Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)This product was my first attempt at any type of home networking and I had never used a wireless router before. I was very interested in the wireless capability since I mostly use a notebook computer through a DSL connection. Before when I used the computer I was forced to do so in a specific corner of the room so that I was close enough to the phone line that the DSL modem was connected to. Besides the phone cable, there was the ethernet cable running from the modem to the computer, the modem power cable with huge wall wart, a printer cable and printer power cord. It was a mess. The SMC allowed me to move this whole mess into a desk unit, hidden away from sight. In all it took me about an 1/2 hour to install the SMC, connect it to my DSL modem (I did so first through the wired connection to my computer), install the print server and then the SMC wireless card. Without any prior experience the installation went smoothly and without any problem at all. The print server works like a dream and all the documentation, while not extensive, was enough to lead me through all the needed steps. I also connected one of the wired ports to my wife's MAC (I'm PC) and had her using the same DSL connection in about 5 more minutes. I haven't tried to print with the MAC through the server yet, but the documentation says it is possible, but not a supported feature. For me it would just be a bonus to be able to use the same printer for MAC and PC, but the router itself is worth it's weight in gold. I even found that my DSL connection seemed faster when routed through the SMC. The wireless performance is nothing short of amazing and although I do have spots in the house where the performance fails, it works everywhere I need it to. I found just by adjusting the position of the unit and the antenna you can make a connection even in the difficult spots. For the price I couldn't find a better rated unit with this many features and I am please to have purchased it. It's one of those things you say to yourself, "why didn't I do this sooner."
Click Here to see more reviews about:
SMC7004AWBR Barricade Cable/DSL router w/ 3-port 10/100Mbps, Print Server, and 802.11b 11Mbps Access PointThe Barricade wireless broadband router provides home and small-business users with an ideal networking solution offering the ultimate in mobility and flexibility. This multifunctional router is combined with a three-port 10/100 Mbps dual-speed switch, 11 Mbps wireless access point, integrated firewall security, and a built-in print server.
The Barricade has a WAN port as well as Network Address Translation (NAT), which extends simultaneous Internet access for up to 253 PCs on the LAN.
The wireless access point provides data rates of 11, 5.5, 2, and 1 Mbps, with 64-bit or 128-bit encryption for wireless LAN security. The Barricade has an operating range of up to 1,000 feet, and allows the connection of multiple users to the Internet using a single purchased IP address. LAN and IP addresses are auto-assigned and easily managed, and the IP routing supports a range of popular applications.
The Barricade wireless broadband router is a comprehensive networking solution for PC or Mac users, and is backed by SMC's limited lifetime warranty and 24/7 technical support.
Click here for more information about SMC7004AWBR Barricade Cable/DSL router w/ 3-port 10/100Mbps, Print Server, and 802.11b 11Mbps Access Point
