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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

 

(click for a larger image)


SOHOware NBG800 page

(+,-) $179.99 USD

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
9/10

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.

 





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