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Linksys Instant Broadband EtherFast Cable/DSL Router (Model BEFSR41) REVIEW

The Linksys Etherfast Cable/DSL Router is the lowest priced Cable/xDSL router with the most features. The idea of cramming tons of features at a super low price seems to be the Linksys motto...Linksys came into the market a little late behind the others like Umax and Zyxel, but their late entry has made quite an impact! The Linksys router has the new look and feel that all the new Linksys networking products will now carry. The average street price we saw was around $180.00, and at this price, nothing can touch it.

The Linksys EtherFast router is approximately 6 x 9 x 2 inches, and can be stacked up using the built-in stacking form factor. The unit has (4) local 10/100 switched ports as well as an uplink port on the LAN side, and 10BaseT WAN port. The DHCP server can be activated for the LAN port, and there is a DHCP client for the WAN port. The power supply is external and it plugs into a standard PC power cord.

The Linksys EtherFast Cable/DSL Router has a great Web Setup and Admin Interface
(Click to Enlarge)

The Linksys' features and functionality compare very closely to the Umax Ugate 3000. It seems to me that both routers use the same exact firmware, with minor differences. I caught this after installing the firmware update utility, and it overwrote my Ugate 3000 firmware update program, in the exact same directory and placed the exact same generic "upgrade firmware" shortcut in my start menu.
I'm just glad I didn't run the wrong firmware update on the wrong router, that could have been bad!

Like most Cable and xDSL routers, the Linksys offers the standard NAT based packet filtering and IP sharing for up to 253 IP Address. The integrated DHCP server allows simple and easy access for all your internal PC's, and the link and status lights keep you informed of activity on the ports. The integrated 10/100 switch really makes this thing scream, and I find it to be rock solid and very quick in my testing. Although we did not run any speed tests with the router, TimHiggins.com reports that his reviews produced a 7-8Mbps speed! You can see Tim's review of this router here

The Linksys Etherfast Cable/DSL Router DHCP Interface allows a quick and simple configuration of the DHCP server (Click to Enlarge)

Overall, the Linksys is a great little router/switch for anyone who wants to share their Internet Connection - FAST! This is a hot little unit, and at the amazingly low price, you just can't go wrong with this product. Keep your eye on Linksys, they are making some great moves in the small business and home networking markets, and the Etherfast router is just an example of some great Linksys products to come!

Here are some of the features of the Linksys Etherfast Cable/DSL Router:

- Easy setup for Windows Users, Firmware upgrade
- 10/100 SWITCH built-in to the unit
- DHCP Client and Server, Server supports 253 IP Addresses
- Virtual Servers with up to 10 ports opened to client PC's
- DMZ Host allows full access to internal PC
- Easy to use Web Interface for administration
- Great Documentation included, simple setup
- Firmware can be upgraded via Windows software
- Includes support for HostName authentication and RR TAS Support
- Supports multiple clients using PPTP

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars - Functional, Simple, Web based admin
Pros: Simple Windows setup, Platform Independent, Super Fast Switch built-in, Console port for advanced users, VPN PPTP Support, Firmware Upgradeable, Very Good Documentation
Cons: No PPPOE Support, but that is coming, Firmware upgrade only via Windows, and No Tech Support on Advanced Routing Features (I dont blame them!)

Linksys Etherfast Cable/DSL Router Model BEFSR41
Current Street Price: $179.99

Linksys - The Linksys Group Inc.
17401 Armstrong Ave
Irvine, CA 92614
(949) 261-1288
http://www.linksys.com

Available now at:
http://www.cdw.com
http://www.buy.com
http://www.pcconnection.com
http://www.amazon.com
http://www.microwarehouse.com
http://www.insight.com
http://www.computers4sure.com
http://www.egghead.com

Or, head to Computers.com and type in BEFSR41 in the Search. This will give you the latest prices on ALL the major vendors, in a Quick, Easy to Read Format!

TIPS for using the Linksys Etherfast Cable/DSL Router:

*Users with a Umax Ugate 3000 should beware before installing the Linksys firware update utility for Windows. The two Umax and Linksys routers apparently use the same firmware, and update utility, and confusion could arise and the router could get updated with the wrong firmware. Beware. It would be nice if the OEMS could brand the firmware utility to say "Linksys Router Firmware Updater"

*Beware that Linksys does not offer Tech support for the advanced section of their router. If you do not understand static and dynamic routing, packet filtering and other technical features of the router, dont play with them! This stuff gets confusion and could render your router useless - or at least until you hit the magic "reset" button.

*Already have a another router? If you already have another router as your gateway, use the router as a switch. It makes a nice 3 port 10/100 switch if you do not use the routing features.

Check out TZO.COM's Support/Tutorial Section for info on Running your own Web, FTP, Mail Server on your Cable or xDSL Modem. They have a great tutorial on the Linksys Router!



