By James Gaskin, Network World Global Test Alliance Network World, 06/10/02/02
3.5 Rating
Efficient
5930
Business Gateway
3.5 Rating
NetGear
FR314*
Company:
Efficient Networks, (877) 937-5273, www.efficient.comCost: $700 Pros: Complete installation package, forces
password change, offers security “scripts” during setup, modem backup.
Cons: Must make DSL connection before setting local networking.
Company:
NetGear,(888) 638-4327, www.netgear.comCost: S$200 Pros: Complete installation package, forces
password change, automatic hacker protection. Cons: Administration
screen sometimes needs a reboot during changes.
3.1 Rating
2Wire
HomePortal 1000
3.0 Rating
ZyWall
10*
Company:
2Wire www.2wire.com,
(877) 349-3304 Cost: $200 Pros: Stylish, space saving
design, complete installation package, gameplaying profiles preconfigured.
Cons: No forced security password or activation, little depth
to firewall settings.
Company:
ZyXel Communications, www.zywall.com,
(800)255-4101 Cost: $550 Pros:Complete installation
package, automatically guards against some attacks, forced password
change. Cons: A few extra clicks for firewall setup.
Company:
Lucent, (866) 582-3688, www.lucent.comCost: $750 Pros: Firewall setup via point and click,
store up to three configurations on router.
Efficient
5930
Business Gateway
NetGear
FR314*
2Wire
Home
Portal 1000
ZyWall
10*
Cisco
827
Lucent
CellPipe 50
Security
Control 40%
3.5
3.5
2.5
3
2
3
Management
Flexibility 30%
3
3
3
3
3
1
Ease
of use & Installation 20%
3
3
3
3
3
2
Documentation
10%
3
3
3
3
2
2
TOTAL
SCORE
3.5
3.5
3.1
3
2.8
2.1
Individual
category scores are based on a scale of 1 to 5. Percentages
are the weight given each category in determining the total score.
Scoring Key:5: Exceptional showing in this category.
Defines the standard of excellence; 4: Very good showing. Although
there may be room for improvement, this product was much better than
the average; 3: Average showing in this category. Product was
neither especially good nor exceptionally bad; 2: Below average.
Lacked some features or lower performance than other products or than
expected; 1: Consistently subpar, or lacking features being
reviewed. *Denotes router-only products.
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