Linksys BEFSX41 EtherFast Cable/DSL Firewall Router (4-Port 10/100 Switch / VPN Endpoint) Reviews

• FIrst Class Piece of Equipment, But...

  
  By A14JBDSWKPKTZA on 2003-08-13
  I had setup a wireless Linksys router for a friend in his Win XP and ME machines, and it went without a glitch, using the automatic install CD. This one is not the same. The dedicated hard wire version, does not work with the CD. I set it aside, and then followed the instructions, that came as a quick start fold out guide, and it configured like a dream.
  I like the idea that this unit comes with the built in hardware firewall. In addition, I highly recommend the free version of Zone Alarm. PC Magazines editors choice. Simply get the free version at ZoneAlarm.com. I loaded the included Norton Internet Security, and it ate up a good bit of system resources, which overall slows the machine down. I'm using Verizon DSL, and they have a web site, that measures connect speed. The Norton IS slowed me down to a consistent 600. When I removed it, by using uninstall, and loaded the Zone Alarm firewall, I got a consistent 750.
  I tried everything. Verizon was getting 864 at my box outside. I had another machine that was getting 750 consistently. Both machines are exact mirrors of one another-all the same components. I even brought back a MSFT ethernet card, and replaced it with the same Linksys PCI Card as the other machine. Then I remvoved Norton. It sings. Get Zone Alarm.
  This Linksys router does not slow your connection down at all. I hooked a phone line up, through a window, directly into the outside phone box, and ran it directly to the modem. It went from the modems ethernet port, to my PC. In plain words, I eliminated the router from the loop, and got the same exact performance results as when the router was hooked up.
  When I put the Linksys PCI card in the other computers in my home network, when I booted them up, they automatically, found my internet connection. If it doesn't with yours, be sure and check-automatically detect proxy settings, in Internet Explorer.
  I love the new set up. Networking the machines is great. Being able to share files, printers etc, and most importantly the super fast internet connection. No getting bumped off.
  If you qualify for DSL, I highly recommend it. Once again, I am getting a consistent 750. My friend has cable, and although he occassionally gets 1 meg, their are times when he runs at 6 to 30. (That is not a typo). Consistency, and reliability, and first class service is what I am getting from Verizon. Don't beat them up, they will come out, and pamper your connection until it is right.
  One other thing that is really important. DSL is super sensitive to noise in the lines. If you are having a problem, they send out a cable specialist, and shorten your line. Phone lines run toward the service, and oftentimes, are in mulitple loops, which run away from your service terminal as well. More noise, more distance, equals slower connect times. Also listen real hard for hum in your house line. Get on a phone with a volume button, and turn it all the way up. Get a dial tone, press 5 for example. It should be DEAD quiet. If it is not, improve your internal phone lines. Don't run them along power lines etc. Start with one connection, then reattach one at a time, until you find the one that hums, then fix it. It will ruin your performance.
  I guess I am rambling. This Linksys router, is a winner. Their PCI cards are tops as well. Since all of the Tech professionals I know strongly recommended me to not go wireless, due to the ease of intrusion, into your internet connection, and more importantly your private computer-information, I went with this version. Glad I did. It works great. Highly recommended.
  
  

• firewall has some holes

  
  By A2TL2WIJ1TFBK7 on 2003-08-07
  I bought this in July 2003 just for the firewall capability. The install wizard wouldn't run properly on my machine (WIN ME), so I just followed the setup directions. They are very simple. I left my Mcafee Firewall Plus software running. After a week, I found certain port probes are passing through Linksys and then being caught by Mcafee!

  The firmware in my router is 1.44.3 dated 12/24/02. There is no upgrade available on the Linksys website. Linksys customer suport sent me a Beta release of firmware 1.44.7. It installed easily and seems to have fixed the problem.

  Reviews say this is the best consumer firewall router on the market. It may be, but don't turn off your software firewall. A copy of Norton internet security products comes with the router. Free updates for virus checking and firewall rules are included for 60 days. After that an annual license must be purchased to stay current. The programs are single use only licenses.

  A very useful program to read the firewall log is WallWatcher. It is freeware, source included. WallWatcher runs as a SNMP server and collects events from the router as they happen. Linksys does not include a similar program with the box, but they do have a download available. I didn't try it.

  If you play Internet games, you may need to adjust the MTU setting or performance may suffer. Download the documentation from the Linksys site. This is an easy change to make.