	07/05/08


Linksys Etherfast Cable/DSL Router PRODUCT REVIEW "The Linksys has a built in 10/100 SWITCH - all for under $200 blows the competition away" "The Linksys router includes support for multiple PPTP clients" "Linksys has a simple DMZ feature that allows any PC on the Internal network to be a full, unrestricted host on the Internet" "This router is really shaping the market, and has blown the doors off the competition with its super low price point"
			Linksys Instant Broadband EtherFast Cable/DSL Router (Model BEFSR41) REVIEW The Linksys Etherfast Cable/DSL Router is the lowest priced Cable/xDSL router with the most features. The idea of cramming tons of features at a super low price seems to be the Linksys motto...Linksys came into the market a little late behind the others like Umax and Zyxel, but their late entry has made quite an impact! The Linksys router has the new look and feel that all the new Linksys networking products will now carry. The average street price we saw was around $180.00, and at this price, nothing can touch it. The Linksys EtherFast router is approximately 6 x 9 x 2 inches, and can be stacked up using the built-in stacking form factor. The unit has (4) local 10/100 switched ports as well as an uplink port on the LAN side, and 10BaseT WAN port. The DHCP server can be activated for the LAN port, and there is a DHCP client for the WAN port. The power supply is external and it plugs into a standard PC power cord. The Linksys EtherFast Cable/DSL Router has a great Web Setup and Admin Interface (Click to Enlarge) The Linksys' features and functionality compare very closely to the Umax Ugate 3000. It seems to me that both routers use the same exact firmware, with minor differences. I caught this after installing the firmware update utility, and it overwrote my Ugate 3000 firmware update program, in the exact same directory and placed the exact same generic "upgrade firmware" shortcut in my start menu. I'm just glad I didn't run the wrong firmware update on the wrong router, that could have been bad! Like most Cable and xDSL routers, the Linksys offers the standard NAT based packet filtering and IP sharing for up to 253 IP Address. The integrated DHCP server allows simple and easy access for all your internal PC's, and the link and status lights keep you informed of activity on the ports. The integrated 10/100 switch really makes this thing scream, and I find it to be rock solid and very quick in my testing. Although we did not run any speed tests with the router, TimHiggins.com reports that his reviews produced a 7-8Mbps speed! You can see Tim's review of this router here The Linksys Etherfast Cable/DSL Router DHCP Interface allows a quick and simple configuration of the DHCP server (Click to Enlarge) Overall, the Linksys is a great little router/switch for anyone who wants to share their Internet Connection - FAST! This is a hot little unit, and at the amazingly low price, you just can't go wrong with this product. Keep your eye on Linksys, they are making some great moves in the small business and home networking markets, and the Etherfast router is just an example of some great Linksys products to come! Here are some of the features of the Linksys Etherfast Cable/DSL Router: - Easy setup for Windows Users, Firmware upgrade - 10/100 SWITCH built-in to the unit - DHCP Client and Server, Server supports 253 IP Addresses - Virtual Servers with up to 10 ports opened to client PC's - DMZ Host allows full access to internal PC - Easy to use Web Interface for administration - Great Documentation included, simple setup - Firmware can be upgraded via Windows software - Includes support for HostName authentication and RR TAS Support - Supports multiple clients using PPTP Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars - Functional, Simple, Web based admin Pros: Simple Windows setup, Platform Independent, Super Fast Switch built-in, Console port for advanced users, VPN PPTP Support, Firmware Upgradeable, Very Good Documentation Cons: No PPPOE Support, but that is coming, Firmware upgrade only via Windows, and No Tech Support on Advanced Routing Features (I dont blame them!) Linksys Etherfast Cable/DSL Router Model BEFSR41 Current Street Price: $179.99 Linksys - The Linksys Group Inc. 17401 Armstrong Ave Irvine, CA 92614 (949) 261-1288 http://www.linksys.com Available now at: http://www.cdw.com http://www.buy.com http://www.pcconnection.com http://www.amazon.com http://www.microwarehouse.com http://www.insight.com http://www.computers4sure.com http://www.egghead.com Or, head to Computers.com and type in BEFSR41 in the Search. This will give you the latest prices on ALL the major vendors, in a Quick, Easy to Read Format! TIPS for using the Linksys Etherfast Cable/DSL Router: Users with a Umax Ugate 3000 should beware before installing the Linksys firware update utility for Windows. The two Umax and Linksys routers apparently use the same firmware, and update utility, and confusion could arise and the router could get updated with the wrong firmware. Beware. It would be nice if the OEMS could brand the firmware utility to say "Linksys Router Firmware Updater" Beware that Linksys does not offer Tech support for the advanced section of their router. If you do not understand static and dynamic routing, packet filtering and other technical features of the router, dont play with them! This stuff gets confusion and could render your router useless - or at least until you hit the magic "reset" button. *Already have a another router? If you already have another router as your gateway, use the router as a switch. It makes a nice 3 port 10/100 switch if you do not use the routing features. Check out TZO.COM's Support/Tutorial Section for info on Running your own Web, FTP, Mail Server on your Cable or xDSL Modem. They have a great tutorial on the Linksys Router!

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