I have a small network built with 16 users on it. Right now the network is unsecure and anyone who plugs their computer into the line can get on my network. What is a good router that will provide me the software I need to secure the line using either a designated IP address or a Mac Address. I don’t care if the information is encrypted so I don’t think I need a VPN. I am looking for a reliable Router that doesn’t need to be reset and can handle multiple controlling mulitple computers. I have a 16 port switch run in to my current router which is a linksys wirless G. I don’t want the system to be wireless that was just the router I had available. If possible I would also like to monitor the amount of bandwidth it user is taking.
With just 16 clients and assuming your broadband connection is not Gigabit, any device from the routerboard range will easily suffice.
For making your unused network ports “dead” you could set up a PPPoE Server.
Consideruing future growth in terms of client amount and backhaul gauge, I’d suggest not to take the smallest one. A 3011 will be more than sufficient for quite a long time.
-Chris