  Amazon does have the best price for this product. Locally I found it for $$$$$. The router ships with a patch cable, so you don't need to buy anything else.

  This is a very good product for SOHO with minimal requirements. For a business, I'd keep looking.
  
  

• Worked like a champ out of the box

  
  By A27QOVKT4OR9F7 on 2003-03-03
  So far so good after over a week. The BEFSX41 practically installed itself. Just plugged it in between my computer and the cable modem, and it went to work. Using the "start here dummy" method, I tried to use the setup program on the included CD. Eventually, the process balked and gave me an alert box that said it couldn't configure my system, call the support hotline. I unplugged everything, pressed the reset button on the router, and tried it again. Same result. Then I had a bright idea: Bypass the dummies method, and just use my browser to connect with the interface console embedded in the router. I found that the machine was already configured properly and was working fine. I entered a new password (no dummy!), and that was it. I turned on the router's logging feature, to see what traffic was being passed. I happened to already have a copy of Norton Firewall installed (a trial version comes in the box with the BEFSX41), and with it I could keep watch on what was getting through the router. Nada. Tight as a drum. After a few hours I noticed my email client wasn't getting through to my ISP's mailserver, so I had to make a little tweak in the firewall. Other than that, the router has been perfectly transparent to my online applications. I ran a port scan at Hackerwacker.com, and my system came up absolutely clean.

  Easy as pie to install. Works flawlessly. Money well spent!
  
  

• Could not get it to work. Will return it for refund.

  
  By on 2002-11-27
  I give it 2 stars, but cause I like how easy it is to use, but for some reason it just refuses to work on my network. I used to have the BEFSR41 when I had a cable modem, and that worked great. No problems with it what-so-ever. So, I naturally assumed this would be just as easy to set up. I have since moved and now have DSL service using Sprint's Fast Connect. I purchased this product in an attempt to connect my other 2 PCs to the Internet.

  I've spent way more time that I want to admit trying to get this product to talk to the Sprint DSL modem. I have had no success. I went to the Linksys website and read through the FAQ as well as the KnowlegeBase. I followed all the instructions to the letter and I has never worked. I even resorted to sticking in the install CD and using their Wizard program to set up the router. The wizard program failed to connect as well.

  It very frustrating since the BEFSR41 model was so simple to setup and use and I never had any problems with it (I wish I had not given it away). I plan on returning the BEFSX41 and buying the BEFSR11 (or BEFSR41). Hopefully, I'll have better luck with either of those products. If not, I'll have to buy the Sprint supported one and I really do not want to since It's twice the cost of these products. Supposedly this product supports the Sprint network, but I do not believe it anymore. If you are using Sprint Fast Connect DSL Service, this product may not work for you.
  
  

• Networking: Not just for techies anymore

  
  By on 2004-02-10
  I'm a "techie" guy. I'm not a professional but I know plenty about computers. I configured the advanced rules on my software firewall myself, I've built computers using other people's instructions and parts lists, and I've programmed in C++ for fun.

  However I had never really done any local area type networking. I knew it was something I could do but just hadn't tried, partly because I was kind of intimidated.

  It was time for me to get over it though. I wanted a hardware firewall with "Stateful Packet Inspection" for my home system because I just switched to a Vonage phone and I now have to leave my cable modem on 24 / 7 or the 'net phone won't ring. Knowing that this would mean my computer would be more exposed than I was comfortable with, I decided to pick up one of these routers to put the PC behind, and also to permit me to try building a small home network for fun.

  So I ordered one of these bad boys. So what did I learn installing this thing? Hardly anything. Why? Becuase the included CD does the whole thing for you! I really couldn't believe it. You pop in the CD, and it examines your net connection. Then it tells you to plug in the router. Presto, you're networked. Repeat for all computers you want hooked up to the net and you're done.

  Now - why have so many people had trouble with this thing? Well, I managed to break (and then fix) this thing in about 10 minutes just "fiddling" with the settings. Since I know nothing about LAN type setups, I started experimenting with the router's settings. Cluelessly, I changed the IP address of the router to the internal IP address assigned to my computer by the router. Ah, this screwed everything up instantly. Having done this I could no longer pull up the configuration utility in the router. So I had to unplug all the wires and hold down the "reset" button for 30 seconds to restore the factory settings, then reinstall.

