small business router

tgi · 06-11-2007, 10:03 AM

At my current office, we are using a Linksys BEFSR41, and 3 NetGear switches (2x24 and 1x16). Our connection goes out/in often, and I am assuming it is due to the fact that we are pushing the Linksys well beyond it's capabilities (we usually have about 20-30 connections going).

I'm looking for a small-business class replacement. Even though I have some experience in IT and have taken some classes, I am still a bit overwhelmed by the options out there. What I know is, that I need something that will:

handle all our users w/o going in and out.
offer more port forwarding for remote connections (the Linksys only offers 10, i'd like to have about 20).
be relatively easy to setup/configure/maintain.

I have researched quite a bit, but I'm having trouble finding something that meets my needs and doesn't offer way more functionality than I am looking for. Of course, price is also an issue, as I am working with a limited budget. I have looked specifically at some Cisco products, including the 870 series and ASA 5500 series. Am I barking up the wrong tree? Any recommendations? Is there something out there that would meet my needs but be more cost effective?

thanks so much

Chevy · 06-11-2007, 11:07 AM

Take a look at the Cisco Pix Firewall. Full-function router, uses standard ACL's for security, not too hard to set up.

tgi · 06-11-2007, 12:33 PM

Thanks for the suggestion.

The PIX is the one Cisco recommended, so I was also considering that. If I went with that, I guess I would need the 50-User License Bundle(?), which would put me up around the cost of the 5500 series, which is what a Cisco retailer recommended over the PIX. I know they both do different things, but I can't really tell what the differences are and how each relates to what I am looking for.

Also, it looks like the PIX:
· Provides remote access VPN concentrator services for up to 10 remote software or hardware-based VPN clients

Does that mean I can only set up 10 ports for VPN? or that just 10 can be connected at one time? I would like to set up everybody with the ability to connect remotely, but at any given time there would probably not be more than 10 connected. Please excuse my ignorance, and thanks for any additional input you can give me.

06-11-2007, 10:03 AM	#1 (permalink)
tgi Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 5 OS: xp pro	small business router At my current office, we are using a Linksys BEFSR41, and 3 NetGear switches (2x24 and 1x16). Our connection goes out/in often, and I am assuming it is due to the fact that we are pushing the Linksys well beyond it's capabilities (we usually have about 20-30 connections going). I'm looking for a small-business class replacement. Even though I have some experience in IT and have taken some classes, I am still a bit overwhelmed by the options out there. What I know is, that I need something that will: handle all our users w/o going in and out. offer more port forwarding for remote connections (the Linksys only offers 10, i'd like to have about 20). be relatively easy to setup/configure/maintain. I have researched quite a bit, but I'm having trouble finding something that meets my needs and doesn't offer way more functionality than I am looking for. Of course, price is also an issue, as I am working with a limited budget. I have looked specifically at some Cisco products, including the 870 series and ASA 5500 series. Am I barking up the wrong tree? Any recommendations? Is there something out there that would meet my needs but be more cost effective? thanks so much

06-11-2007, 11:07 AM	#2 (permalink)
Chevy Retired Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Notlob Posts: 5,452 OS: Vista Ultimate My System	Re: small business router Take a look at the Cisco Pix Firewall. Full-function router, uses standard ACL's for security, not too hard to set up.

06-11-2007, 12:33 PM	#3 (permalink)
tgi Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 5 OS: xp pro	Re: small business router Thanks for the suggestion. The PIX is the one Cisco recommended, so I was also considering that. If I went with that, I guess I would need the 50-User License Bundle(?), which would put me up around the cost of the 5500 series, which is what a Cisco retailer recommended over the PIX. I know they both do different things, but I can't really tell what the differences are and how each relates to what I am looking for. Also, it looks like the PIX: · Provides remote access VPN concentrator services for up to 10 remote software or hardware-based VPN clients Does that mean I can only set up 10 ports for VPN? or that just 10 can be connected at one time? I would like to set up everybody with the ability to connect remotely, but at any given time there would probably not be more than 10 connected. Please excuse my ignorance, and thanks for any additional input you can give me.