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chick7t7

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Matter of opinion, but what is your opinion on the best router to buy.

Need a new router for the home. We have 3 PC's accessing the internet, we are not "Networked", per say..There is not alot of info on camparing the products available. Does anyone have an opinion on what definately NOT to buy or TO buy. I want one with all the bells and whistles. Your opinion is appreciated.

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Mercantilum
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dcohn

Do you want a router or a firewall?  I see the previous response recommended a netscreen which is an excellent firewall and will serve your needs perfectly since you really have no routing requirements from home to speak of.

Unless of course you truly need a router.  Only you know that based on what your outside connectivity is being provided by now.  IE cable Modem, DSL, T1, Direct Ethernet from a networked building etc.

Of course it depends on your budget.  I agree the Netscreen 5GT is an excellent choice for a firewall/connection to the cable/dsl modem or T1.  It can be as simple as a Wizard based device yet if you are willing to learn has the ability to configure every aspect of your connection both inbound and outbound.  Expect to spend about $500 without support.  Add another $150 or so for a years worth of support and upgrades.

If that is beyond your budget look at the Linksys   BEFSX41.  
http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?grid=34&scid=29&prid=433

This does not compare in firewall features to the Netscreen but is about $100 and to be honest will most likely do as good a job using the basic Wizard configs.  My point is that if you simply use a Netscreen with the wizards it is no more powerful than a Linksys.  Only when you have mastered the interface can you really make use of the advanced features available in a product as robust as the Netscren 5 GT.  It is positioned for the home market but can equally protect a bank of servers in a data center with the correct config.  It's biggest limitation in that mode is that it can only open 2000 simultaneous sessions.  More than enough for 95% of the Websites currently serving the worlds users.

Remember  more is not always BETTER.  A simple config set up properly is a lot better than a complex config with holes.

I hope that helps you.

Regards

Doug

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Thanks,
At least I have starting point on what to compare!  Seeing,  as I have whole 3 people to get to the interent, I believe this Netscreen would be sufficient :):):).  I will get back after my shopping around.
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