In article <3vq2s39cfucomc2uhca4pq7t0vib0gh459@4ax.com>,
Steve <steev_l@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:[color=blue]
>How necessary is SPI in reality, for a home router?[/color]

Not at all.
[color=blue]
>I've managed using a router without it until now - is it just a way of
>selling me something that I don't need?[/color]

Probably.
[color=blue]
>Hence what's the threat/risk, if any, to:
>
> - my router h/w?[/color]

Do you really think that someone could do something from the outside to cause
physical damage?
[color=blue]
> - my BB service[/color]

SPI or not, if someone decides they don't like you, they can cause huge
quantities of data to flow your way and no amount of filtering or
firewalling at your end of the bit of string will make any difference.
You can stop it going through the router (NAT alone ought to do that),
but not stop it getting to the router, and by the time it's reached your
router, it's too late to do anything about it other than throw it away -
it's already clocked up "wire time".
[color=blue]
>I'm a VoIP user and there's a trade-off in choice of ATA/router if SPI
>is something I should consider.[/color]

You want (a) a good ISP - none of your 9.99 a month rubbish, and (b) a
router/firewall that can do outbound QoS.

Gordon