Question 1

I am looking to replace our PPTP windows VPN server with one that utilizes OpenVPN.. does this router work as a stand-alone OpenVPN server to allow access into a Microsoft Domain?

Accepted Answer

I use OpenVPN w/ 2 factor to serve my domain to out-of-office workers, and to give clients access to SCC (perforce). I have had no trouble with the router, except some clients self-inflict (e.g. keep disabling or deleting the client-side Windows adapter). Just beware of the limit on simultaneous connections.

Question 2

Does this work with Linux (Debian 5.0 or Ubuntu 9.04) and does it have 'jumbo frame' capability on the WAN?

Accepted Answer

Chris...on second look, it doesn't seem to even support jumbo frames and certainly not on the WAN interface...I just tried to set it and its errors out on any value over 1500. I also see no options to configure the mtu on the LAN ports. Its junk at the current firmware...check my review.

Question 3

Wondered what I really needed as our old Linksys has been super reliable and performed with many times the load it was made to when built. Other than a dozen reboots over near 8 years on the "G" only router, running one laptop and one cat 5 PC. Now has far more load on it including USB wireless connection on same PC, two laptops, e printer with own wireless address and even smart phone. Plan is to use Roku to pair of flat panel TV sets making one a HD smart TV. Wanted (of course) to get new "Linksys" dual band smart wireless router 2.4 and 5 because of my outstanding experience with Linksys. I was really upset with poor reviews and like others hoped was just lack of know how that caused problems. However, routers are much more complex and have many more devices to run than mine does now let alone about 8 years ago. Several reviews on wireless unit stated customer assistance is also near dead. Many owners feel when issue came up were on their own. I am just writing this for others to read. I was Linksys buyer and was not even going to look at other brands until such a hi percentage of reviews were so bad in both quality and customer service. I am now really not sure what brand to buy (60-100) range as far in dual stage router and especially since router is expected to do many more tasks than 8-10 years ago. "Any advice or suggestions on home use dual band router & hopefully a smart unit or (WRT?) think, would be most welcome. Seems my rock solid Linksys is sadly not the same anymore.
Wes

Accepted Answer

I am a network engineer, bought this specifically because it was the only Gig router that actually had fast internal throughput and was not really expensive. If you look closely at the specs, all other low cost Gig routers are just the old model with Gig Ethernet ports added. Internally designed to run at 100 Meg, not Gig speed.
I have used many brands, I tend to shop on features and price, not brand, but have always been happy with Linksys. I bought 2 of these and they are running small offices and doing just fine. I didn't have any problem getting them setup, but then I do this quite often. Hope that helps.

Question 4

I want to connect this router to a Verizon modem and then to a desktop PC. Will this configuration work for a high level of security?

Accepted Answer

I'm not qualified to have an opinion about a "high level of security," but I would hazard a guess that if you are just looking for a "black box" which will handle security for you, it will not.  My reasoning is that whatever you install, you will need a fair knowledge of network security technology to configure the settings.  My apologies for assuming that you do not, based on the way you worded your question.  There are more sophisticated security devices which allow you to subscribe to a management service if your wallet is fat.  One example is from Watchguard.  You can find it here at Newegg.  I hope this helps.

Question 5

what is the max speed i can get from my WAN thru the router?

Accepted Answer

The interface will connect a 1Gig, the router throughput is rated at 900Mbps if I remember correctly.
When connected to a Gig Internet connection, you will get typical 700 - 900 Mbps results on speed tests. That is about as good as you'll get with any router.
In my research, this was the only small business class router that had internal throughput that really matched the Gig interfaces. Most of the others are just the old 100M routers with Gig interfaces added to them, internal throughput did not change. Read the specs carefully if you are looking for actual Gig speed.

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