Looking for a DSL gateway device 1

[TonyGroves]

Can anybody recommend an all-in-one DSL device which would act as an internet gateway for my small network? I would be looking for something which would provide comprehensive internet security - NAT, port blocking, application blocking, virus scanning on all traffic, and so on.

Thanks.

 

[bcastner]

Nearly any consumer level router. The Linksys BSR41 I have used for years would fit the need. The most flexible router I have seen is the Linksys WRT54G or GS model, only because of the wealth of third-party support from Sveasoft and others.

Even if you have no wireless needs at the moment, it is pretty tough to argue with the feature set from third-party firmware vendors for the device. This has a Broadcom chipset, and any router in that family seems to me the most flexible. Linksys has 80% or so of the small router market, so buying Linksys gives you more opportunities for third-party enhancements.

 

[allteltec]

One big + for Linksys is that are now part of Cisco. I have installed a lot of WRT54G a very good router, only problem I have had with them is you must power down the router after changeing form DHCP to PPPOE or you can't connect PPPOE you must reboot or power cycle.

 

[jimbopalmer]

If you need a device that is both DSL modem and (wireless) Router, the Netopia 3347W Router fills the bill, except virus scanning. It also can be a VPN end point (not just passthrough)

I tried to remain child-like, all I acheived was childish.

 

[TonyGroves]

Thanks for those responses.

jimbopalmer - I'm already using a Netopia 3300-series router, but I was looking for a device with more than just the NAT provided with that one.

bcastner/allteltec - I can't find much detail on the Linksys routers. Would I have to install 3rd-party soft/firmware in order to get the features I'm looking for, and if so do you have any recommendations?


What I'm aiming for is a compact device which would provide equivalent features to the dedicated gateway computer running WinGate software which I used to use in my dial-up days. Price is not a major issue. I hope I'm not being unrealistic.

 

[jimbopalmer]

Tony the 3347W I set up for a client had an all or nothing firewall in addition to NAT, it had a clear sailing mode with no fire wall and a silent running mode with all ports stealthed. (sadly if you need any ports open, you cannot use the firewall features)

I tried to remain child-like, all I acheived was childish.

 

[bcastner]

Read my notes here about using third-party firmware with the Linksys WRT54G router family: thread916-837246

For your needs you can use the native Linksys firmware. I just wanted to be sure you knew that this is an incredibly flexible piece of hardware.

 

[TonyGroves]

Mmm ... looks interesting all right. I'll certainly investigate that further.

Thanks, bcastner.