Hardware Firewall

[jackdaniels1]

Hi All

Silly question really

I have a cable modem at home but want to get a hardware firewall. Do I need to buy a router with a built in firewall? If so does that just plug into the modem by Ethernet (RJ45) them the router plugs into the back of the PC Ethernet (RJ45). Any recommendations on anyone? Cheap and easy to use

 

[2ffat]

I don't know about cheap but I've had great success with Fireboxes from WatchGuard.


James P. Cottingham
^{I'm number 1,229!
I'm number 1,229!}

 

[kjv1611]

jackdaniels1,

For most people, something like the Fireboxes are really overkill. A basic "home" router will fit your needs unless you have specific needs outside of just protection while you're web browsing, sending email, etc.

For many people, I've gotten D-Link routers, b/c they are easy to setup/configure, and they work fine with no issues, really.

Also, my personal recommendation is that unless you want to get the absolute cheapest you can get ($15 to $20 typically, though you can occasionally find for a little less), is to get one with built-in Wireless, at least Wireless G, though I'd recommend Wireless N. The reason is that you may not need it now, but you can disable it, and then when/if you DO need or want it, you only have to enable it, rather than buying a different router.

I've installed a $15 or $20 router for a friend that I got off of NewEgg, and it was pretty straitforward. However, those wireless routers by D-Link which I got for others were easier to install. I just had to disable wireless for the one or two who did not have a laptop, for instance.

The DIR-615 is an ideal model, I think, for someone who just browses the web, sends/receives email, maybe does mild gaming online, and doesn't need the fastest performance - not gaming, file sharing, etc, but wants an easy to setup router that provides protection with just a couple clicks after install.

You can get the DIR-615 usually for around $40 or sometimes perhaps $30.

I personally own and use the DIR-655, and love it's performance, features, ease of setup, etc. I've installed it for a few people and recommended it for at least one personal friend as well.

Here's one link for the DIR-615:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833127241

Or $1 cheaper at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000QD7B6W...e=asn&creative=380341&creativeASIN=B000QD7B6W

Here's a listing of just wired routers at NewEgg, sorted by lowest price first. From what I'm seeing at this moment, I'd definitely recommend just getting a wireless router. Looks like the most you'll save right now is $5 or $10 to go wired... and you can probably find other wireless routers for less than the D-LINK.

If you prefer other brands, I've seen these work okay:
NetGear, Linksys (usually overpriced), US Robotics, D-Link of course, and probably a couple others I can't remember, but that sums up about the top of the line for "home" routers.

The one brand I would currently recommend against, based on actualy setup nightmares would be Buffalo. But that was just with one router. The cable company had sent out 2 or 3 different technicians (which doesn't say much by itself, sadly) to set up a friend's wireless router (Buffalo) for them. It was a headache, but I did get the thing working. Based on my experience there, I'd not recommend it, and I certainly wouldn't buy one myself.

Hopefully that'll give you some info, and hopefully not TOO much info.

--

"If to err is human, then I must be some kind of human!" -Me

 

[JMCraig]

I agree with kjv1611 that it sounds like overkill to go for a Firebox. If you happen to prefer something other than D-Link, you can look at the Linksys products like the WRT54G2 (again, if you don't want the wireless, just turn the radio off).

This has a statefull packet inspection firewall you just enable: if the packet coming in isn't in response to something you asked for (e.g. the contents of a web page you browsed to); the packet gets dropped.

It also has forwarding and can have a DMZ configured if you want it.

All their docs are on line so you can see if it would suit you (although if you're new to firewall techniques and terminology, you might find some of it a bit hard to follow).

John

John Craig
Alpha-G Consulting, LLC

http://www.alphagconsulting.com

 

[reynolwi]

if you are looking for something custom or want the ability to have total control over the firewall you can build your own. I use pfSense at all our network sites and its extremely easy to use and setup. Just use an old computer load it on there and away you go.

http://www.pfsense.com

Wm. Reynolds
Senior VP - Information Technology and Fleet Operations
Texas Public Safety Solutions | PremCOM

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Network Error:
Hit any user to continue

 

[jackdaniels1]

Great thanks guys. I’ll take a look at the DIR-615 I am only browsing the web etc. I would like wireless as I will be getting a laptop soon

Will this plug into the modem I currently have or replace the modem?

 

[kjv1611]

Any modem should plug into any router, really.... that is, any broadband modem.

If it uses Ethernet (10/100 or 10/100/1000) patch cable (fat phone cable), then it'll work.

Oh, one thing I did like about the DIR-655 is the connections. All ethernet ports are Gigabit LAN (10/100/1000). Many routers are 10/100/1000 for computer to computer, but the DIR-655 is also Gigabit on the external connection - not that it'll be necessary anytime in the near future.

So long as you don't plan on doing any streaming hi-def content or online gaming, then the DIR-615 will be hunky dory fine, and can do some of that, I'm sure. However, if you think you'll be doing any streaming of media from one computer to another (especially hi-def) and then feeding that to your t.v. or something, then the DIR-655 will be worth the extra. However, most people still don't mess with this, that's why I generally say the DIR-615 is fine and dandy.

--

"If to err is human, then I must be some kind of human!" -Me

 

[2ffat]

PC Mag has rated this D-Link their top pick.


James P. Cottingham
^{I'm number 1,229!
I'm number 1,229!}

 

[kjv1611]

I've not messed with the 825 yet, but from what it sounds like, it's better than the 655 in one way, but in another way, the 655 is still better.

From reading different postings in different forums, it sounds like with the 825, to get any benefit, everything has to connect via 5Ghz. So if you plan on connecting anything via 2.4Ghz, you're greatly better off sticking to the 655.

The actual replacement for the 655 is the 855 which is WAY overpriced in my opinion for the benefit gained:

http://reviews.cnet.com/routers/d-link-xtreme-n/4505-3319_7-32820169.html

http://www.amazon.com/D-Link-DIR-855-Xtreme-802-11n-Router/dp/B00127UWV2

If you decide you DO want the 825, you can get it at NewEgg for $130:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833127258

--

"If to err is human, then I must be some kind of human!" -Me