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A Linksys Etherfast cable/DSL router is manufactured by Linksys, now a member of the Cisco Systems family. Linksys is the leader in providing routers for the SOHO (Small Office Home Office) marketplace. The Etherfast BEFSR41 router is a "wired" router with a 4-port switch hub built into the box. Linksys also includes (as with its wireless counterparts) Firewall software, static or DHCP support, and the model BEFSR41 will work with either cable or DSL installations. Using the included installation CD, the setup wizard will easily assist even the novice user on setting up a shared ISP connection using this unit. This unit is perfect for network environments that do not require wireless connections. Wired networks will run 100Mbs and are not as vulnerable to security threats (by wireless hackers) as wireless networks are. Further, since wired networks in this classification run at 100Mb, they are significantly faster than even today's fastest wireless networks, and far less expensive. Applications. Linksys Etherfast cable/DSL routers enable wired users to connect up to 4 devices to the unit, effectively sharing the ISP bandwidth equally amongst all four devices. The unit will also allow peer-to-peer connections, creating a true LAN environment, not just an ISP-sharing environment. Of course, for PC-PC connections (through the Etherfast Router) to work, each PC must be in the same Workgroup, they must share the same IP subnet, and must also have appropriate drive shares and access permissions established to allow the connection. The Etherfast router acts as the "LAN traffic cop", allowing communication to/from LAN-side devices and access to/from the WAN as well. Alternatives. Several competitors have similar products on the market that compete directly with Linksys in the 4-Port Wired router marketplace. Since wireless compatibility is not an issue with wired networks, network devices from multiple manufacturers can be combined in a small network without any problems. If the 4-Port hub is no longer enough, Linksys (and others) make a 4-Port hub, allowing the Etherfast cable/DSL router to accommodate an additional three 10/100 Ethernet wired connections. More Linksys information can be found at Linksys.com. |
Linksys Etherfast Cable DSL Router
