On Sat, 23 Jun 2001, Greg wrote:
> I was trying to avoid sinking $175 into a Zyxel or SOHOware Router, but i
> guess that is the case.
The advantage of an off-the-shelf, turn-key solution is just that: You plug
it in and go. Configuration is generally very easy. You do not need an
entire PC, just a small box with small power and space requirements. They are
also generally easier to secure, although that is more of a statistic than a
fact.
They have disadvantages, though. They are limited and inflexible. If you
run into a problem they do not handle, you have to buy a different box. They
are almost always closed, proprietary units -- you have to take the
manufacturer's word that the device is secure. There is also an inherent
danger in not knowing what you are doing; if you do not feel confident in
this, then ask the help of a local expert (or this list!).
They also are not magic. They can be misconfigured. They can have bugs.
They do break down. So monitor the manufacturer's website for firmware
updates, and get something with a decent warranty. You may want to examine
the manufacturer's tech support offerings. The more expensive brands often
have much better support (although again, that is not a hard-and-fast rule).
> From what Ive heard i should stay away from the
> popular brands (linksys, d-link, netgear) when it comes to purchasing a
> broadand router, and spend the extra cash on a SOHO quality or greater
> piece of hardware.
In my experience, there is little to no difference. Indeed, sometimes the
less expensive brands work better, because they are not trying to lock you
into a single company.
Personally, I really like the LinkSys BEFSR "Cable/DSL Router" line. They
include an easy-to-use web interface, and a number of "advanced" features.
Do not buy a WatchGuard product. They have just moved to a
"pay-per-incident" support policy, and they appear to be going straight to
hell. :-(
> I guess ill just run my servers from behind the firewall.
Always a good idea. Be sure to keep your server s locked down and
up-to-date as well. A firewall is but one part of a security plan.
> thanks for the advice, next time i email this list it will be from win2k.
Others have said it, but I will to: Any OS can have holes. Both Linux and
MS Windows certainly do.
--
Ben Scott <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
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