Are Linksys routers really crap?

[SmileM]

I'm interested in Linksys BEFSX41 router, some reviews I was able to find on google say that is is a decent hardware. If you compare the features than it outperforms any SMC, D-Link, Trendnet or US Robotics router.

Unfortunately there are also many reviews by the users that:
1. They often loose connection on wan port
2. Even new firmware from Linksys kills them
3. Very good chance that it won't work on even Intel NIC
4. They crap out after 8 months of use
5. Many security flaws in the firmware


Are these rumors true or is it a good router?

[Atomic Rooster]

I have that very same model. It's been up and running for over a year now without any problems.

[vass0922]

I have the BEFSR41 router and have had zero problems with it!
Had it for over a year or so

Welcome to TechIMO too

[John Prophet]

Maybe the main issue being that if you are a gamer, you can only forward 10 ports. (someone correct or give more detail if Im wrong)

JP

[M_Six]

I've used Linksys routers for years and have never had even a minor hiccup. They've all run perfectly from Day One.

Why do you want the SX41? Do you need the VPN capability?

[jmichna]

Been using BEFSR41 routers since Summer of 2000, been on 24/7/52. Replaced once about a year ago because first one was toasted due to a nearby lightening strike.

Never have drop issues, very good speed (right at theoretical max for my 1536/256 PPPoE aDSL connection).

I agree with M-six, why get the SX41 when to SR41 can be had for about $60?

I'm interested in Linksys BEFSX41 router, some reviews I was able to find on google say that is is a decent hardware. If you compare the features than it outperforms any SMC, D-Link, Trendnet or US Robotics router.

Like what features?

1. They often loose connection on wan port

i have had my linksys router for 3 years now never ever had this problem

2. Even new firmware from Linksys kills them

linksys firmware seems to atuaclly fix little problems here and there while adding some stuff

3. Very good chance that it won't work on even Intel NIC

i have no idea what you are talking about. i have several intel cards running behind my linksys router

4. They crap out after 8 months of use

like i said i have had mine for 3 years, you must of been the lucky one

5. Many security flaws in the firmware

the only flaw i know of has been addressed awhile back. As for any router each have there own problems. When you run a router you should not just rely on the router itself. you should also be running a software firewall to catch the outgoing problems and you have control over what can access the internet and what cant


i stand by linksys i have been a happy customer from them since i bought my first one. I even bought another router to replace my old one since i would like to have a router/accesspoint in one so i can get rid of this crappy d-link accesspoint i have

Jason

[ArcticFox]

Yeah, but why use a router when a nice Netgear switch will both let you share files and also let you surf? That's what I've been using, just by plugging the cable from my DSL modem into one of the slots, and the rest of my machines or my freinds comps can just plug right into it and it's all good.

ArcticFox alot of isp allow only one computer to use the ip they give them. the router will allow you to share out the internet to as many computers as you want. The switch does not work that way.

along with that it gives your network protection from the outside. A switch will not

[M_Six]

The Linksys "router" also has a switch built-in AND it has a decent firewall. If more folks used one of these, we wouldn't have had such a problem with the MSBLAST fiasco.

EDIT: Man I'm dragging feet today. That's twice I've been beaten to the punchbowl.