Linksys Firewall/router

[Apollo]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Fowler, Chris [mailto:CFowler at utilicorp.com]
> Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2001 1:05 PM
> To: 'Apollo'; 'KCLUG List'
> Subject: RE: Linksys Firewall/router
> 
> 
> I've been using this piece:
> http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?prid=20&grid=5
> for a couple of years with EXCELLENT results.
> The web interface is very easy to use and gives you the 
> flexiblilty to route
> specific ports to specific boxes on the internal side as well as the
> ablility to leave one box completely exposed. YOU choose what should be
> open. Excellent performance and amazing uptime. It is by far the 
> best value
> in the "internet appliance" world. Have your "techie" friend read 
> the specs
> on it. What kind of router does HE have?
> 
> Chris Fowler

  This expert gave 2 reasons for his blanket statement about 
Linksys firewalls.  He said that Linksys firewalls don't do 
Stateful Packet Inspection and they don't block ports.  Well it 
does block ports so that can be passed off as ignorance but from 
what I've read they don't do stateful packet inspection.  I've 
looked for information on stateful packet inspection and found 
that each packet is checked against a set of rules before being 
sent or received (sounds like a normal firewall).  Please correct 
me if I'm wrong but there isn't much of an increase in security 
by having stateful packet inspection.  If anyone can explain some 
of the advantages in having this I would appreciate it.

Thanks,
   David