LAN & WAN Reviews

Introduction

Linksys EtherFast Cable/DSL Firewall Router with 4-Port Switch/VPN Endpoint
Summary	4 port SPI-based router with two tunnel IPsec VPN endpoint. Has dedicated LAN DMZ port.
Update	None
Pros	• 2.5Mbps VPN tunnel throughput • Supports NetBIOS broadcast through tunnel • Many logging features
Cons	• Schedulable access control applies to all traffic only • UPnP NAT Traversal does not appear to work

We've seen a number of VPN-endpoint routers appear since Linksys launched their BEFVP41 a few months ago. But, unlike the VP41, none have included a hardware co-processor, so they've been able to save a few bucks and undercut the VP41's price.

The new BEFSX41, however, is LInksys' next move in the VPN endpoint router wars. It's dropped the IPsec co-processor, which has allowed Linksys to now undercut the other guys in price. But the SX is anything but a me-too product, and had some surprises in store in both the VPN and regular Throughput departments...