Linksys EtherFast Cable/DSL Router with 4-Port Switch BEFSR41

Connectivity Problems

By TonyR  Nov 19, 2006

Pros: It's cheap price wise

Cons: flakey performance

The old adage you get what you pay for applies to this boundary node router. It's main problem is with ISP's that use "floating" IP addresses. i.e. your local telco assigns an IP addresss to your dsl modem. Now as long as you... maintain traffic over that IP addrs. no problem...BUT IF you don't have any activity for a long period of time ..OR your IP address lease expires Then that's when this router FAILS. for whatever reason (made in china??) It cannot "learn" the new IP address and when you try to connect to the internet, it fails, One has to go thru a dull litany of reboot the DSL modem, reboot the router, and reboot your computers, THEN you might get on after several attempts. The linksys help desk will have you download the latest firmware revision and reset the router's base configuration ad nauseum....AND the problem STILL occurs. So after a replacement router and still experiencing the same problems I would not reccomend this router to anyone, unless of course you're a glutton for punishment. Read more Less