Reviews for TRENDnet 4-Port Cable/DSL Firewall Router

4 x LAN, 1 x WAN, 1 x USB - MPN: TW100BRF114U

  • 5
  By member: yessongs - Jun 11, 2006

A Great Product

Strengths: Even apart from print server capacity, this one does much more than I ever expected for such a compact device. Works wonderfully with Road Runner cable modem while will do PPPoE for DSL users.

Weakness: Have not yet encountered any difficulties.

This unit replaced my old worn Linksys BEFSR41.
If you are a novice, its fully-integrated "Setup Wizard" accessible via 192.168.0.1 will complete the job for you (no setup CD required!).
Yet even a Network+ Certified professional does not get bored with it as it offers such advanced configuration capacities. For instance, its "PC Database" function lets you register each workstation and server on your LAN not only by IP but by unique PC name. This should be quite handy if you adminster multiple terminals in LAN with or without DHCP on. Also comes with logging function that will email you in the event of external attack. Furthermore, it is equipped with DynamicDNS registration capability and more.
Linksys users may find it a bit confusing at first because certain config steps ARE different. For example, if you use static LAN IP's, Port Forwarding is now configured in two steps in PC Database and Virtual Servers. But it is logical and as soon as you understand its structure, configuration becomes easy.
Although cannot tell by just looking at pics, it comes in not a plastic box but in a sturdy metal case. Very very compact in size for a "4-porter" and probably fits in your jacket's pocket. Even has wall-mounting holes.

Last but not least, always check the manufacturer's web site support contents before buying its product. In my opinion, TRENDnet's support pages are furnished with full of detailed info that will assist anyone in custom configuring and trouble-shooting.

80% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful?

Top
  • 3
  By anonymous - Jul 21, 2008

Works well but a few reservations

Strengths: Speedy communications. Sturdy metal case, connects right out of the box, easy to reconfigure, robust features.

Weakness: Router seems to run hot. Transformer power supply is also hot. Router password can only be 6 or 8 characters.

I purchased this to replace my old Linksys BEFSR41. I had been experiencing some "duplicate IP address" errors with the Linksys router. The old router would not allow me to recover, repair or renew the DHCP connection. I would ultimately be forced to reboot the Linksys by shutting it down and restarting. These issues disappeared when the TRENDnet was introduced as a replacement for Linksys. This is a nice unit with robust features. For ordinary home use, you may not need to do any reconfiguration. If you want to configure or make other internal network changes the menus are easy to follow and are user friendly.

I encountered two issues with this router. First the unit seems to run a little hot. The external transformer and the router heat up more than anything else in my home network. I have had several different routers in my home network. This one is the hottest unit to date. Be sure to allow space for airflow to the router. The second issue is possibly less problematic. I had difficulty assigning a password to the router configuration. After trial and error, I learned that the router would only accept a password of 6 to 8 characters. The documentation did not discuss this anywhere. TRENDnet technical support confirmed the max password size to me. The password size is more of a unique issue to me since everything I use will have longer and stronger passwords. For most users this password limitation will probably not be an issue. I have no other complaints. This is a nice little unit.

Did you find it helpful or unhelpful?

Top