Question

Router recommendation for small business (+25 users)

Asked by: poemorella

Does anybody have recommendations for routers that can hold several users and large transfers of data on the network?

 We currently use both a Linksys WRT54GS and a Cisco RVS4000 that crash constantly. Basically, as soon as we start doing ftp transfers and logs into the network, the routers crash and we have to alternate between one and the other.

Our SBS server acts as DHCP server and firewall, which I suspect might be some of an issue.

I´d appreciate some advice as to which router to purchase to avoid this blackouts of the router.

Thanks.

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Asked On
2009-08-13 at 17:29:26ID24651684
Tags

router

,

network

,

sbs

Topics

Network Routers

,

Miscellaneous Networking

,

SBS Small Business Server

Participating Experts
5
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Comments
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Answers

 

by: kenboonejrPosted on 2009-08-13 at 17:34:45ID: 25094441

Can you give us an idea of how many users?  how large are the file transfers?  What interfaces does the router need to support?  i.e.  Fastethernet, T1, T3, Gigabitethernet, etc..  What are the router connections?

 

by: LingerLongerPosted on 2009-08-13 at 17:36:47ID: 25094449

I'd go with a Cisco ASA5505 if you have access to anyone proficient in Cisco.
If not, Sonicwall (TZ or NSA Series) and Watchguard (Firebox Edge) make good products.
Each can do your DHCP if you prefer to offload it from your Server. Sonicwall and Watchguard also offer various other products to attach onto the device, depending on the model - Virus Inspection, Content Filtering (web-blocking), etc.
All three also come with a defined number of user licenses too, so make sure to get the device that has enough licenses for your environment. From your post, a 50-User or Unlimited User would be recommended.

 

by: btpringlePosted on 2009-08-13 at 18:23:30ID: 25094613

Check out ZyXEL (www.zyxel.com).  They make awesome routers and other networking equipment.  They actually make the equipment for most of the telephone companies and Internet providers -- they just have the providers stickers on the outside.  Open up one of their boxes and it is usually made by ZyXEL.

Personally, I like the ZyWALL 2 Plus.

http://us.zyxel.com/Products/details.aspx?PC1IndexFlag=20040908175941&CategoryGroupNo=FF94F854-B6F1-47B7-BFB7-4660CF8649C8

If you also need users to be able to VPN into the network, they even have routers that will support that.

 

by: nappy_dPosted on 2009-08-14 at 03:09:06ID: 25096487

The sonicwall tz190 wireless is a great choice. Check it out at http://www.sonicguard.com

 

by: CrisHanna_MVPPosted on 2009-08-14 at 11:01:26ID: 25100631

You've had many suggestions here.  I'll add another  the Calyptix Access Enforcer.   The Access Enforcer integrates with Active Directory, provides Universal Threat Managment (AV, malware, antispam, etc) standard with the device, no add on.   Firmware updates are also included at no cost.  The device is specifically targeted to work with Small Business Server.   It even includes 3 LAN ports which can be configured independantly of each other on different subnets to allow for a guest network if needed.   www.calyptix.com

 

by: nappy_dPosted on 2009-08-17 at 03:04:19ID: 25112801

Take a look at replacing the firmware on your WRT54Gs with http://www.dd-wrt.com

This is a FREE 3rd party firmware for your router. It's rock solid and you may see a vast improvement and performance of the linksys unit.

I run this on a WRT54G and since doing so, I've never had a problem with the unit.

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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