Best hardware firewall (NAT/SPI) for the money?

Hi ya'll,

I have tried Googling for some reviews and trials for hardware firewalls that are sporting SPI, but have come up empty, most search results ending up talking more about software than hardware. I understand not all SPI rules are defined the same way, no standardization and I wouldn't know how to configure them if I was allowed to anyway.

I have read the related threads (and followed enclosed links) that popped up when I went to post this question and did a site search for like info.

As implied in my header, I don't see much of a reason to get a firewall only device and I would be happy getting a NAT router with SPI, since there is another computer I would like to bring on-line without having to run it through my current machine. (The second one will be a Linux box.)

Anyone know of some places I should check for this info?
Have an opinion you'd care to share with me?

I don't want to spend more than a hundred bucks (US) and at most would only have three machines connected (two XP Home, one Linux.) I will not be hosting or anything like that, just basic security concerns after getting persistent hits from a few IP ranges, including a DDoS. (* If you want to see the thread on those ranges: http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=138859)

Thanks for your time!

Uh, basic stats...
XP Home (as mentioned)
2gigz processor
1gig RAM
Realtek RTL8139 Family PCI Fast Ethernet NIC
Cable Modem: Touchstone
Comodo software firewall

 

Entry Level Cable/DSL Routers provide NAT Hardware Firewall.

As far as the Firewall aspect goes, there is no real difference between them.

You can get a good Wireless Cable/DSL Router for $30 - $50.

I like this one, http://www.ezlan.net/buffalo.html

Even if you have a NAT Firewall, you still need software protection.

Why? http://www.ezlan.net/firewall.html

http://www.ezlan.net/security.html


If you want a professional Hardware Firewall, you should look into the Sonicwall line and choose the model that fits your needs.

http://www.sonicwall.com/us/UTM_Firewall_VPN.html

.

 

cat5e,

lol Yes, well aware of the need for double layer protection, since router/firewall stops only inbound, and not out bound traffic, and often won't notice certain types of inbound either... thank you for making sure though.

Thank you for the links, I had already read one of them (that was posted on someone else's thread) but the others are informative.

It did not entirely answer my question though, which is the best for the money... or where I can find some comparisons... since the one link looked to only be comparing three, that is hardly comprehensive.

Thanks for you time and effort!

 

Comparison if you can find one would compare the features.

There are few here, http://www.practicallynetworked.com/list.asp?p=1

Pay attention to the info. most of the entries relates to old Devices.

In truth there is No point to test the security of thses devices, coz the differences concerning security are not really there.

As for features and price the buffalo link above represents my take on it.

 

Thanks again, cat5e!