[Info-vax] setting up an alpha in a home network using a linksys router

[Neil Rieck]

[...snip...]

>
> The LinkSys BEFSR41 (IIRC, I think I've played with one of these) is a
> small 4-port router with an extremely limited web based configuration
> menu system.  It does NAT and you can block some ports in and or out.
> It's a far cry from a PIX.
>

Like all popular hardware, the BEFSR41 was released every year with
better hardware and better firmware. I remember at least 5 versions of
Model-1 and they currently have four different models with this
product name. Higher models numbers introduced more hardware which
always translated into more features. (making it difficult to
criticize a BEFSR41 without knowing the model number).

You are correct that these little appliances are similar to gas-power
lawn mowers whist the PIX FIREWALL is more like an automobile engine.
But I have stopped arguing with management about this stuff: their
M.O. is to always go the el-cheapo route then upgrade only when
problems arise. One thing about these LinkSys boxes is that they can
only do TCP/IP whist other CISCO products (like the PIX) support other
networking protocols.

>
> >CISCO must have lost a lot of business to LinkSys which is probably
> >one reason why CISCO bought them. As far as I'm concerned, the
> >miniaturization of routers is no different than the miniaturization of
> >modems. Both used to be big and expensive but now they are small and
> >cheap. Sure you can't use a LinkSys as a corporate firewall (would you
> >use a motor cycle engine to run a car?) but they are good enough for
> >many applications.
>
> Cisco 850/870 series routers are in the low price range and, for what
> one can do with one, I'd say the better deal than going with Linksys.
> IOS configuration editing is *STILL* primitive but you can get better
> control with it than you ever will with a LinkSys.
>
> I'm not a fan of the PIX, BTW.  If you really want to do some firewal-
> ling, look for a used Juniper NetScreen.  A 5-GT model should suffice
> if you're able to work a BEFSR41 into your work network.  These boxes
> are now available used and refurbished in the low US$100-$300 range.
>

For home use I've been running a LinkSys WRT300 for the past couple of
years. This little beast sports 4-direct connect ports along with
wireless connections on 802.11-B, G, and N. It seems that every home
entertainment product now comes with wireless or 10-base-T or both.

Neil Rieck
Kitchener/Waterloo/Cambridge,
Ontario, Canada.
http://www3.sympatico.ca/n.rieck/OpenVMS.html
http://www3.sympatico.ca/n.rieck/links/openvms_demos.html