SOHOware NBG800 BroadGuard Router
It's been a while since I've
had a chance to review a new router. If you happen to be fortunate enough
to be on a broadband cable or DSL connection you've probably learned that
security is sorely lacking. Why? These "always-on" connections give
you a permanent IP address. Users who dial into their ISP get a different
IP address each time they connect and that in itself is an inherent security
system. Given time and the "always-on" status of the highspeed connection
a hacker can cause some serious damage. Unless of course you employ your own
security measures. That is where a unit like the BroadGuard from SOHOware
comes in.
|
Features |
The
Board |
- Supports 253
clients
- 4-port 10/100
MBps switch
- Built-in firewall
technology
- Configurable
as a DHCP server or client
- W 258 mm (10.2")
- D 168 mm (6.6")
- H 45 mm (1.8")
- 3 year warranty
|
|
First
Impressions
I was
quite surprised by the very large box that the BroadGuard was shipped in.
I fully expected the unit to be 14 inches wide. I actually had a sigh of relief
upon opening the box. What I found was a very nice looking unit. Dimensionally
it is larger than the Netgear
RT314 and Linksys
BEFSR41 I reviewed previously. The unit is designed with a very pleasing
gray/green color and very large easy to ready status LEDs on its front face.
They are Power, Status, and Cable/DSL. There are four LEDs next to those that
will show the status of each 10/100 connection on the built-in switch.
On the
rear of the unit are the four 10/100 ports for the switch, the input for the
cable/DSL modem, a reset switch, and the connection for the 5v power supply.
Speaking of design I have to say that I
am quite impressed with this unit. The unit features ventilation holes drilled
throughout its top and bottom and slots on the sides to also aid in ventilation.
Granted, a router shouldn't make a lot of heat, but that is cheap insurance
to guarantee a long life. Included in the box were the wall-wart power supply,
the instructions, and two cables to make the connection to the cable or DSL
modem. Why two? One is a conventional straight through design while the other
is a crossover cable. I'm sure some are wondering if that is really necesary.
I have RoadRunner and sure enough a crossover cable is needed for that install.
Nice to see that both cables were included. I hate having to make a special
trip to the store for something like a crossover cable.
