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Here is the sentence:

There are ways around requiring Proxy ARP on a NAT device, but that involves using a Static Route on the Router to manually instruct it to send packets which must be translated to the Firewall’s interface. While effective, this solution does not scale.

Here is a similar sentence that won't require understanding the technical jargon:

There are ways to get around requiring toilet paper, but that would involve getting your hands dirty. While effective, this solution does not scale.

The idea is the "other solution" works, is feasible and would technically accomplish the goal. BUT, is not ideal or even suggested as a "good solution" to the problem.

The word "effective" works, but I feel it conveys too much positive sentiment for what I am trying to accomplish.

"Feasible" is also a potential candidate, but leaves to vague about the solution working at all (aka, it's possible, doesn't mean 100% certain to work). The solution in both of the sentences above absolutely work, but are absolutely not the most ideal way of doing things, and therefore not effective solutions to the problem.

Single word preferred, but willing to do multi-word. Would rather avoid a colloquialism.

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  • 1
    Maybe "successful", "efficacious", or "valid"?
    – Hank
    Jan 13, 2017 at 21:00
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    @Hank ooh, I like valid. Let me see what else comes in, but that could work. Thanks Hank!
    – Eddie
    Jan 13, 2017 at 21:04
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    Valid has more to do with logic or law, like a valid point or valid contract. "Sufficient" or "viable" could work
    – the_darkside
    Jan 13, 2017 at 21:05
  • A typical reply to that sort of "solution" is "that is a possibility" . That acknowledges the validity of something put forward but implies you're not quite comfortable that there isn't a better solution that might come up with more consideration.
    – Tom22
    Jan 13, 2017 at 21:11
  • @the_darkside Those are some definitions and usages of the word "valid" but not all.
    – Hank
    Jan 13, 2017 at 21:15

5 Answers 5

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Perhaps you could try sufficient?

adjective

  1. adequate for the purpose; enough: sufficient proof; sufficient protection.

So you are saying the solution will work, but it is not exceptional.

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You could also say, "While this is one means to the desired end, this solution does not scale."

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1

Perhaps valid will work in this instance.

Valid

(adjective) Appropriate to the end in view; producing the desired result.

(M-W)

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0

possibility or "that is a possibility"

cambridge dictionary: possibility

possibility

noun UK ​ /ˌpɒs.əˈbɪl.ə.ti/ US ​ /ˌpɑː.səˈbɪl.ə.t̬i/ ​

B1 [ C or U ] a chance that something may happen or be true:

It's not likely to happen but I wouldn't rule out the possibility. The forecast said that there's a possibility of snow tonight. [ + (that) ] There's a distinct possibility (that) I'll be asked to give a speech. Is there any possibility (that) you could pick me up from the station? Opposite ​

B2 [ C ] something that you can choose to do in a particular situation:

We could take on extra staff - that's one possibility.

"Have you decided what to do?" "No, I'm still considering the various possibilities."

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Perhaps rudimentary solution works here.

ODO:

rudimentary ADJECTIVE

1.1 Relating to an immature, undeveloped, or basic form

‘They occur frequently in the mines, which often lack even rudimentary safety equipment such as ventilators to disperse the gas.’

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