We've come to grow used to finding certain specs and features on routers and other SOHO gear we get to play with. There is always a rich mix of options, "configurability" and security. The high points are spread pretty evenly across the board.

When we opened the box of this new RouteFinder RF803EW from Multi-Tech, I suppose it could be said that we had certain expectations. These were shattered as we dug a little deeper into this product. There is nothing about this router/WAP combo that is run-of-the-mill. Of it's many options, the security features really shine here. So before we start to elaborate, let's say that this router is the high-end of SOHO products regarding security.

First, a quick rundown of its major features:
The RF803EW is primarily a broadband router. However, this function is not limited to use with xDSL or Cablemodem. It would be comfortable routing packets for any Internet connection. Of the products we've tested, this has the best router configuration options and monitoring that we've seen. It also is a very capable wireless access point using the 802.11 standard protocol supporting 64 and 128bit WEP. And now here is a bonus; it additionally supports PPP and dial-in RAS via the serial port on the back. The serial port can also be used as a backup WAN port in case your main line goes down. This is not your run-of-the-mill router…it provides advanced routing features, wireless access and remote access. The emphasis of small office use is starting to become apparent.

Dimensions are a little strange. Multi-Tech was definitely thinking "outside of the box" regarding its design. It's sleek and streamlined. Something about it made me think of a Star Wars character. Perhaps it's the lack of feet. It sits flush on whatever surface it's on and stands no more than 1.5" high at its crest. It's sizable from here at around 9" wide and 6" deep, leaving space for the two dipole antennas in the rear. The front panel is full of LED's that are big, bright and very easy to see. It makes our office seem like a NOC when the lights are off. For connectors, there is a 10BaseT WAN port and an auto-sensing 10/100 LAN port. The serial port is standard RS232 DB9F.

General setup page has practically everything you need to get running.

Getting this up on your network is fairly simple. Upon doing so, you will hit the first and only real downfall of the RouteFinder. It comes with Windows proprietary software for configuration and monitoring. The lack of platform independence is definitely a major downfall for the Linux crowd out there. Other than this, the software is very detailed with literally hundreds of options to mess with. There is a separate program that serves as a monitor, looking at traffic both in and outbound as it travels through. The list of routing/firewall features includes NAT for up to a class C network, a built-in DHCP server that supports random as well as reserved IP assignment, extensive IP filtering, virtual server IP mapping and a slew of other features supporting and incorporating the remote access capabilities. We mentioned PPP and RAS support above, but it also has options for the incorporation of login scripts for dial-in users. One thing that is lacking is the ability to handle a range of given ports for forwarding. This has to be done one at a time. Is it a hassle? It can be. However, it could be argued that this sort of control is just another layer of security. Personally, we'd prefer the ability to specify a port range as well as individuals. Another thing we found odd is that the term DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) is nowhere to be found. Whereas this is usually no harder than a check box somewhere, you have to manually set it up as piece by piece. If you don't understand the DMZ concept beyond the typical check box being "on or off", then you're in for a deeper understanding of IP routing. The software to support all of these features was a little challenging at first…the fault of my expectations of a simple web-based setup utility. We *almost* had to read the manual! After a little tinkering though, we had a solid understanding of all that could be done. A novice to the world of networking might find it a little intimidating, especially if you are looking for that one check box that does so much with one setting. You won't' find it here. One thing you will find is the TZO Dynamic DNS software included on the disc in the package. Software like this is the perfect compliment to SOHO routers.

 

 

 

IP monitoring in real-time with the Multi-Tech RouteFinder Monitoring software.

Its performance for us was rock solid. UDP packet pass-through was smooth as butter. Our "real life" testing always includes some heavy Internet based gaming and we were very pleased to see that its performance here was flawless with never a burp, pause or hang-up in the flow of traffic. As with all WAP's, enabling encryption cut wireless performance in half, or more. We no longer go out of our way to mention this as a downfall because it is common behavior with this type of device. The software, once figured out, was informative and laid out nicely. We really like the traffic monitoring software. More companies should include a widget like this with their routers. It's always alarming to see how many port scans hit our clandestine testing facility.

In summary, the Multi-Tech RouteFinder RF803EW is a high-end small office solution. You get extensive routing features with security at the top of the list, wireless access and your choice of WAN redundancy or support for one dial-in user via RAS. This last feature is what really sets this router apart from all others. The small office will benefit greatly from a product like this. It instantly addresses all of the immediate networking needs, including DNS pointing with the software included. We can't see too many instances where RAS would be utilized by a home office many times, but the small office benefits are obvious, especially for those pesky "on the road" sales folks who forget their PowerPoint presentation back on the office servers. All of these wonderful features come at a price though. Some searching on the Internet found that it can be had for almost 1/2 of the suggested retail price on Multi-Tech's web site. This is much more fitting for a company budget than a home office. That's the unfortunate price of peace.

- Great routing control
- 10/100 autosensing LAN port
- Serial port for modem based WAN backup or RAS
- Remote access server capability
- NAT & DHCP supports 253 internal users
- Outstanding traffic monitoring software
- Extensive .pdf manual on supplied CD

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars. It's really subjective to your needs though. Small offices will find this a solid 5 star product. If I were setting up a network for a small company with a T1 or broadband Internet access, this would be my first choice.
Pros: All in one small office networking device. Fast and reliable.
Cons: A little on the pricey side. Home and home offices users may find themselves paying for features they will not use. Proprietary software is a step in the wrong direction as well.

Multi-Tech RouteFinder RF803EW
Current Street Price: $285.00

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. World Headquarters
2205 Woodale Drive
Mounds View, MN 55112

Phone: 800-328-9717
http://www.multitech.com