General
BrandLinksys
Item Height
6.9 centimetres
Item Width24.6 centimetres
Product Specifications
Technical Details
- SNMP Provides Port Security, Packet Filtering, IP Multicast, and Filters Internal User’s Access
- Full Wirespeed Layer Two Switching on All LAN Ports
- Administrators Can Block Specific Internal Users' Internet Access
- Supports WinSock 2.0 and Windows 2000 Smart Applications
Product details
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Product Description
Manufacturer's Description
Do you find Internet sharing software to be nothing but a hassle? Can't find a simple and inexpensive way to share your one Internet IP address over your entire network? If so, then the Linksys EtherFast Cable/DSL Router is exactly what you're looking for.
The Linksys EtherFast Cable/DSL Router with 8-port Switch is the perfect solution for connecting up to 253 of your PCs to a high-speed Broadband Internet connection or to a Fast Ethernet or Ethernet backbone. Configurable as a DHCP server or client for your network, the EtherFast Cable/DSL Router with 8-port Switch acts as the only externally recognized Internet gateway on your local area network (LAN). The EtherFast Cable/DSL Router can be configured via SNMP to filter internal users' access to the Internet and serve as an Internet firewall against unwanted outside intruders.
The EtherFast Cable/DSL Router with 8-port Switch features such advanced functions as dynamic and static port routing, DMZ hosting, filtering and forwarding, and Quality of Service capabilities. And all of these functions can be easily configured through any networked computer's Web browser.
Box Contents
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Really nice router, Works in the same way as the Linksys BEFSR41. This model is suitable for the user that requires more then 4 computers to access the internet as it provides 8 ports 10/100base ports. It can be wall mounted and stays cool.
When connecting this router to the an NTL cable modem or STB, the only thing you need to do is make sure the cable modem or STB is powered off before you connect/disconnect any cables. After you connect the router, power up the cable modem or STB and follow the on screen instructions provided by NTL when you first visit a webpage with no need to configure any of the Linksys settings.
Basically with the Linksys router, you just plug it in and it works.
Very easy to setup, although when updating the firmware you will lose any admin settings you've changed on the router. Not a problem as it only takes a minute to set up.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Really nice router, Works in the same way as the Linksys BEFSR41. This model is suitable for the user that requires more then 4 computers to access the internet as it provides 8 ports 10/100base ports. It can be wall mounted and stays cool.
When connecting this router to the an NTL cable modem or STB, the only thing you need to do is make sure the cable modem or STB is powered off before you connect/disconnect any cables. After you connect the router, power up the cable modem or STB and follow the on screen instructions provided by NTL when you first visit a webpage with no need to configure any of the Linksys settings.
Basically with the Linksys router, you just plug it in and it works.
Very easy to setup, although when updating the firmware you will lose any admin settings you've changed on the router. Not a problem as it only takes a minute to set up.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
103 reviews
57 of 60 people found the following review helpful
A must have for those who wish to share a DSL connection
7 Feb 2001
Amazon Verified Purchase
Due to the increasing size of my home network, I decided toupgrade to the 8 port BEFSR81 from the 4 port BEFSR41. The two areidentical in size. A Cable/DSL router is a MUST HAVE for those whowish to share a broadband connection. 99 percent of DSL providersutilize what is known as Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet(PPoE). This works just like a normal dial up connection where youhave a username and a password. Normally, this PPoE is done viasoftware installed on your computer. This has many limitations. First,the host computer must always be on for others to utilze aconnection. In that sense, each computer is not independent of theother.
The Linksys has PPoE software built into it. Each computerplugged into the unit can access the internet independently of eachother. Better yet, you never have to see a username/password screenwhen connecting to the internet.
In addition to allowing one toshare a connection, the Linksys also acts as a hardward firewallpreventing hackers from accessing your computers. A must have! Youcannot be secure enough these days!
The unit is easy enough to useNovice to expert. While they're are many advanced features, it is notimperative to set or configure them. The html based interface of theunit is extremely intuitive and easy to figure out. The unit itselfleaves a very small footprint.
The linksys supports DMZ which isknown as a demilitarized zone. It basically allows one local user tobe exposed to outsiders. It is used for such tasks asvideoconferencing and internet gaming where constant two waycommunication is essential. In addition Quality of Service (QoS) isonly offered on this 8 port model. It allows you to prioritizeinternet tasks such as http, ftp, telnet, etc.... Not really thatimportant unless you have many users on at once.