  In short: LinkSys may have made networking seem deceptively simple, but that doesn't mean that a n00b can't break the thing. I broke it without hardly trying, and as I said, I'm no n00b.

  Once I stopped breaking the thing with my curious-george type antics, there were no problems, no conflicts, not the slightest bit of a stutter. For the more tech inclined: I left Sygate on my system. You know all the "noise" traffic (ie ICMP) that hits your software firewall if you're hooked up directly to the net? Every drop of it is gone, of course, because the hardware firewall is deflecting it and discarding it if it's not relevant.

  Tech specs: I'm using a Win 2K machine, p4 1.5 with 640ram, with a Motorola Surfboard cable modem and a 3Com Ethernet card.

  So if a friend called me and said: "I need a firewall router, but I don't have anyone to install it for me. Is there a 'For Dummies' book I can get?" I'd tell them to forget the books and just buy this router.

  If a techie oriented friend called me and said "You got a favorite firewall?" I'd say this one - with one caveat. The included firewall, while seemingly sturdy, is very limited in it's configurability, especially when compared to Sygate. (Possibly an unfair comparison - I don't know.) For example it only allows the forwarding and blocking of UDP and TCP traffic. I would have liked a firewall that let me work with ICMP too - the firewall seemingly just "deflects" all ICMP.

  Regardless: If you'd like a router and improved PC security, I'd highly recommend this thing. You don't need to know a single thing about networking to both improve your computer security ten fold and get up to 4 PC's hooked up online.
  
  

• Works - but not problem free!
  By A3GUTCLQ6I893Y on 2004-03-03
  Buyer Beware - I have been using for the BEFSX41 for over six months now. Initially everything was great, easy setup, tests from GRC showed everything looks good. Then it started auto-booting. To say the least it is very annoying waiting for it to come back in middle of web browsing. Testing hasn't produced a consistent pattern. Contacted technical support - their solution is to revert to older firmware version. Old firmware version has known exploitable vulnerabilities, but tried anyway (they are tech support right) which reduced frequency of problem, but has not truly corrected the problem. I then went searching for answers - I'm not the only one seeing this and other problems. Check out http://www.dslreports.com/. Do search on BEFSX41 and read up on their forum. I'm sorry, but I haven't started buying competitive brands to do comparisons so I can't recommend a better alternative. Personally though I'm working on building a Linux based firewall. I know that is not a solution for most people, but illustrates my frustration with Linksys and their parent Cisco in this product and it's support.
  
  
• Excellent router if you know how to operate it
  By ALCC127AVG47L on 2006-04-18
  I've used two SX41s for over three years on DSL and they are rock solid providing that I don't violate the cardinal rules of operation. The VPN tunnels are easy to set up if you follow the guidelines. First of all you must use a stable firmware. 1.45.7 is the most stable. The latest 1.52.9 is okay, but not as stable. Also you must NEVER set any of the Web Filters to deny or you will have reboots. Generally it is as simple as that.
  
  There are also rules for flashing that must be observed. It doesn't matter whether you use a ver 1 firmware on a ver 2 router or visa versa. Thinking there is a difference is nonsense. What DOES matter is that the router MUST be reset to factory defaults (30 secs on the reset button will do this) before a flash or you risk bricking the router. When flashing with the Web page flashing tool, use IE or you will risk bricking the router. Use the TFTP utility for the SX41 obtainable from Linksys if you wish to use a Mozilla-based browser to flash. After you flash, you should reset once again to factory defaults. There are residual register settings carried over from the previous firmware versions that can cause reboots and other malfunctions.
  
  Even the best flashing procedures can fail, but there are procedures for recovering from a bad flash at DSLReports.com. The recovery rate is probably better than 90% using those techniques. Guidelines for setting tunnels up are also posted there as well as access to the 1.45.7 stable firmware.
  
  Successful operation of the SX41 requires modest intelligence, some networking experience, and following the operating rules. Linksys support hasn't a clue as to what those rules are so don't even bother with them unless you are trying for an RMA for a defective unit. Basically the router has gotten a bad rap from people who don't know how to operate it. Unfortunately they can't learn how to do that from the minimalist manual or from the so-called tech support personnel. Ask for operation help in the Linksys forum on the above mentioned web site if you are struggling with this router.
  
