Cisco-Linksys BEFSR81 Cable/dsl Router with 8-PT Switch

The router features advanced functions such as dynamic and static port routing, DMZ hosting, filtering, forwarding, and quality-of-service capabilities. All of these functions can be easily configured through any networked computer's Web browser.

The Linksys BEFSR81 router comes with a one-year limited warranty.

I used to own the 4-port of the same box and decided to buy the 8-port version when my brother took my 4 port box. This box contains 8 auto-sensing 10/100 ports. Installation is a snap and no software is needed. This box has such advanced functions as dynamic and static port routing, DMZ hosting, filtering and forwarding, and Quality of Service capabilities. And all of these functions can be easily configured through a web browser. It also supports VPN via. IPSec, PPoE and PPTP.

In a nutshell, the Etherfast Cable/DSL router is very simple to operate yet powerful and easy to manage using the web based admin app. A must buy if you need to share your Internet connection. I have about 4 Linksys products near or on my computers now - Great job Linksys.


Worked First Time, Couldn't be happier   March 17, 2001
10 out of 10 found this review helpful

I ordered it on March 12th, arrived March 16th. I had researched and decided that I wanted this particular router because I wanted 8 100mb fast ethernet ports. I opened the box, followed the instructions and within one hour I had it up and working on 8 pc's and VPN (Virtual Private Network using IPsec to connect into my work network) working on one of them. I had a speed improvement of about 100% from using my main pc as a NAT router using Win98Se Internet Connection Sharing, which is why I went to a dedicated router. All 8 PC's are sharing the net with no problems. I admit I am very experienced at this, but it was still very easy.


Can you say "It Rocks"   February 18, 2001
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

A router plus a 8 port 10/100 switch all in one. This is one sweet product. I connect my cable modem to this router and bang instant internet sharing. The bonus is I can now transfer files at 100mbs instead of 10. It also allowed me to replaced my 1 port router and 8 port hub with a single device. I connected it to the Linksys 10/100 switch and my house has become a high speed network. I am a wireless access port away from geek heaven.


this box is _great_   March 13, 2001
M Stevens (SF, CA USA)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

I just got this thing. It took me about 20 minutes to get a Mac OS box and a Solaris box to share my PacBell ADSL line using it. I don't say this about much, but it's a bargain at twice the price. The only negative I can think of is that the manual focuses pretty exclusively on hooking up Windows boxes using dhcp... one assumes the UNIX crowd will know enough to make it work, but Mac users without some TCP/IP background might have a bit of a rough time left with only the provided documentation. The MAC address cloning feature is a thoughfull addition. I haven't had time to work with the "advanced" options yet, but this thing is definitely full-feature.


Switch to the Best!   June 9, 2003
Jim Smith (oceanside, ca)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

Been using Linksys routers for several years. I am network engineer, and while these are by no means Cisco routers, they are very affordable and perfrom great for home or small business networks.

**Be careful of the new security/filtering feature for AOL. This option is worded strangely and the wrong choice will block Internet access. Suggestion--don't waste your time with AOL, get a real ISP.