Many cable modemproviders utilize a system where they "lock" your cablemodem service to either 1 modem, or 1 network card. This is to preventyou from sharing or using your connection with other suchcomputers. They're is a hardware number encoded onto your network cardand modem. This is known as a "MAC" address. To circumventthis, the Linksys cable/DSL router has a box where you enter in theMAC address of the item that the cable modem service is locked to andit will emulate it. Very clever and works very well!.
One thing theLinksys cannot help you with is running cables throughout your houseto different rooms! Right now I have managed to run ethernet cablesthrough 5 different areas of the house. I have networked our homeLaser printer (HP LaserJet 2100TN)and have added a WirelessLAN setupso now with a laptop I can surf via wireless broadband!
23 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Works great ... finally ... MAYBE!
8 July 2006
Amazon Verified Purchase
A few years ago, I personally went to the trouble of wiring my house for a computer network figuring a wired network would be more reliable than a wireless one. I started with a Linksys BEFSR41 router with 4 ports, and after some initial tweaking, this router worked well for about three years needing only an occasional "reset" to correct any problems. Recently, severe slowdown set in, and no amount of resetting would help so I purchased this BEFSR81. This 8-port router was my choice because I wanted to expand the network to 5 locations. Besides, in today's market, there aren't that many WIRED routers to choose from - WIRELESS seems to rule the marketplace.
Anyway, upon installation, the BEFSR81 experienced severe slowdown just like its predecessor. I checked with my cable internet provider (Comcast), and their signal was coming through okay. I detached the router and ran just one computer directly to the cable modem. It worked great, so the router was definitely the source of the problem.
I contacted Linksys Customer Support and was instructed to download and install some firmware which should correct the problem. No improvement. Back to Customer Support where the usual "power cycle" (unplug router and modem, then re-plug them both in) was suggested, tried, and failed. Finally, the support tech led me through the steps to change the MTU (?) from 1500 to 1490. STILL no improvement. After this the tech said "Wait 24 hours. If the problem persists, call back." Needless to say, I was not confident, but I was too frustrated to bother trying anything else.
24 hours later - no change. BUT, 48 hours after THAT, with no additional intervention from me, everything was great!?! It's been fine for the past 6 weeks now, but don't ask me why.
I'm sorry if this review makes you feel ambivalent toward this router, but that's exactly how I feel.
Anyway, upon installation, the BEFSR81 experienced severe slowdown just like its predecessor. I checked with my cable internet provider (Comcast), and their signal was coming through okay. I detached the router and ran just one computer directly to the cable modem. It worked great, so the router was definitely the source of the problem.
I contacted Linksys Customer Support and was instructed to download and install some firmware which should correct the problem. No improvement. Back to Customer Support where the usual "power cycle" (unplug router and modem, then re-plug them both in) was suggested, tried, and failed. Finally, the support tech led me through the steps to change the MTU (?) from 1500 to 1490. STILL no improvement. After this the tech said "Wait 24 hours. If the problem persists, call back." Needless to say, I was not confident, but I was too frustrated to bother trying anything else.
24 hours later - no change. BUT, 48 hours after THAT, with no additional intervention from me, everything was great!?! It's been fine for the past 6 weeks now, but don't ask me why.
I'm sorry if this review makes you feel ambivalent toward this router, but that's exactly how I feel.
45 of 51 people found the following review helpful
LinkSys does it again - Great product
20 Dec 2001
Linksys BEFSR81 EtherFast Cable/DSL Router with 8 port 10/100 Switch is one of the best broadband routers out there. This router/hub allows you to share your single internet connection provided by cable modem or DSL to multiple computers.
I used to own the 4-port of the same box and decided to buy the 8-port version when my brother took my 4 port box. This box contains 8 auto-sensing 10/100 ports. Installation is a snap and no software is needed. This box has such advanced functions as dynamic and static port routing, DMZ hosting, filtering and forwarding, and Quality of Service capabilities. And all of these functions can be easily configured through a web browser. It also supports VPN via. IPSec, PPoE and PPTP.
In a nutshell, the Etherfast Cable/DSL router is very simple to operate yet powerful and easy to manage using the web based admin app. A must buy if you need to share your Internet connection. I have about 4 Linksys products near or on my computers now - Great job Linksys.
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