Belkin F5D9230-4 Wireless-G Plus MIMO Router Review

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(More customer reviews)The original version of this router was version 1000, based on the same platform as Belkin's F5D8230-4 Pre-N and the Linksys WRT54GX routers using Airgo's v1 technology and a Broadcom engine. It got an excellent review from Tom's Networking guide.
Then Belkin put a whole new circuit bard inside the same case and called it Version 2000. It used Airgo's v2 technology and a Realtek engine, and got roundly criticized on the equipment forums for being an inferior product.
The latest version is 3000, which isn't even based on Airgo technology any more. Now Belkin is using Ralink technology, and it's essentially the same router as the Airlink AR-525W, SparkLAN WRTR-300 or Compusa's store brand MIMO router, any of which can be found in stores for about 25 bucks. The version 3000 technology bears no resemblance to the Airgo version that got such a good review at Tom's. In fact, the router with the Ralink chipset (the Airlink) came in dead last and was the only one to receive a rating of "not recommended" in Tom's roundup.
Of course there's no way to tell in advance which version you'll get, but it's a pretty good bet you'll get the latest one. The only way to tell is to look at the sticker on the bottom of the box.
This practice of changing the internal electronics without changing the model number is a really annoying practice. It's hard enough to do all your research and decide which model to buy, so then to end up with something entirely different from what you thought you were getting is just maddening. Your best bet is to just stay away from this one.

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Belkin Wireless G Router F5D7230-4 - Wireless router - 4-port switch - 802.11b/g - desktop Review

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(More customer reviews)I use a slightly different model (F5D7231-4) for three years now. I use it only with wire connections and with those connections it's rock solid. And I mean, rock solid: often you forget about its existence for many months. Its just working without problems. I use all router ports and more (via additional 4 ports switch) so this is heavy load environment.
I periodically download 4G DVDs with linux images and never has interruptions due to router failure. Never. I also use YouTube and never have any problems with streaming media.
Previously I used two Linksys routers: one wireless and one regular. Both were unstable with wire connections and disconnected once in a week or so. One wwas pretty hostile to YouTube. Also often both of them were unable to obtain DHCP address from [...] that I use as a provider. That was tremendous hassle.
I think most negative reviews for this router are about stability of the wireless connections. I agree that the defualt settins are stable with wireless connections. But wireless part of the router can be tuned using very helpful review of other Belkin model ([...]) written by ChurchOfJesusChrist.Net on Sep 27, 2007 (it has most helpful votes and is the first review for this router). The recommendation is to turn off any non standard modes (in wireless settings set turbo mode to off and set protected mode to off). That really improves stability.
In any case if you need wired connections it is probably one of the best low cost router you can get.
It has some sophisticated features. You can have "infinite" DHCP leases, essentially static IP assignment with flexibility of DHCP; Linksys cannot do that. You can also put one computer on "DMZ" before firewall and test the application. This way you can detect which ports the applications uses and then open them in firewall. My Linksys models were unable to do this. Ability to put one server in DNZ make it usable with Asterisk and other VOIP PBXes.

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TRENDnet 300Mbps Wireless N Gigabit Router TEW-633GR (Piano Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)Final verdict on the Trendnet TEW-633GR and its routing problem. (See Final Update below for the end results.)
Summary: When I connect my systems (Red Hat, Windows, Palm OS, OS/2 (Warp/Server)), PS2, etc to the Internet using this router, I'm unable to reach various Internet addresses. Doing a trace route finds the packets go so far and then get "Destination Network Unreachable."
NOTE: This also occurs from the router's administration page's ping page not just from various machines on the network.
The problem does NOT occur under two circumstances.
1) I connect a system directly to my Comcast cable modem.
2) I use my Linksys router (WRT54G or WRT600N).
Hook the Trendnet back up and the problem returns 100% of the time.
After calling Trendnet support, I began to become hopeful in finding a solution. Level one sent me almost immediately to level two, who called me back and worked through various possibilities. Follow-up phone calls from level two, though, required I contact them.
During the last session level two agreed something "interesting" was going on for two reasons.
1) They were unable to ping to these sites from their location using DSL. Their trace routes failed at the same point.
2) They connected into my router and verified mine failed by using the ping feature under Administration.
NOTE: I'm avoiding using the term web site, as I use various Internet protocols into these sites (e.g. sftp, ssh, smtp, dns, imcp, and yes http).
They gave me a choice to send them the unit or send it back to Amazon.com for a refund. I decided this unit is still my first choice as a replacement for the Linksys. Getting a RMA number, I send the unit back. This is where we are today. Trendnet has the unit (USPS tracking) but has yet to contact me.
The TEW-633GR works great otherwise and the gigabit wired interfaces do improve system to system speed for various protocols (e.g. ftp, sftp, large http requests, etc.).
Can I recommend it to you? If the Internet addresses you try to reach doesn't hit this routing issue the answer is yes! But I'm not sure what Internet addresses have problems with this router. You might go a lifetime without hitting this problem or one day you need to connect to your new employer's site and can't. Fortunately, Trendnet does seem interested in solving this issue.
I'll update this review as I get more information. The verdict is still out and hopefully this router will get a five by five rating and be with me for a very long time.
Final update:
According to the router's developers the problem is with the ATHEROS chip set they use.
I'm using Comcast and tried both a RCA and Motorola modem. We also tried DOCSIS 1.1 and 2.0 before I ended up returning the router. Trendnet said they are ** NOT ** going to fix the issue for a couple of reasons.
(1) They don't have cable access at their headquarters. They have T-1 and DSL.
(2) They don't believe cable users are a large percentage of their business.
(3) We agreed not all cable users will see this issue. Yet, those who do will be out of luck, period.
I'm now using a Linksys WRT600N with a Broadband chipset with no routing issues. I returned the Trendnet TEW-633GR to Amazon.com because of this design / software defect (per Trendnet assessment).

