CableModemInfo.Com

MultiTech RouteFinder Cable/DSL Router with built-in 10/100 4 Port Switch
(Model RF500S)

MultiTech has long been known for enterprise quality analog modems, and more recently, VOIP devices. MultiTech recently entered the broadband SOHO router market with it's killer first entry, the RouteFinder RF500S. The RF500S is a very well made unit, with a very unique feature not yet found in other Cable/DSL routers in it's class - dial-in access. The RouteFinder has RADIUS support, so you can enter in a RADUIS authentication server for authentication dial-in access to your LAN.

The RouteFinder also comes bundled with a Mail Server Lite software, as well as the Tucows TOP 100 programs CD, and it also comes with a Free 30 Day Trial of the popular Dynamic DNS service/software from TZO.COM. This TZO software allows you to run your own Web, Email, FTP server and more, even if your ISP assigns you a Dynamic IP address.

One thing we really liked about the RF500S was the logging and monitoring functions. Most cable and DSL routers now have some type of logging features, but they are typically fairly weak, and exporting can be a pain. Multitech includes a handy monitoring tool that can monitor the RF500S live, and also has a simple exporting feature. The screenshot below shows the detailed screenshot of the Monitoring tool.

The MultiTech RF500S Monitoring tool allows you to see active logging, attacks, and great export options to export the logs (Click to Enlarge)

On the outside, the device is about the same size as most of the routers in this class. The case is metal with a plastic cover, and the unit seems to be built very well. On the back, you will find all the ports for power and LAN/WAN. There are 4 10/100 LAN ports, and one RJ-45 WAN Port. You will also find a switch to make the LAN port 1 an uplink port. We did find the speed to be fair, hovering around 3 Mbps. Keep in mind that most broadband installations don't make it above 2Mbps, so this should not affect the speed of your Internet connection.

The RF500S is powered by a small power supply, the standard with most routers in this class. There is no Web Admin interface in the RF500S, instead, Multitech offers a Windows based setup, monitor and admin programs, and also offers a remote telnet option. We found the setup to be quick and simple, but if you are a Linux or Mac user, setup is a bit more cumbersome. The manual included with the RF500S just scratches the surface when it comes to function and features, and we urge you to look through the PDF manuals supplied on the website and CD.

The MultiTech RF500S manager makes management quick and easy from any windows based PC. (Click to Enlarge)

The MultiTech RF500S has many flexible WAN options, Cable, DSL or even dialup access, and it can also be configured for DIAL-IN access to your LAN! (Click to Enlarge)

Overall, Multitech has a winner of a product here, in price and in technical ability. This router has a low end price with high end features. The only thing that we were really dissapointed in was the NO DEFAULT PASSWORD issue, and the Windows only setup software. Telnet is a great option for advanced users, but novice users will find it more difficult. The RF500S is a great choice if you want to share your broadband or dialup connection, and it's a must if you ever want to give dialup in/out access to your local LAN. The built-in serial port is a trend we hope to see more of in SOHO routers.

Here are some of the features of the Multitech Cable/DSL router model RF500S :

- Easy setup on a Windows PC
- (4) 10/100 LAN port and serial port for dial-up and dial-in access
- Platform Independent for all clients - Windows, Mac, Linux
- Documentation included on CD, DIN to 25 pin serial cable included
- LED's on front show status and link/activity, carrier and data for serial
- PPPoE, Dial-in RAS, Dial-up WAN, NAT Based Firewall, Logging

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars - The RF500S sets a new standard in features and price. Dial-IN access and backup dialup features are excellent!
Pros: Aggressive Price, Platform Independent, Dialup WAN, and Dial-IN access as well. Telnet remote admin is handy for advanced users.Sortware included is great, Tucows Top100 CD, TZO.COM Dynamic DNS Trial, and more
Cons: No Default Password!!!! No port range filtering, setup is tricky without Windows, Fairly technical admin interface, no Web admin interface (This can be a plus for advanced users, but for the average user, it's very technical)

Multi-Tech RouteFinder Cable/DSL Router - Model RF500S
Current Street Price: $150.00

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc.
2205 Woodale Drive
Mounds View, MN 55112
(612) 785-3500 or (800) 328-9717
http://www.multitech.com

Available now at:
http://www.buy.com
http://www.computers4sure.com
http://www.cdw.com

TIPS for using the MultiTech RouteFinder RF500S router:

*First thing! Set a PASSWORD for your router. MultiTech does NOT set a default password on the device, and if you skip this section, anyone could reconfigure your router at any time.

