The Cisco 851W router is a relatively low cost multipurpose device ($292 is the lowest price), which can support virtual wireless LANs separated by firewalls. The $500 version of the 871W is similar to the 851W but offers a few additional features, like external antenna connectors.
Our tutorial, “Configuring the Cisco 851W or 871W: Standard IOS,” shows you how to set up a Cisco 851W or 871W router with the standard “advanced security” IOS in an advanced SOHO (small office/home office) configuration that offers:
- Stateful packet inspection firewall
- Two virtual wireless LANs (max 10)
- One virtual LAN bridged to one wireless LAN
- Both wireless LANs configured for WPA-PSK security
- One wireless LAN serving as a guest network with restricted access
- DSL PPPoE client
- DHCP server
