The Linksys LRT214 Business Gigabit VPN Router provides you with numerous properties and features of more expensive router models at a significantly lesser price. This is Linksys’s competitor for a robust, entry-level, business-level Gigabit Ethernet Virtual Private Network Router.
Despite not being considered as a wireless router, the Linksys LRT214 delivers a well-rounded wired feature package that comprises the basics as well as advanced functionalities.With an MSRP, a small footprint, and a concrete design, the LRT214 Business Gigabit VPN Router can be easily mounted in a network room or placed in a desktop or table.
With the Linksys LRT214, you can create a secure, stable, and reliable computer network for small and mid-sized businesses that require only a fairly essential business feature, and wired network set. To add to that, this Linksys VPN router is integrated with four Gigabit Ethernet ports and combines remote-access and site-to-site VPN functionalities in a single router.
In terms of flexibility, the LRT214 enables you to easily and conveniently connect networks and deliver network access to employees in numerous geographic locations. This Linksys wired router provides you with up to 50 IPSec tunnels and five OpenVPN tunnels for Android and iOS users. It also has an integrated firewall feature that allows administrators to regulate inbound and outbound network traffic.
Are you planning to set up a mid-sized business that requires a reliable and secure wired router? Are you working within a strict budget? If you answered yes to both, then Linksys’s LRT214 Business Gigabit VPN Router will be the ideal wired router for you!
If you are interested to know what LRT214 has to offer, then go ahead and read our comprehensive Linksys Review. We’ve listed all there is to know about the LRT214 Business Gigabit VPN Router – its pros and cons, key features, specifications, and of course, an easy to follow installation guide.
Why Choose The Linksys LRT214 Business Gigabit VPN Router?
In terms of design and installation, the Linksys LRT214 Business Gigabit VPN Router highlights a sturdy and compact wired router. On its top part, there are LEDs for power; connectivity indicators for all LAN ports, and two significant indicators for the DMZ and WAN ports. Meanwhile, the corresponding ports for all of these specified indicators are located at the back part of the router.
One noteworthy functionality of the LRT214 is that it has a dedicated DMZ connection which is considered a bonus for any business-class wired router. LRT214’s packaged disc includes the essential documentation, and the Quick Start Guide does an excellent role of representing the installation process in few comprehensible steps, and the wired router has an easy and straightforward setup router that progresses things. As a whole, it already provides a good impression. After turning on the router, it is immediately usable with the assumption that the DHCP is available on the WAN.
From a network configuration perspective, the Linksys LRT214 Business Gigabit VPN Router offers numerous possibilities. WAN connection types are built with all the standard options such as the Static IP, PPTP, PPPoE, L2TP, and DHCP. Another unique addition to the list is the Transparent Bridge mode. While it’s not often used, it is ideal to have it during specific moments when it is required.
This Linksys wired router’s user interface is a significant improvement over the consumer-level Linksys router scheme. The Administration section opens to a System Status tab with a reputable configuration and features overview. Numerous essential information from active VPN tunnels to port statuses is immediately accessible and visible.
The rest of the management UI includes Support, Maintenance, and Configuration tabs. The Support tab only contains links to the official website of Linksys for support. Most of the setup will be handled in the Configuration tab, while the Maintenance tab is only used for a minimal set of troubleshooting activities. While the absence of offline support is a drawback, the Linksys support website is still jam-packed with relevant information.
The Linksys LRT214 provides support for IPv4 and a combined stack configuration with IPv6 and IPv4. Also, a local DNS database is available for networks that don’t have the Active Directory or a primary DNS server installed.
LRT214’s Firewall Configuration section highlights a powerful Access Rule Editor that is as capable as what you’d find on a midrange-to-enterprise-level wired router. Both inbound and outbound access rules can be easily configured. The majority of users will discover plenty of flexible policies to set up a tight network control.
In terms of the VPN feature, the LRT214 performs an excellent job of covering the basics most small-to-medium-range businesses will require. OpenVPN, PPTP, and IKE configurations are available, and the system supports a maximum of 45 standard VPN tunnels. There is nothing complicated with the installation screen since everything is accessible and well-labeled from a single section. While some expertise of VPN basics is essential, it’s easy and straightforward enough for anyone who has previous experience with setting up wired routers.
Pros
Easy To Use Firewall
Easy-To-Manage VPN Tunnels
Flexible VPN Solutions For PPTP, SSL, And IPSec
Great IPSec Throughput
Integrated With OpenVPN For SSL
Mature Firewall And Network Management
Simple Load Balancing
Sleek And Easy-To-Navigate UI
Cons
DMZ Port Must Be Deactivated To Use WAN2
Lack Of Offline Support
Logs Are Not Searchable
Low SSL VPN Client To Gateway Throughput
Software And Manual Glitches
Key Features
Intuitive Web Interface For Easy Operation
A web-based user interface makes it easier and convenient for the LRT214 to be installed and used. Also, it enables small-business owners to set up and manage the router by themselves without requiring to have professional IT members or tech support on-site.
VLAN Tagging To Route Network Traffi
The LRT214 Business Gigabit VPN Router features an 802.1q VLAN tagging functionality which enables data traffic to traverse between VLANs with inter-VLAN routing. With this feature, it offers administrators increased flexibility and is ideal for organizations and companies in which staff are located on different floors of a building or in numerous buildings altogether.
Integrated Firewall For Enhanced Securit
To keep your network safe and secure, the LRT214 has a built-in firewall and provides you with access rules and URL Filtering which enable administrators to manage the incoming and outgoing traffic within the network. These policies can be based on destination or source IP addresses or specific services using UDP or TCP internet protocols.