  
• It worked without a hitch
  By on 2003-03-20
  I bought this router/switch based on PC Magazine's editor's choice rating in the Nov. 19, 2002 issue. Wanted to move my Linksys "network-in-a-box" home network (3 computers, 2 print servers) to high-speed cable, but wanted the extra security provided by the firewall in this router. First, I upgraded to cable access on one of my computers by disconnecting it from the old network and connecting it to the new cable modem. After I got that setup working, I setup the router as directed. I used Linksys' automated setup. It copied over the Internet connection settings from the cable modem/service into the router setup. Bang, it worked. High speed access through the router. I used that access to download the most recent firmware for the router and installed that without a hitch. I then set up the other two computers as the directions dictated in just a few minutes, making sure to use the rounter to automatically assign IP address (it is a DHCP server, too). It all worked. No problems. Amazing. I use three of the four 10/100 ports on the router/switch for the computers and the fourth to attach to the Linksys 5-port switch I had left over from the old network. Through that I connect to Linksys and HP print servers to get to HP LaserJet and OfficeJet (duplex printer/fax/scanner/copier) printers. I just plugged this stuff in, followed the set up directions and it worked. I have had very good luck with Linksys equipment. My only complaint is that it would have been nice to have an eight-port rather than a 4-port 10/100 switch with all the other features of this device. A very minor complaint.
  
  
• "Simply" Fantastic!
  By on 2002-11-09
  These two words can say it all. I bought this to be able to upgrade and existing group of networked PC's to a fast Cable Internet service. Firewall safety was another essential issue. This does it all. Not only that - in a matter of minutes, this little gadget was installed and all the PC's with it. The installation wizard that came with it was a gem. It didn't care what we were running: Windows 98 (SE), ME or XP, and we had all of it. It just did what it had to do & configured everything automatically! I do not know how Linksys does it, but they produce such useful and sophisticated hardware products with the capability of being installed, without a hitch, by the average non-technical person. That's why I can say this is "simply" fantastic!

  Whenever I have wanted network hardware, I have gone to Linksys and have never been disappointed. They have made life easy in the networking world. And, when you consider their prices, it would be hard to be disappointed.

  Highly Recommended!
  
  

• Works... Most of the time
  By A2I2JRQ28Z9BNO on 2002-11-27
  I'd agree with others that the router offers fast setup, etc - but this is not exactly unique among SOHO routers these days.

  My problems are with stability. On a regular basis the router loses it's programming. Web interface to the router becomes garbled and it appears that the machine is scrambling its memory (IP addresses in date fields, etc). Within a few minutes - it's out for the count.

  Firmware flashes and all don't seem to solve it - and don't bother going to the website for support - it's slim at best and you'd think no one ever had an issue.
  
  

• Motorola Surfboard 4100 owner - No Probs with BEFSX41
  By on 2003-05-24
  I just bought this router and had it set up in only a few minutes. My ISP requires me to register the MAC address before I can use the device. This caused me a few problems initially as the MAC address marked on the device is for the 4 LAN ports - you need to access the router setup using a browser to find the WAN MAC address. Once I'd done this I was using this router within minutes. The firewall feature is very secure and passed all the Shields-Up! tests with flying colours. This router is also fast and I have so far not found anything to dislike (though my package arrived with a broken setup CD, which I didn't need to use due to very simple router installation). Now my PC's are protected whenever installing windows, and even before I have had time to install a software firewall. I chose this model in preference to the cheaper BEFSR41, and it was worth every penny just to get the enhanced features.
  
  
• The product is only as good as the firmware ...
  By A18HMVPBC4WJEK on 2006-04-26
  ... and unfortunately the firmware sucks! Google "BEFSX41 firmware upgrade problems" and see what you get. I had mine running a stable (but vulnerable) firmware and decided to download the latest firmware from Linksys' site to close the security hole. Unfortunately it wasn't until numerous problems began (router reboots, disconnects, no internet connection) that I checked for firmware issues and found problems via Google. There are NO WARNINGS on that Linksys download site. They are essentially providing software to BREAK your product! It got so bad, I couldn't connect to the internet anymore. I had to go to work to download an older firmware (unfortunately Linksys DOES NOT provide these!) from dslreports. They fixed most of my problems, but there is a list of bugs that still have not been fixed. Fortunately, I don't use the features that trigger those bugs. I'm providing the link so that someone who has purchased it can upgrade their firmware at THEIR DISCRETION! Otherwise, I would say do not buy this product! It's unnecessary headaches when other routers will work just as well. (Though I hear D-Link products also have problems)
  
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• Fastest specs!
  By on 2003-05-01
  I bought this router because it has a 10/100 port to the modem (the port to the Internet). All the other routers (except the new "g" wireless router) have 10 meg ports to the modem. Also, I read a review with speed tests showing this router, with stateful packet inspection (SPI) enabled, has speeds faster than competetors with no SPI. With SPI disabled, it was unbelievably fast for a $ router. I'd rather use this router and add a wireless access point later It may be a little more money. But I think the components will be better in the end.

