Linksys EtherFast® BEFSX41 Router (DHBEFSX41)

Nice router easy to set up. I bought it because I have another one, I also have a few netgear routers and all work good together in my home network.

I use two of these devices at remote offices to set up a site-to-site vpn. The main office has a Linksys RV082.

Despite what Linksys will tell you, the BEFSX41 WILL do split tunneling. (split tunneling means that internet traffic goes through the BEFSX41 straight to the internet, while inter-office traffic goes through the VPN tunnel to the main office)

Until I purchased the BEFSX41 I used only LinkSys networking products. I have been happy with their other products (BEFSR41, Wireless Access Point, Wireless Signal Booster, Wireless Range Expander) over a period of about 7 years. This unit, however, has been a major disappointment.

Like all LinkSys products, it is easy to configure. However, it prevents access from the outside seemingly at random. One minute you can't get in, 2 minutes later you can. It doesn't allow access where it shouldn't, which would be a disaster, but it prevents access to my websites, email server, web email, etc. I have tried every version of firmware I can get my hands on, and tried turning features on and off, but it doesn't fix the problem. I have found that if I access one of the router administration pages, and click save on any one of them (no change required) I can assure access for a few minutes at least.

While searching for a fix, I have encountered that many other people are experiencing this problem. For the first time, I have purchased another brand (Asus). Too bad. The only reason I don;t rate this as Poor, is because it might be a useful router for someone who only needs access to the internet from behind the router, rather than access their system from the Internet.

we bought our router off of ebay for less than 20 dollars. we LOVE it! we have it hooked up to our computer (of course) and our playstation2. soon we will be adding another computer to it, once we get a new hard drive in it. my husband can play his playstation2 online while i browse ebay! =) it hasnt slowed our internet connection at all!

This SOHO router/firewall is an very good choice for the money. If a home user or small business would like a level of realistic defense against script kiddies, malware, a little one at home then this is a solution. This firewall provides some great, and simple to use features that a Verizon modem does not. If you would like to run, and provide a level of security for a home based server with limited traffic , then place it in the DMZ. You can set times to use protocols like http, or ftp for users. Content filtering is available also.
Shortcomings include limited outgoing control, logging is not detailed, and a current firmware upgrade is a must. If users real and follow the instructions provided they will greatly increase the perimeter security. Back this up with Outpost Pro, or Zone Alarm software on your web server, and you have something for the money!