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PRO800turbo Dual-WAN Router
from Nexland
Score: 3 out of 3 
Date: June 06, 2001
(Continued)
800turbo as a cable/dsl broadband Router
This router comes equipped with all the standard features you would expect out of
a modern broadband router like NAT routing, NAT firewall, DHCP, virtual servers
(port forwarding), DMZ (exposed host), and special application support. The 800turbo
also includes support for some advanced features that are not normally included.
The Serial Port
The single serial port on this router can act as your primary or backup Internet
connection. It allows you to connect a regular analog POTS modem (56k etc) or an
ISDN modem. If your WAN connections fail, the serial port can be set to automatically
connect you back up to the Internet.
Multi-session PPPoE / advanced PPPoE
A few DSL providers support a special ‘media centric’ multi-session DSL connection.
These multi-session DSL connections can be utilized by the 800turbo and bound to
individual workstations. Additionally, the 800turbo can query and support other
advanced services that some of the cutting edge DSL providers are providing.
MAC address based security
Sometimes Moms and Dad’s need to lock junior out of their instant messenger or even
the web for a while. Most routers have IP address based security to help parents
do this, but almost anyone can change their IP address to get around this kind of
security. The 800pro works a little differently.
Every Ethernet card has a hidden address called a MAC address. This is not something
that is obvious to change. This router lets you assign MAC address to certain security
groups. This groups can then be given access too or locked out of many TCP/IP ports
or protocols.
VPN Capability
Nexland products support VPN connections exceptionally well. They allow an unlimited
number ICSEC, L2TP or PPTP VPN tunnels to pass through the firewall where most routers
support only 4 or 8. Note: The router does not act as a VPN end-point, it simply
allows VPN traffic to originate from within your network without additional configuation.
Special Applications / Virtual Servers
The 800Pro supports being able to configure special applications to work through
the router – like some multi-player game software. Both UDP and TCP port ‘ranges’
may be defined. Conact the NexLan technical support for exact configuration details
for your application. Virtual servers may also be deigned with port ranges instead
of just individual ports. And of course a single DMZ / Exposed host is supported
too.
Expert Level Features
Nexland included a special page for advanced, expert level features. These features
include
Setting the MTU size of the router. This one of the only routers I have
seen that allow you to optimize this setting for your particular type of broadband
connection. The two wan ports may be configured independently.
Idle Renew DHCP: This can stabilize some finicky broadband connections
that like to disconnect you after a certain amount if inactivity.
Remote Administration: This allows Internet computers to administer the
PRO800turbo. Administration may be restricted to a specific IP range to keep unwanted
people from tying to admin your router.
Other notable features
Dynamic DNS: Instead of locking you into a single Dynamic DNS provider,
Nexland provides the ability to configure this feature so you have a choice of providers.
Routing: If your lan has more than one router and they to not support RIP2
(dynamic routing) then routing tables may be added to the 800turbo.
Configuration Backup: Back your whole router configuration up on your PC!
What about Macs and Linux?
Macs and Linux boxes will operate perfectly with the router. Additionaly, any
OS including Mac and Linux can update the flashrom using a standard TFTP program.
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Nexland PRO800Turbo(...continued)
Menu:
(Admin
screen Shots)
