RouteFinder RF802EW router + wireless AP
link
(part 2/2)
Score: 3 out of 3 
Review Type: Hands On
Date: Aug 8, 2001
Focus on Features
VoIP support
Multi-tech recently added h.323 / NetMeeting support to the RouteFinder line. This
makes the RouteFinder especially useful for anyone interested in VoIP applications.
Most routers have a very hard time handling the advanced h.323 protocol. They require
you to place the h.323 computer in a DMZ; in front of your firewall instead of behind
it. This makes that computer vulnerable to attacks on the Internet. The RouteFinder
handles outgoing calls automatically from BEHIND the firewall keeping all your computers
safe. As Internet long distance and video conferencing get more popular, this will
be an indispensable feature. Multiple Dial-Pad and WOWcall connections (other Internet
voice Long-distance companies) are also supported without any special configuration.
note: VoIP now available for the RF500S with a flashrom update
RAS Support
The RouteFinder line of routers are some of the only reasonably priced routers that
support true RAS dial-in services. Just connect a standard modem to your RouteFinder,
set some security features, and then other people can dial INTO your LAN. A variety
of authentication schemes are supported including RADIUS. The serial-port can of
course be used as a back-up dial-out internet connection if your primary connection
goes off-line.
SECURITY
To say the security features built into the RF802EW are robust would be an understatement.
MAC address based grant/deny.
This feature allows you to add the MAC address of your wireless computers
to a ‘grant access’ or ‘deny access’ list. This is a possible alternative to WEP
to keep stray laptops from connecting to your LAN. Note, your data is still transm  itted
unencrypted but unknown computers are blocked from connecting to your access point.
Example: Enable the ‘grant access list’ and add the MAC address’ of your wireless
computers. Now other wireless computers in your neighborhood can not connect to
your router and you are not suffering the speed decrease associated with WEP.
Client Filtering
6 common protocols plus a custom list of TCP/UDP ports may be assigned one of three
values – All clients allowed, Privileged clients allowed, or No clients allowed.
If ‘no clients allowed’ is selected, no computers may access that protocol. If ‘privileged’
is selected, a list of privileged clients can be created and all other computers
are blocked. Example: Some computers could be blocked from using the NEWS protocol
while others computers are allowed.
Protocol and Packet filtering
IP Address / Port combinations may be specified in a ‘pass / block’ configuration
using the RouteFinder’s protocol filter. In addition, hexadecimal based packet filtering
for WAN or LAN originating traffic can also be specified. Honestly, this level of
control is a little beyond me.
Other notable features
Supports multiple WAN IP address for use with Port Forwarding/DMZ
Router use notes:
If you need to set your WAN MAC address, you must TELNET to the RouteFinder. This
feature is not available in the Windows GUI.
Since the administration and monitoring program are windows based, it is HIGHLY
recommended that you have a Windows computer on your LAN. Configuration ‘can’ be
done over the TELNET interface in a pinch.
|
RouteFinder + 802.11b wireless (part2)
Menu:
