Cisco

Advantages: Very Cheap, with lots of features
Disadvantages: Will help with CCNA, but may stuggle with CCNP

...I bought one of these routers off ebay to help with my upcoming (Cisco) CCNA exam. These are by no means cutting edge routers, and are obsolete now as they only support 10Mbps via their AUI (lan) port and support a limited amount of protocols. The router itself has one AUI port, which when used with a transceiver can connect to either another router or a switch (at 10Mbps); 2 serial ports which can be configured with a routing protocol such as frame relay to connect to another switch or ISP data terminal equipment, a console port to configure the router itself, and an AUX port for modem connection. Though well past it's sell by date, the switch is perfect to get to grips with Ciscos IOS (internetwork Operating System) and set up simple routed networks in conjuction with other routers and switches. One thing to be aware of when buying... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Fast, Secure and Efficient Internet Connection
Disadvantages: High level of Technical Expertise needed to setup more advanced features

...The Cisco 800 Series Routers provide a solution for high speed, secure and above all reliable Internet connection. The 857 model is specifically designed for connecting small office / home office (Soho) networks to the Internet via ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line) or "Broadband" technologies. For those of you who know little of Broadband (ADSL), it is a new technology that allows more data to be sent over existing copper telephone lines at higher download rates. Typically home users connect to the Internet via a Modem, often supplied by there internet service provider. However, this solution of internet connectivity is far from ideal in a mission critical environment. If you don't know what a router is, it is unlikely you need one. However, if you wish to connect to the internet in a fast and secure manner a router is the only... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: reliable, supportable and Cisco behind you
Disadvantages: cost

...If you are looking to connect your home or small office network to the net then this is a must. Quite simply, a firewall is a method or a barrier to keep destructive people andforces away from your property/information/children. By comparison; that is why its called a firewall. It actuallt performs a similar job to that of a physical firewall that keeps a fire from spreading from one area to the next (often missing from old properties in the loft). The 515 would be installed and used between your internet connection and the PCs on the network and therefore prevents the hackers getting to your PC. The 515 and all Cisco security products are well tested and used in the commercial and military markets and therefore can be trusted. If you feel comfortable that free personal firewall is adequate then I suggest you type in the make... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful