Linksys (WIFILAPTOP) 802.11b Wireless Access Point

I have owned this router for two years. There are many on eBay even though it is 11b wireless standard. I write this review with a some extensive experience and to warn that there are both shortcomings and kudos for this otherwise reputable company's router.

The specific model I own is the BEFW11S4 v4 but expect that these experiences are common to the line of BEF 11b routers (and may extend to the 11g types from Linksys (now Cisco)).

The wireless function is provides a strong signal that works throughout my house in contrast to what some may experience depending on a host of factors like metal studs and WLAN brands. The speed is fine considering several megabits is all you are likely to get from your internet connection unless you are on some particularly premium service AND the site you are downloading is really fast.
The 11g may be a benefit in some cases (see remarks below) but I doubt it for most home and small business use. I think this fashion for 54Meg 11g is like having a 500hp sedan for your family car. Its macho but who really needs or can use it. So the 11b standard and this Linksys is fine and much cheaper (today).

On the other hand, I have had some persistent problems with the router and have seen same on another copy of this series (a version 1). First and foremost, the wireless function can fail, intermittently in my case, and completely in that second version of the router that I have. Meanwhile the other functions and switching are still working fine, but the drop-out on the wireless is irritating. I must unplug and re-plug to recycle the startup on the router (or use reset button, same game). Perhaps this has something to do with the cable feed I have, but I doubt it from lengthy experience directly connected before the router was in place (but then who knows for sure). No adjustment of the parameters on the router (like DHCP address renewal periods) seem to help. So be prepared to witness this after a year or so of ownership (as in my case). The second copy of this router is just plain dead on the wireless after several years so there must be some consistency to this buggy behavior.

A second frustration with the router is the configuration of MS networking in the house. I have several laptops that connect wirelessly but the MS networking is variable when wireless is involved. I have not been able to find the pattern or configuration that makes sense of this to solve it. When I am connected with ethernet plug directly to the router, I am fine on all PCs, but the wireless works sometimes and sometimes not. I imagine there is some port that needs to be opened or some incompatibility with one wireless driver on a PC or another... Again, be prepared for some hitches.

Last, you probably will have no luck with Remote Assistance unless you directly connect to your internet drop because the router provides NAT (address mapping) which helps on the one hand for security but blocks a key port for RA to work (I believe it is port 3389)...I have yet to try to open that port on the router because it could make other computers on my network vulnerable while I help 'Mom' on the other coast.

On the positive side, I would say the configuration screens are working fine, if a little difficult to find where you make some adjustments. Most specifically, I think most are interested in security and I offer here what works for me. I have declared a non-standard SSID which is recommended (don't use default as everyone hacking will know it), don't broadcast the SSID (give it to the configuration of each wireless PC), set up WEP or WPA (I have chosen to provide a key in WEP as enough...WPA has been a bit more kludgy to get working perhaps for the vintage and software upgrades of either PC, wireless drivers, or Linksys...how can you ever tell).

I also manage my daughter's access to the internet through the configuration of her MAC address in the accepted group or not (as I also declare each MAC address in the house as allowed on the router as additional security). I can erase her address (don't forget to save settings or it does not take), or re-enter it when she has finished her homework for example.

When you are transfering files from one PC to another, I recommend you use the ethernet direct connections as they are faster and more reliable. This may be the one argument for going with the 11g standard in your house. If you are also working with some common database of files, you might consider a model or brand that offers a USB connection on the router itself that allows you to put a network file server (just a big disk drive -- you can get 100G for about $100 for example) and put all the common files like pictures and such there...a good backup strategy as well.

Additionally, I have spoken with a couple of network guys and two contrasting points can be made on security. First, the router (using the NAT and other port blocking) provides a fairly good firewall to the outside world. If you are just a home user and not managing a lot of real money on the net (although you are probably on https (secured) when you do that too), there is probably limited value in all the security packages out there (I know this is heresy). Moreover, most business and email service providers are getting really good at checking for viruses (I mean when was the last time you had a virus or one you didn't suspect?). So you can judge to take this convenience, savings and risk for your situation, but the router/firewall functions in Linksys, and Windows may be enough for most and a nice side benefit.

Second, and by contrast, you probably should not take this risk in a small business just for the personnel files or whatever key financial records you would not want messed up by some experimenting, malicious hacker. I don't see that many will really benefit from most of our cash positions and like transfer your bank balance, and as far as identity theft, that's really better done out on the net connnections (and you should not put such info in your PC anyway). I say this with all due respect to Norton and McAfee, etc. and the ignorant/nasty but smart hackers in the world.

So in summary, the Linksys 11b access router works well enough most times, has good throughput and range, is configurable for what security I (you?) need, and its cheap today. But I warn you about the wireless drop-outs that I have seen in my two units...buyer beware for used equipment.