  I connected it very easily. No crossover cables are required (unlike Netgear). I did not use the cdrom setup. I followed the little fold-out poster quick start which directs you to use the web browser to access the router's embedded setup screens. For Earthlink, I just specified PPoPE, and my userid as my email address (complete with "@earthlink.net"). Added my password. That was all it required. Powered the DSL modem off, and the router and PC. Turned on the modem, then router, then pc. Typed in a URL to the browser. And found I was connected to the Internet. No need for Earthlink's connection software.
  
  

• Fantastic router with VPN capability
  By A22ABLJGF9JY13 on 2002-10-25
  Very happy with this router. Setup is not required for simple config., just connect the cables to the right ports, and bingo!... Highly recommended!
  
  
• Used to be a good product, now nothing but junk - beware!
  By ACYBFJU6MU1HR on 2005-01-27
  I've hooked up about 8 of these units for various clients over the past two years. They _were_ great for creating cheap and user friendly tunnels to Netgear FVS318 VPN end-points and other BEFSX41 VPN end-points. Since Cisco took over Linksys, it seems like they've seriously downgraded to components while increase the firmware tasks. I've attempted to install about 3 Cisco co-branded BEFSX41's with limited success. Two clients required PPPoE for their DSL and neither could use their BEFSX41's to connect - trying various firmwares and power-cycling all components provided no help. I ended up returning the units to the retailer and replaced them with more expensive Netgear FVS318's. The third failed BEFSX41 wasn't using the VPN or PPPoE features and it started loosing about 30% of the packets sent to the WAN interface (measured with Net Chariot software). Eventually the 3rd unit would start flashing error lights and reboot frequently. I tried several firmware versions for the BEFSX41, finally restoring the original firmware. After a couple of days we could no longer even connect to the admin page, much less use the device as a router or even a switch!! Have fun calling Linksys tech support in India! All they can tell you to do is power-cycle your unit, restore the firmware settings to factory defaults, and flash your firmware - save yourself 2 hours on the phone and avoid calling. You'll be lucky if you can even understand what the Linksys tech support is saying - they definitely won't understand anything that isn't on their "tech support walk-through software". I'd rather deal with automated tech support than call Linksys drones - Linksys tech support receives a big fat "F"! Fast food workers are more technically proficient - in fact, that is where Linksys tech support would be working if they lived on this side of the pond. (<--Note: I'm not claiming I could support anyone in another language other than English - I just know enough to not even try). Hopefully Linksys/Cisco will realize if they want loyal cusomters they will eat a little of their bottom line and provide half-decent products and support!!
  
  Okay, 'nuff said - I'd highly recommend you spend two or three times as much and get something better!!!!!!!!
  
  
• Flawed but useful
  By A31E13XZ2G6ZDF on 2006-03-21
  A hardware firewall is very useful when you have an always-on internet connection because a blocks many categories of incoming attacks from even seeing your computer.
  
  I had the BEFSX41 for several years and it worked great, so when I needed one for a new network connection, I ordered the newer model, BEFSX41 v. 2. After connecting it my internet connection became highly erratic -- some sites did not load at all, email downloaded very slowly, etc. A firmware upgrade to the 1/11/2006 firmware fixed this problem, and now it is working well again. The firmware upgrade is available from the Linksys web site, but it is disappointing that it worked so poorly out of the box.
  
  Also, the firmware upgrade process is flawed. When you try to upgrade via the browser interface, it seems to work, if you check the version using the browser interface, you still have the old version. To really upgrade, you have to use the upgrade utility that is available on the same support page of the Linksys web site.
  
  Yet another pitfall to watch for is the product version. There is a v.1 and a v.2 of this device, and if you use the v.2 firmware with a v.1 box (as I did), you end up with a paperweight.
  
