EggXpert

I have a Linksys WRT54G (running Linksys firmware).  I like it.  It is very good as a general firewall (it will allow/disallow whole types of traffic)..but I would like a firewall that enables me to:

Filter specific IP address ranges

Save or import/export those rules in an easily editable format

Keep traffic log (at least a minimal amount so I can tell what's going on)...again exportable or editable easily

The Linksys lets you enter a URL to block..but haven't found that to work very well...probably just me.  I've looked at newer Linksys models...and their firewall capabilities appear to be the same.

I'd like the external router to do the work ...rather than a software based firewall on my PC.

Any suggestions...or did I inhale  ?

Hay Papahomer well the WRT45G is known for several reasons it also has books written about it. I don't know if you have a Boarders Books store near you at all but I would suggest looking into that book, it even covers hardware hacks as well, From installing a SD card in to running it off automotive power. Tons of 3rd party firmware for it from DD-WRT, to OpenWRT. Newegg does not carry the PIX firewall by Cisco, so here are some.

Bro T

"You da MAN!".    Was not aware of the book and OpenWRT...."Nobody hipped me to that dude".

I've known about DD-WRT...but been a little gun shy.  They got all those "Witches Castle.  I'd turn back if I were you."  type warnings.

Plus I didn't know if it offered the kinds of things I'm looking for.  Never really had a great deal of problems with wireless..so don't care a bunch about that.

Any input on OpenWRT vs DD-WRT?

Put this on my list.  

Thanks Mr.Homer,

There are several 3rd party firmware's for the WRT54G/GS/GL ect...

As for OpenWRT I would not suggest that one unless you know how to configure router firmware, this one has more to offer but you "basically" have to program it yourself. Not a good idea being that your gun shy a bit.

Now for DD-WRT that one is a bit more simple to install and operate. Also you want a firewall, well sort of. Also here are some screen shots of what it looks like as well. http://www.linklogger.com/dd-wrt_setup.htm 

 

http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Index:FAQ 

Why do I only get blank pages when I try to change a setting in the web interface and hit apply?

• If you have just updated the firmware, you probably need to reset the router! See Hard reset or 30/30/30 and Reset And Reboot.
• Sometimes the address bar shows http://routerip/apply.cgi, and no content displays. Simply wait a few seconds for the router to make the change take, and go back to the page you were on with by using browser history. Some changes also requiring waiting for several seconds while the router implements them.
• Clear out your web browser's cache and/or try another browser.
• This is really odd, but try turning off your firewall temporarily while you're updating the pages. A friend of mine and I were experiencing this and we disabled Symantec Firewall temporarily and it allowed us to complete the configuration. I've also seen document on the web where others have had this problem with ZoneAlarm. I'm not sure of the mechanism where the firewall is interfering with the web page content, but somehow it is.
• This could also be a result of incompatibilities with Firefox. Try switching to using alternative browser (i. e. Internet Explorer or Konqueror) for the WebUI Management.
• If you're on a Mac, try getting Chromium (i.e. Google Chrome for Mac). Safari and FireFox may not work at times, however Chromium worked for all my needs (including reliable firmware upgrade via web interface).

 

But it does not matter which one you get in a way they are all based off Linux.

Actually, looking at some of the DD WRT configuration pages makes me think that is closer to what I am looking for.

At least it seems like a good first step before I go buy a Cisco 7200 series.

Thanks.... the links helped.

I have been thinking about trying DD-WRT as well.  A couple of my co-workers have been using it for a while.  I had been a bit leery of using it due to trying to avoid substantial downtime for the network if I messed up something but I now have a spare router that will work with the DD-WRT firmware that I am going to try to use.

Tekran:

I have been thinking about trying DD-WRT as well.  A couple of my co-workers have been using it for a while.  I had been a bit leery of using it due to trying to avoid substantial downtime for the network if I messed up something but I now have a spare router that will work with the DD-WRT firmware that I am going to try to use.

Well if you mess up then you brick the router. But if you have flashed Linksys default firmware its the same way. Just follow the instructions.

PapaHomer:

Actually, looking at some of the DD WRT configuration pages makes me think that is closer to what I am looking for.

At least it seems like a good first step before I go buy a Cisco 7200 series.

Thanks.... the links helped.

DD-WRT is more user friendly then most.

Why the hell do you need a VXR? that thing is meant for places like Microsoft, or Dell cooperate. A 7200VXR is massive. Just to cool it, it has 3 X 80mm fans. Did someone tell you needed a enterprise router?

 No problem on the links, check out the book its a great read and well help you out.

Yeah, I have flashed the Linksys firmware in the past and I know the process.  I just didn't want to chance bricking the only router I had at that time as my wife and I both need to be able to get online at the same time.  Now that I have a spare, I plan to try it out.

Sorry T

I should have inserted a   or a

I thought a 7200 would be obvious....but I guess you never know.   I do appreciate your concern.

I also have updated the firmware on my Linksys.  I'll probably try DD-WRT when I get some time.  Right now...it's kind of crazy.   

Tekran: Well its the same process to put in DD-WRT. But I do understand about not wanting to brick the router at all. All I can suggest is use a older cheaper router that will take DDWRT. Its an easy flash to do, but make sure you follow the install instructions to a T. Here is a link for Install but always make sure to check here and make sure the router is supported.

 

Pappahomer. Ahh ok got ya, I was going to say how would you be able to afford that at all as well. The 7200VXR cost some major bucks for sure, used I seen one for $905 but that is with most of the hardware taken out. A brand new one is a bit over $17,000. As for DDWRT take your time as well with it, there are so many more options for the end-user, it acts just like a high end cooperate/enterprise router, with VPN to firewall.