Need help choosing Small Business Router

[wizzack]

Around $500 or less.

We are avoiding CISCO routers because of our tech consultant, as detailed below. Other details are as follows:

- at least 5 machines - 4 PC's, 1 server (still expanding too)
- shared t1 connection with other offices.
- heavy internet usage (online research, lots of e-mails)
- hopefully great security
** - seeking EASY setup (see tech consultant story)


I've been looking at the low-end Sonicwall tz150 and Linksys RV082 (now CISCO, I know.. but doesn't require programming to set up), but figured AT expertise has always helped. Any recommendations would be appreciated.




Tech Consultant Story:

We ordered a CISCO 871 K9 router that simply doesn't work (according to our tech consultant). He apparently doesn't know CISCO IOS programming but is our paid contractor for this job. I personally think he's just not aware of what default settings need to be changed for our network.

As I was preparing to try suggestions from techrepublic, it seems he has also misplaced the router. Somehow, this ~$425 router has vanished! Anyway, this rules out all CISCO (not Linksys) routers for us as we don't want to continue losing more time/money. I should have just tried it myself with the help of AT'ers!

I'd personally not want to work with this consultant but that's not my decision.

 

[InlineFive]

The 871 should include ADSM so you shouldn't need "IOS programming". It's web-based just like from other manufacturers. And in addition to a new router I suggest you lobby strongly for a new consultant.

 

[drebo]

First off, I would fire the tech consultant and send him a bill for the missing Cisco router.

Then I would hire someone competant to set it up.

Do you need a router with the DSU built in, or are you getting an ethernet handoff? If you're getting an ethernet handoff, I'd look in to an ASA5505. If not, then you're kind of stuck, and I'd actually recommend a used/refurbed Cisco 2610XM or something of that nature.

If you want reliability, Cisco is the way to go.

 

[wizzack]

Originally posted by: InlineFive
The 871 should include ADSM so you shouldn't need "IOS programming". It's web-based just like from other manufacturers. And in addition to a new router I suggest you lobby strongly for a new consultant.

I read on Newegg reviews that the ADSM wasn't very in depth and was even buggy at times. Of course, I never even got to see it since the router was misplaced the day I wasn't even in the office. Go figure!

Boss is set on working with this guy because they have a history.

Originally posted by: drebo
First off, I would fire the tech consultant and send him a bill for the missing Cisco router.

Then I would hire someone competant to set it up.

Do you need a router with the DSU built in, or are you getting an ethernet handoff? If you're getting an ethernet handoff, I'd look in to an ASA5505. If not, then you're kind of stuck, and I'd actually recommend a used/refurbed Cisco 2610XM or something of that nature.

If you want reliability, Cisco is the way to go.

Saw the ASA5505, but looks like it might be a bit more difficult to set up. Really trying to avoid that situation again. I'm comfortable with home routers and settings, but we're on a time crunch and can't troubleshoot problems for more than an hour or two once the installation begins.

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[InlineFive]

See if you can get evaluation units of a Watchguard Edge and Sonicwall TZ series to compare. They're both decent models with more "home"ish GUIs.

 

[wizzack]

We found the router on Friday in our main server room. I'll be working on its settings this week and may need more advice if this is tough.

At least the consultant isn't shady. (just incompetent =X)

Many thanks InlineFive and Drebo. Will update once I'm done/lost. Really hoping it doesn't resort to buying another router. The Cisco 871 seems to be the best fit for our business for the next 3-5 years.

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: wizzack
We found the router on Friday in our main server room. I'll be working on its settings this week and may need more advice if this is tough.

Ask the consultant to hire a Cisco guy to program the router. It doesn't make sense for either you or the consultant to spend days learning to program the Cisco if that isn't goling to be an ongoing job.

 

[netsysadmin]

I would definitely recommend a Cisco ASA5505. I just bought one the other day and had it up and running on my network in like ten minutes. Then I setup access to my Exchange and web servers...etc. I also setup the VPN for remote access. all those features were setup within an hour or so. This is all being done by me alone and I am not experienced with Cisco gear at all. I really like this unit a lot!!

PS....So far the ADSM is working fine for me.

Good luck!!

John