As a router, the Linksys offers support for IPSec pass-through, PPTP (point-to-point tunneling protocol), PPPoE (point-to-point protocol over Ethernet), and DMZ (demilitarized zone) mapping. You can set up the router to filter Internet access (handy for family home networks), allow remote administration, keep a log of all Internet sites visited, and more. Unfortunately, unlike the D-Link DI-714 wireless broadband router with four-port switch, the Linksys EtherFast doesn't include stateful packet inspection among its security features, which would have provided an added level of security to the existing NAT and TCP/IP inspection.
The Linksys EtherFast comes with a one-year warranty. Although the warranty may be standard, the router's phone support is above average. Toll-free phone support is available 24/7, excluding major holidays, for the life of the product. The Linksys Web site offers firmware updates, a searchable knowledge base, user guides, and FAQs.
The Linksys EtherFast wireless router could have done a better job with its setup documentation and offered more complete security features. Nevertheless, for the price, it still is a good solution for SOHO users looking to combine wireless and cabled network segments with broadband Internet access.
Throughput tests
Measured in Mbps (longer bars indicate better performance)
| Chariot Ethernet | | | Chariot 802.11b | | |
Linksys EtherFast wireless AP and cable/DSL router with four-port switch
| D-Link DI-714 wireless broadband router with 4-port switch
| Proxim Skyline 802.11b wireless broadband gateway
| |
Response time
Measured in milliseconds (shorter bars indicate better performance)
| Chariot Ethernet | | | Chariot 802.11b | | |
Linksys EtherFast wireless AP and cable/DSL router with four-port switch
| D-Link DI-714 wireless broadband router with 4-port switch
| Proxim Skyline 802.11b wireless broadband gateway
| |
How we tested
For practical throughput tests, CNET Labs uses NetIQ's Chariot software as our benchmark. For our wireless testing, the clients and routers are set up to transmit at short ranges and maximum signal strength. CNET Labs' response time tests are also run with Chariot software using the TCP protocol. Response time measures how long it takes to send a request and receive a response over a network connection. Throughput and response time are probably the two most important indicators of user experience over a network. |