  
• Simple to Use, Highly Effective
  By A2PLSZ90SNG3FV on 2002-12-14
  Dead easy to install, set up, and use. The firewall works great - I use Black Ice for my software firewall, and had been getting "hit" at least once per hour. This filters out almost all attacks before they get to my computer. Be sure to change the default password from "admin", but that's about the only change you should need to make to the settings. I highly recommend this one.
  
  
• Solid Hardware
  By A14WHNVPD9CHPG on 2003-07-15
  The positive:
  I have had the Linksys BEFSX41 for about 6 weeks now and i must say overall i'm quite happy. The NAT functions work admirably, and the port forwarding features are also excellent (works well for IRC DCC connections). I run windows on the boxes behind this unit and use it to connect to a FreeSwan linux box which connects me to a windows domain behind that; works perfectly (some people mentioned not being able to see microsoft drives or computers, you need to enable NetBIOS broadcasts in the Advanced tab of the sx41's VPN setup). Also, remember to set your MTU to 1440 if you're VPN connection is dying after a few packets. Lastly, the DHCP works well and quickly.

  The negative:
  It seems to drop any inactive connection after ~10 minutes for a reason i can't fathom. SSH connections, ftp sessions, anything that hasn't been used in ~10 minutes gets dropped. I am using firmware 1.44, i have tried 1.44.8 (beta) but the problem was not fixed (nor apparently is it in the newer beta firmwares). Overall this is only a minor annoyance, but i would like to see it fixed in the future.

  Tech Support: While i did not have to call their tech support for anything that i've done with this unit, it should be mentioned that their tech support is notoriously ignorant. If you're having trouble with some basic function i'm sure they are willing and able to help you, but answers to questions about advanced issues are usually spotty at best.

  Overall - 4/5 (5/5 could be achieved later with better firmware)
  
  

• Not a very good VPN
  By A1CW1D90UHU2TW on 2004-01-23
  For the price you pay for this, you'd think it might actually work. I used this for approximately four months and waited for a new firmware patch over that entire time. I just wanted something newer than the almost two year old firmware that it came with, but nothing. Spoke with tech support a number of times, but nothing was resolved and they didn't really help much at all anyway. What was wrong with it?

  Basically, it functioned great as a stand alone NAT router. It did that part well. But beyond that, it did not do the advertised features. For instance, the VPN endpoint wouldn't actually allow me to connect at all. Configuring the VPN client under Windows without third party applications is nigh impossible, so I tried out SSH Sentinel. SSH Sentinel works great as a product because I've used it to connect to other IPSEC VPNs, including the Linksys BEFVP41, but it would not connect to the BEFSX41 at all.

  Secondly, the port forwarding doesn't work. Say you want to forward port 80 to a computer in your network, you can do that from outside the network (i.e. a machine outside your network can enter your WAN address and get your internal machine) but if you enter your external WAN address hoping to get access to your internal machine while inside the network, it won't work. It will time out. I had to set up a DNS server inside my network to point to the internal IP address in order to get around this failure in the product.

  All in all, this router is severely lacking and isn't worth your money. If you really want Linksys, get the more expensive BEFVP41, it actually works as an IPSEC VPN endpoint. However, I recommend getting something else. Personally, I decided on the Zyxel 300 Series router and a permanent Linux VPN server and that works ten billion times better.
  
  

• Very fast and stable with 1.51.00 firmware
  By A276FG9EWO7V3B on 2005-03-24
  I got my BEFSX41 over two weeks ago. Set up was a breeze with my cable modem and I had it running in 5 min. Almost immediately I noticed that it started re-booting every other 10 min. and throughput was erratic so I decided to check some sites to see if this was a fluke or that I simply had a bad unit. Apparently, I wasn't alone. I went to the linksys web chat support and was suggested to upgrade the firmware, depress the reset button, nd cold boot everthing. If it still malfuntioned, the support tech told me to return the unit immediately. Now, after reading all of the negative reviews it received I was ready to return the unit but decided to give it another shot by ugrading the firmware to version 1.50.18. This reduced the re-booting occurance substantially to about 2-3 times an hour. (Still unacceptable considering that I had my old Netgear RT314 router for over 3 years and never had that problem.) but the throughput issue was only slightly improved. Again, I was ready to return the unit when I came across and message board on www.broadbandreports.com pointing to an "beta" version 1.51.00_hb firmware upgrade. Even though it was indicated as a beta version, it was also stated as being rock solid stable so I downloaded it from a link someone provided. Voila! After 6 days, the router has only rebooted once while I've been online and even that instance, the reboot cycled quickly. And the throughput issue has disappeared alltogether. Bandwidth meters that I've used throughout the internet have been clocking me consistently at around the 2000 to 3000 kbps range. I've been able download sizable .iso files without a single hiccup and the router nows seems faster than I remember, even with SPI enabled! I haven't tested the VPN feature of this unit but I'm completely confident that the performance there will be excellent as well. Would I recommend it? Only if you have the patience to do what I did otherwise, check our another brand.
  
