Netgear FVL328 to Cisco 1711 upgrade (worthwhile?)

[Zugdud]

Hi all, we currently use a netgear FVL328 but are considering upgrading to a Cisco 1711. Our company has 30 onsite users and 10 remote users who vpn in using vpn client software. Everyone on the network is on the same subnet. We currently run an inhouse mail server and soon a webserver. The main reasons we want to dump the netgear is that we are having no luck configuring the packet filter the way we want. It gives us a "rules table full" error whenever we try to open up a huge port range like 1023-65553 for a particular address. We must be able to do this. Also the FVL328 seems to need reboots on a regular basis which is annoying but can be delt with(usually 1-2 times a day) because of memory leaks? The router just stops routing =)

So I think the best upgrade canidate seems to be the Cisco 1711. Or something comparible in the $1000 price range.

My big question with the cisco 1711 is: Is it picky about vpn client software? I currently have our VPN remote users setup with safenet softremote and it would be annoying to say the least to change over their client software. Also a more less important question: is there a rack mountable version of the 1711?



I don't know Cisco and I don't really know a great deal about networking but I like the ability to work with the router on a deeper level through a terminal. Anyone know of any entry level books they recommend reading on the cisco commands? Im not looking for information on networking concepts, I just want some good solid information on how to configure logging and the firewall.

 

[tschouten]

I would say that isn't a bad step-up as far as routers go, the 1711 should work alright in your case. I haven't had too many problems using different VPN client software. As for a book there are a few Cisco Commands in a Nutshell books out there that may help you out. Since you aren't looking at knowing networking overall the CCNA books would be too much information on what you don't want to know. Ciscos website has a ton of info, this may be problematic because unless you know what you are looking for it tends to be hard to find what you need (quickly or at all).

Hope that helps you out.

 

[Zugdud]

Got the 1711 on Monday, messed around with it for about 3 hours and realized that I was very confused. Went out and bought "Interconnecting Cisco network devices" book and the o'rielly nutshell cisco book. After 2 days of solid reading and alot of screwing around I think I have everything figured out...whew

 

[tschouten]

LOL, figuring everything out with Cisco is a bit daunting for the first time approach. Even if you know a lot about networking. Just thinking of learning what cisco options there are out there is sometimes frightening. But the robust nature of their devices is soooo worth the effort and pain. Me I am just one of those sick freaks who loves playing with cisco equipment.