In the September 2014 issue, I mentioned my new router, and I got a lot of e-mail messages asking about how well it works. I can say without hesitation it's the nicest router I've ever owned. And, it was less than $100!

The EdgeRouter Lite is a business-class router based on the open-source Vyatta system. It has been forked, and as it matures, it will become less and less like the original Vyatta code, but for the present, it works much the same. I purchased the EdgeRouter because my old ATOM-based ClearOS router/firewall couldn't keep up with the traffic from my home network. My favorite features include:

• Three GigE ports, each routable separately.

• A claimed one million packets per second throughput.

• Wire-speed routing.

• Advanced configuration possible.

• Price!

I'll admit, setting up the EdgeRouter Lite was a pain in the rear end. The basics can be done via the Web interface, but if you want any QOS for your connection, it will be a learning experience trying to figure out the Vyatta command and code (and concepts!) for doing so. It took me three or four hours to get the setup that I'm happy with, and since then, I haven't touched it—at all. It works so fast, I never notice it, and it's been rock-solid since day one. If you're looking for an advanced router, but don't want to break the bank, the EdgeRouter Lite might be exactly what you're need. Be warned, however, its setup is not for the faint of heart.