have not noticed a decreased in speed -- I am still connected at a solid 1.4 mbps
For the beginner, for the one who doesn't need the extra bells & wistles, I'd highly recommend it. It's virtually fool proof, and it keeps your network hidden from internet attacks.
Ever since I installed the router, my Norton Internet Security has not warned me about any intrusion attemps or any port searches or trojans.
One thing that I would have liked better is that if it had come with a better manual -- it only comes with a setup guide that's very light on content, but still useful.
You can, however, get the manual online using adobe reader.
Another thing...To make VPN work is a pain!!! I have still not been able to make a VPN connection work; and I've seen many, many users having the same problem. The linksys website is not very clear on how to set it up. I know the right ports to open, but it's still impossible to do. That's one thing you might want to consider if you plan to do VPN connections. Other than that, port forwarding, dmz, and other features work fine for me.
Very nicely done by Linksys. Would have gotten 5 stars if the VPN was easier to set up and configure. Definitely gets 4 stars.