SOHOWARE BroadGuard NBG800

A Cable/DSL Router with built-in 4-port Switch and enhanced security features.

Quick Index:

Date:	2001-03-12 10:14
Author:	Philip
Category:	Broadband Routers
Manufacturer:	SOHOWARE
Product/Model:	BroadGuard Secure Cable/DSL Router - NBG800
List Price:	$179.99

Conclusion

The BroadGuard router has an impressive list of features that should make it appealing for both home and office use. The ease of use and comprehensive documentation adds to its value as well.

The Good:

HTTP Browser based Admin control
Customizable Access control.
Higher level security with Stateful Packet Inspection
DoS Attack Alert messages
Comprehensive manual
Integrated 4-port 10/100 Mbps switch
Transfer rates and latency are at least as good (possibly better) than any software NAT/firewall solution
Router can work with both static and dynamic IPs, acting as a DHCP Server

The Bad:

Browser interface limitations:
- The unit can limit web usage, however only for up to 10 keywords/sites (or total Web blackout).
- Access control settings only for 10 PCs on your LAN.
- Access control for only 4 types of services, no per-port custom controls.
DMZ zone does not completely open your PC to the Internet (for example, a simple tracert can become a problem, since incoming ICMP packets are not allowed from routers on the way to your destination server).

Overall, the BroadGuard router is a great unit for its price bracket and home/SOHO target audience. It has numerous features that you won't be able to find in competing products. The only downside is the browser interface limitation which does not provide full control over all possible settings, which would hopefully be implemented in future firmware upgrades. A great advantage of this particular product is the added SPI (Stateful Packet Inspection) security, access control and alert messaging.

Update (09-30-2001): Newer firmware revisions support Telnet configuration ( unsupported by Sohoware's Tech support) with more functionality than the Web configuration interface, such as multiple DMZ clients ( up to 8 ) provided you have multiple external IP addresses. New versions of the firmware also provide for WAN administration of the unit, although it might require some adjustment of the firewall.

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