Linksys Router as Firewall??

[Rhombus65]

I am considering buying my first Cable/DSL Router to use as a hardware firewall. I have only two home computers that I will be using it with. Both running W2K SP4.

I am looking at the Linksys BEFSR41.

Will it be adequate?

Any comments or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Jim: A+, MCP W2k, Master Electrician

"The important thing is to not stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing..."
-Albert Einstein

 

[bcastner]

http://www.broadbandreports.com/faq/4629

 

[Rhombus65]

Thank you for your reply. I will review the link.

Jim: A+, MCP W2k, Master Electrician

"The important thing is to not stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing..."
-Albert Einstein

 

[doug04]

I run Zone alarm pro and have a linksys 11g router. I recommend it highly. I do disable ZA while playing some games though.

 

[cdogg]

Yes, this kind of router is often referred to as a "hardware" firewall. However, that's not really the case. It's only using NAT (Network Address Translation) to essentially "hide" your IP address from being directly accessible from the internet.

However most basic home routers (such as this one) do not have the ability to monitor traffic initiated by your PC. The points made by bcastner's link help explain this.

The Linksys BEFSR41 is a good choice for home network security when used in conjunction with a software firewall on each workstation.

~cdogg
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