OpenVPN Support For Remote Acces
For optimum security and flexibility, the LRT214 Business Gigabit VPN Router has OpenVPN Access Server Support and enables employees that have OpenVPN clients on tablets, smartphones, and PCs to connect to the company network utilizing two-factor authentication. OpenVPN is ideal for Android and iOS-based smartphones and tablets making network access convenient, safe, and fast.
IPv6 Transition Support For Future Compatibility
Linksys LRT214 Gigabit VPN Router supports transition technologies such as IPv6 and IPv4 to ensure compatibility in the future even as internet service providers (ISPs) upgrade their systems.
Other Features
900Mbps NAT Throughput
DES, 3DES, AES Encryption
DMZ Host And DMZ Port Functionality
DoS And ICMP Protection
MD5, SHA1 Authentication
QoS-Rate Control And Priority-Based Bandwidth Controls
RIPv1/v2
SNMP
Static URL And Keyword Blocking
Specifications
| Ports | 1 x 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 (DMZ); 1 x 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 (WAN); 4 x 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 | ||
| Supported Protocols | MAC Filtering; IPv6 | ||
| VLAN Groups | 5 | ||
| Throughput | 110Mbps VPN; 900Mbps NAT | ||
| Concurrent Sessions | 30,000 | ||
| Dual WAN Support | None | ||
| Supported VPN Tunnels | 50 IPSec | ||
| DC Input Power | 12 VDC at 1A | ||
| Indicator Lights | Activity; Diagnostic; System; VPN; WAN | ||
| Dimensions | 7.5” x 5.1” x 1.6” | 191mm x 130mm x 40mm | ||
| Weight | 1.59lb | 0.72kg | ||
| Routing Protocol | RIP-1; RIP-2; Static IP Routing | ||
| Data Link Protocol | Ethernet; Fast Ethernet; Gigabit Ethernet | ||
| Network/Transport Protocol | DDNS; DHCP; IPSec; L2TP; PPPoE; PPTP | ||
| Compliant Standards | IEEE 802.11e; IEEE 802.1d; IEEE 802.1q; IEEE 802.1p; IEEE 802.3; IEEE 802.3ab; IEEE 802.3az; IEEE 802.3u; UPnP | ||
| Interface | Ethernet 10Base-T; 100Base-TX; 1000Base-T | ||
| Connector Type | RJ-45 |
How To Use
Think the robust security, VPN, firewall, and management features of the Linksys LRT214 Business Gigabit VPN Router is ideal for your small-to-midrange business ventures? LRT214 is one of the easiest to mount wired routers available on the market since it is properly labeled with a sleek and straightforward aesthetic.
Learn more about Linksys LRT214 Business Gigabit VPN Router‘s features and current price here.
If you’ve already purchased this Linksys router, you may perform these straightforward and simple steps to install and configure your router:
Hardware:
- Use the DMZ port to connect to a DMZ host such as a mail server or a web server. Incoming network traffic can gain access to the DMZ host without compromising your intranet.
- Use the LAN port (labeled as 1 to 4 at the back of the router) to connect devices such as printer servers, computers, laptops, switching hubs, and other network equipment to the intranet or local network.
Router Configuration:
- Ensure that your computer is connected to a LAN port on the LRT214 and set to receive an automatic IP address from the DHCP server.
- Launch a web browser and input 192.168.1.1 in the address field
- On the login page, input the default Username and Password which is “admin”
- Click Log In
- Click the Quick Start tab to open the Basic Setup Wizard
- Select Launch Now to run the Basic Setup Wizard
- You can modify your Password, Time, LAN Setting, WAN Setting, and Host and Domain configurations here.
- Click Finish once you’re done applying your custom settings to exit the Basic Setup Wizard.
About Linksys
Linksys is a U.S. company that specializes in manufacturing and selling computer networking products for residential and business use. In 2003, the company was bought by Cisco, and in 2013, it was sold to Belkin. Belkin has kept the Linksys brand and released new products under its name since acquiring it.
Today, Belkin International has three brands- Belkin, Linksys, and Wemo. All three brands work hand in hand to enhance the technology that connects people to the people, activities, and experiences they love. The company has modernized the lifestyle of people and made it more convenient and more productive through its diverse range of products such as VoIP equipment, audiovisual products, network storage systems, wired and wireless routers, and other computer network-related devices.
In terms of branding, all of Belkin products are known for their simplicity and convenience. But the Linksys brand, in particular, is known for making wireless connectivity mainstream around the globe.
On the other hand, WeMo, Belkin’s newest brand, is a leading brand that provides customizable smart home experiences. WeMo’s diverse range of products and services inspire people to manage, measure, and maintain their electronic devices, lighting equipment, and appliances at home, in the office, or even on-the-go.
Final Thoughts
To wrap things up, the Linksys LRT214 Business Gigabit VPN Router, despite its log file limitations, is an excellent choice as a general-purpose SMB wired router. It must be noted that it provides several properties of more expensive wired routers at a notably reduced price.
On the other hand, while it has few minor constraints, the LRT214 more than makes up in terms of supported standards and functionality. With a few minor enhancements to the firmware and support documentation, the Linksys LRT214 is a pretty robust and reliable VPN router made under the Belkin brand.
Do you have any experience with Linksys’s LRT214 Business Gigabit VPN Router? What are some of the firmware functions that need improvement?
Also, if you are still searching for the best wired routers available in the market, our team has listed some of the most known brands on our website. Along with comprehensive reviews and competitive pricing, our team guarantees that you will definitely find something suitable for you and your home and/or business needs.
