Cheap Residential Router

Promises to let ISPs help users set up home networks. Easy-to-use setup software and cross-platform compatibility are key features. And it's just $199.

by Alex Goldman Associate Editor, ISP-Planet [August 9, 2000]

The MacSense XRouter Pro has four 10/100 ports. It supports PPPoE, URL blocking ("net nanny"), basic NAT firewall, PPTP Pass Through, and DHCP.

The company provides toll-free technical support in the Macintosh, Windows, Linux, and UNIX environments.

The multiplatform software is made possible by web-based management: if your OS can run a browser, you can configure the X-Router Pro.

The XRouter Pro includes a virtual server mapping feature that enables users to access web and FTP servers.

Pricing and Availability
The XRouter Pro is available for $199 through major distributors, catalogs, and online sites, including Ingram Micro, Merisel, MacMall, MacZone, CDW, J & R, MicroCenter, Buy.com, and Amazon.com.

Revenue Sharing and Own Branding
The company told us that it was willing to work with ISPs on revenue sharing and own-branding, but provided no details.

Related Articles
While the XRouter Pro is suitable for residential installations, note that a full-featured, secure solution is more appropriate for businesses. One such is the Rebel.com Netwinder Office Service, reviewed here, which costs about $1000.

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