  
• Beware BEFSX41 Compatibility w/ Moto SB4100-- Support??
  By A3NWMHX93YGW04 on 2003-07-29
  After reading the various mixed but generally positive reviews of the BEFSX41 router I decided to purchase the unit hoping the one note of a compatiblity problem between the router and Motorola SB4100 cable modem was an isolated situation. I experienced the same problem described in the earlier review. The router and SB4100 will not talk to each other directly. I have it working now by using a 50 foot ethernet cable between the modem and router. It works perfectly now but will likely replace the cable with a hub.
  My bigger concern is the lack of support by Linksys. It took two tries to get a knowledgeable support person on their "chat line". After 30 minutes she suggested a warranty return. I confirmed the compatibility problem by using a high end ethernet tester (I sell such test equipment) and decided to keep the router and fix the problem myself using the 50 ft cable or hub.
  I also sent two emails to Linksys identifying the problem. It has been two weeks and I have yet to receive a reply.
  I understand and accept the fact that there can be compatibilty problems between these types of products. My concern is over the fact that with the exception of a lone support person at Linksys there has been little acknowledgement of such a problem. My thanks to the reviewer who found the problem in the first place and offered a solution. I suggest anyone considering the purchase of Linksys products do with the understanding that their support may be lacking.
  
  
• Installation wizard didn't work on Adelphia Cable
  By A26K941J135FM6 on 2003-12-29
  The installation wizard could not automatically detect my cable Internet setting (Adelphia). The electronic manual and paper installation guide did not help to correct the problem. I was able to manually set the IP address, but that would have required me to do this every day (Not acceptable). A search of the Linksys Web site (Under their Knowledge Base section) provided me with a paper on how to install their routers on an Adelphia Cable network. It worked like a charm. Besides a little frustration in finding my answer, the firewall/router works like a charm. I have connected two computers to it and they both access the Internet with no problems. The logging feature allows me to observe the traffic in and out of my system, as well as the attempts by possible hackers to access my network. Overall I'm happy with this purchase.
  
  
• Worst technical support I've EVER seen
  By A1KU7WRBL3JGKS on 2004-04-27
  Shortly after purchasing and using the product, I looked at its internal logs and noticed hundreds of lines indicating port scans (mostly UDP but some TCP). They were colored green. I couldn't find any information about this in the Linksys manual, so I called customer support. Not only could I barely understand them, they couldn't even answer my simple questions - are these port scans getting through? What does green indicate? Frankly, I don't even know if they understood my question. I have the feeling that this outsourced tech support has no expertise with this product. After several calls, I reached a tech that sent me a firmware patch "downgrade" to install. It turned out that he sent me the wrong firmware patch as it was for a completely different Linksys router. Had I installed it (if it would even install), I might have lost access to the device altogether. Beware: if you run into problems with this device, you're on your own.
  
  
• Terrible product - never had reliable firmware
  By A1VPACBAK9KNFF on 2005-08-04
  search http://www.dslreports.com/forum/linksys for BEFSX41 and see what I mean
  
  Primary use of this device is as a VPN endpoint. however VPN very unstable, and many features don't work. so beware!
  
  
• Many problems, terrible support, stay away!
  By A17JWAHG92SQCB on 2006-03-22
  We have two of these units and battled with them for over a year. Tried numerous firmware upgrades. Each upgrade fixed one problem and created another! Locks up once every other week. Terrible support from LinkSys. Replaced both with a competitors router and all problems disappeared. Stay away from it.
  
  
• DHCP bug in lateset code
  By A3UAX2OO53H076 on 2003-02-03
  Overall the product worked well but from time to time DHCP would only work for a single machine (I have 3). Finally code version 1.43.4 fixed the issue. I had problems with both 1.43 and 1.44.
  