For other great reviews on all types of Broadband and Wireless Networking, see http://www.PracticallyNetworked.com



	07/05/08


MultiTech RouteFinder Cable/DSL Router RF500S PRODUCT REVIEW "The MultiTech RF500S has some amazing features built into the unit, and is geared towards the advanced user" "The unit is priced aggressively, and can be found online for less than $150!" "MultiTech has included dial IN RAS support, which allows remote users to dial into your network using this device! "The RouteFinder comes with some extra goodies, such as the Tucows Top 100 CD, and also includes a 30 day trial of the TZO.COM Dynamic DNS software.
			MultiTech RouteFinder Cable/DSL Router with built-in 10/100 4 Port Switch (Model RF500S) MultiTech has long been known for enterprise quality analog modems, and more recently, VOIP devices. MultiTech recently entered the broadband SOHO router market with it's killer first entry, the RouteFinder RF500S. The RF500S is a very well made unit, with a very unique feature not yet found in other Cable/DSL routers in it's class - dial-in access. The RouteFinder has RADIUS support, so you can enter in a RADUIS authentication server for authentication dial-in access to your LAN. The RouteFinder also comes bundled with a Mail Server Lite software, as well as the Tucows TOP 100 programs CD, and it also comes with a Free 30 Day Trial of the popular Dynamic DNS service/software from TZO.COM. This TZO software allows you to run your own Web, Email, FTP server and more, even if your ISP assigns you a Dynamic IP address. One thing we really liked about the RF500S was the logging and monitoring functions. Most cable and DSL routers now have some type of logging features, but they are typically fairly weak, and exporting can be a pain. Multitech includes a handy monitoring tool that can monitor the RF500S live, and also has a simple exporting feature. The screenshot below shows the detailed screenshot of the Monitoring tool. The MultiTech RF500S Monitoring tool allows you to see active logging, attacks, and great export options to export the logs (Click to Enlarge) On the outside, the device is about the same size as most of the routers in this class. The case is metal with a plastic cover, and the unit seems to be built very well. On the back, you will find all the ports for power and LAN/WAN. There are 4 10/100 LAN ports, and one RJ-45 WAN Port. You will also find a switch to make the LAN port 1 an uplink port. We did find the speed to be fair, hovering around 3 Mbps. Keep in mind that most broadband installations don't make it above 2Mbps, so this should not affect the speed of your Internet connection. The RF500S is powered by a small power supply, the standard with most routers in this class. There is no Web Admin interface in the RF500S, instead, Multitech offers a Windows based setup, monitor and admin programs, and also offers a remote telnet option. We found the setup to be quick and simple, but if you are a Linux or Mac user, setup is a bit more cumbersome. The manual included with the RF500S just scratches the surface when it comes to function and features, and we urge you to look through the PDF manuals supplied on the website and CD. The MultiTech RF500S manager makes management quick and easy from any windows based PC. (Click to Enlarge) The MultiTech RF500S has many flexible WAN options, Cable, DSL or even dialup access, and it can also be configured for DIAL-IN access to your LAN! (Click to Enlarge) Overall, Multitech has a winner of a product here, in price and in technical ability. This router has a low end price with high end features. The only thing that we were really dissapointed in was the NO DEFAULT PASSWORD issue, and the Windows only setup software. Telnet is a great option for advanced users, but novice users will find it more difficult. The RF500S is a great choice if you want to share your broadband or dialup connection, and it's a must if you ever want to give dialup in/out access to your local LAN. The built-in serial port is a trend we hope to see more of in SOHO routers. Here are some of the features of the Multitech Cable/DSL router model RF500S : - Easy setup on a Windows PC - (4) 10/100 LAN port and serial port for dial-up and dial-in access - Platform Independent for all clients - Windows, Mac, Linux - Documentation included on CD, DIN to 25 pin serial cable included - LED's on front show status and link/activity, carrier and data for serial - PPPoE, Dial-in RAS, Dial-up WAN, NAT Based Firewall, Logging Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars - The RF500S sets a new standard in features and price. Dial-IN access and backup dialup features are excellent! Pros: Aggressive Price, Platform Independent, Dialup WAN, and Dial-IN access as well. Telnet remote admin is handy for advanced users.Sortware included is great, Tucows Top100 CD, TZO.COM Dynamic DNS Trial, and more Cons: No Default Password!!!! No port range filtering, setup is tricky without Windows, Fairly technical admin interface, no Web admin interface (This can be a plus for advanced users, but for the average user, it's very technical) Multi-Tech RouteFinder Cable/DSL Router - Model RF500S Current Street Price: $150.00 Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. 2205 Woodale Drive Mounds View, MN 55112 (612) 785-3500 or (800) 328-9717 http://www.multitech.com Available now at: http://www.buy.com http://www.computers4sure.com http://www.cdw.com TIPS for using the MultiTech RouteFinder RF500S router: *First thing! Set a PASSWORD for your router. MultiTech does NOT set a default password on the device, and if you skip this section, anyone could reconfigure your router at any time. For other great reviews on all types of Broadband and Wireless Networking, see http://www.PracticallyNetworked.com

		© 1998 - 2001 Tzolkin Corporation info@cablemodeminfo.com