  
• Good update
  By A2BYEJRX8U44JL on 2003-02-05
  I got this model to replace my 2-year-old befsr41 that was slowly failing (could not get web interface to fully come up and it was impossible to change configurations, even after a firmware upgrade).
  This one set up without a problem, and I was running 20 minutes after the UPS truck came :)
  I like the vpn and firewall feature, which I did not have before. The most surprising to me is the dynamic DNS support. I only wish it supported more DDNS providers (it only supports dyndns.org accounts).
  
  
• Beware Motorola Surfboard 4xxx owners
  By A29B9CP00XBEXS on 2003-05-02
  I purchased this router to work with my Motorola Surfboard 4100 cable modem, but when I connected the modem to the router's WAN port with the supplied cable, no lights appeared on the router.

  I tried my old cable with the same result and then a new 50ft cable. After several connection attempts with this new cable, the lights came on and everything worked fine. I thought the intermittent connection must be due to a faulty WAN port, so I returned the router to Amazon for a replacement, which arrived just a few days later. (Fantastic return service!)

  However, to my dismay, the replacement seemed to be suffering from the same problem ... only the 50ft cable worked and then only after numerous connection attempts.

  I looked ...to see what I could find and found several forums with people reporting the same problem when using the Motorola 4xxx modem. It seems the voltage on the cable modem is too high, which is upsetting the router. I can only assume that the 50ft cable created enough of a voltage drop to cure the problem. Some other router brands are having similar problems connecting to the Motorola modems.

  The recommended solution, which I am now using successfully, is to put a hub between the router and the cable modem.

  My advice to Motorola 4xxx owners: Search the web for information about which router will work with your modem without having to buy a hub as well.

  The connection problem aside, the router was a breeze to set up and has been working without any other problems.
  
  

• Lemon- Steer Clear Money better spent elswhere
  By A22JKL7SJ58CEJ on 2005-03-26
  This router would be no stars if possible. I just spent two hours trying every trick mentioned on DSLREPORTS.COM to get this working with NO success. Flashing to previous and newer firmware had no effect. I spoke with a CLEC tech on the other end of the connection who reported fragmented packet errors. Swapping out the router resolved the issue. We were using SBC DSL Speedstream 5100 connection hardware known good, I didn't have another brand on hand to check harware compatability. I'd highly recommend another router...don't venture down this path.
  
  
  Regards,
  
  Jeff
  
  
• Here We Go Again!!!
  By AKQMUPQZZNCS7 on 2005-05-29
  I Give one Star but honestly feel it dont even deserve that for the simple fact I just purchased this model BEFSX41-4/port firewall vpn model and have spent over 30 hours trying to set it correctly to work with my playstation2 computer game system through the network adapter.I know i placed over 25 calls to Linksys support after days of aggrevation & frustration just trying to get set up to play the new Final FantasyX1 online game.
  
  After about the 30 call linksys tells me o u need level 2 support.I was shocked & needed level 2 support 15 phone calls ago.I am running sprint modem 645 series, DSL sprint 1.5 mbs 7 speed was not an issue at all.It was i kept getting disconnected after I finally got connected to the game within three minutes I would get kicked off with time out errors.
  We tried setting up DMZ,did not work.Tried updating the new firmware to version 1.52.4 & still did not help.We tried static ips and nothing still. Even disabling firewall. Finally they admitted we tried everything possible & nothing else they could do for me.Well Howdy Doody!! i guess im screwed than with the router that i spent 70 bucks on& it does not serve a purpose. By the way i never got connected to level 2 support either cause the technicians are so high on ther horse they all have ideas but no solutions to the problem.
  
  Finally ,I just disconnected the router & bypassed it straight to my modem & wa-la i can play the game but not through my Linksys router still.They never even offered to replace it for me & i am so frustrated about this Router I would not recommend it for anything.Until Linksys can resolve the problem I know it is something to do with settings but for the life of me "WE" can-not figure the solution out.If anybody has had similar problems i wish i could speak with them for suggestions?
  
  After near 30 calls to support half of them you cant understand at all,some dont care attitudes,and some have no bussiness being tech assistants.You would think they would gather a support team possibly level 5 to try and help resolve this problem to make me the customer, happy, but I am not a happy camper at all about this router "OR" Linksys Support assistance abilities...Good Luck!
  
  

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