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The 300Mbps Wireless N Gigabit Gaming Router incorporates the latest wireless and Gigabit networking technology to increase speed, range, security and reliability. The router provides unsurpassed gaming and network experience and performance. Advanced antenna and 802.11 N technology increases wireless data range and coverage. Enjoy lag-free gaming and file transfers on your wired Gigabit computers via the built-in Gigabit switch.This router features a powerful firewall and advanced wireless encryption for secured transmissions. Quality of Service (QoS) prioritization provides a seamless gaming and multimedia streaming experience. Increased speed, throughput and range make it the perfect solution to fulfill your gaming needs.

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Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router WRT54G - Wireless router - 4-port switch - 802.11b/g - desktop Review

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(More customer reviews)Works well as promised. Easy setup for intermediate users and above.
Timed the upgrade with upgrade to vista and have found it works well. I Did not flash the firmware no need for my application. Oh minor inconveince older 2.4ghz phone interupts signal.

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NETGEAR WGT624NA Wireless G Firewall Router Review

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(More customer reviews)A month ago I bought the Netgear WGT624 Version 2 wireless "Super G" router, on the basis that it was affordable and that Netgear had always given me good service. Having professionally installed networks in the past, I have always been happy with Netgear's commercial products and was expecting this one to be the same quality. The router was super easy to install and set up, their setup wizard was great, and when it worked, the router was blazing fast. I only got to use the cable connections, never got time to setup a wireless connection. As other reviewers have said, it was setup and running within five minutes of plugging it in.
***CAVEAT*** - It worked GREAT for two days, then began to randomly drop the LAN connections, resulting in the dreaded "Network Cable Unplugged" message (search for "netgear wgt624 network cable unplugged" or search Netgear's forums for pages of similar complaints with no resolutions). This got worse, beginning at a few times per day, finally getting down to every few minutes - it now only worked a few times per day! After a week of swapping NIC's, cables, and confirming settings, I finally broke down and e-mailed Netgear tech support - who was kind enough to reply after two days with the same things I had already tried (confirm settings, hardware reset, update firmware, etc.), and a request for more detailed system info if the problem persisted. Even with the most current firmware release, it would not work reliably - so I sent them back every detail they had requested but got no response after a week.
When I finally called them, I got their tech support department in India who confirmed that I was eligible for free tech support (they only offer it for 90 days from purchase, then you have to pay) and then began to go over the e-mails we'd swapped. After 10 minutes with no luck, he suggested that I try the Beta version of the firmware release, AND that this beta version would void my Netgear warranty. After making this suggestion, he said goodbye and hung up in the middle of the conversation. When I immediately called back to India, I got a different tech and was told that I was already out of the 90 day free tech support period (I bought the router a month ago mind you) and that I would have to pay for any support or to get the router replaced under the warranty. After some argument, he finally agreed to help me, but found that the router was indeed defective - and pointed out that there is a known problem with these particular models and he could not guarantee that a replacement would work any better.
In order to get the router replaced under the warranty, I would have had to fax or mail my receipt to India (not a toll free #), and wait a week for them to confirm that my Router was within the warranty. After this was done, I would have to call them back and PAY for the "Extended Tech Support," since their computer showed that my router was out of the 90 day free support period (again, it was only a month old). If this return call to tech support proved that my router was defective, I would then get an RMA and have to either ship the defective router to India at my expense and wait three weeks for them to ship a refurbished replacement unit back, or pay them $30 to have a replacement shipped to me first, then ship the defective unit back to them at my expense.
***SOLUTION*** - I returned the router and bought another brand. In searching the Internet, I found that the equivalent D-Link model (the DI-624) has strikingly similar problems so I bought a Linksys and have been happy thus far. I agree with the reviews that the Linksys is not quite as foolproof to set up, but it's worked great for two days now. We'll see.

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Wireless networking is constantly evolving, and the need for increasingly faster speeds and greater range is not only sought after, but expected. If better wireless speed and range with consistent wireless connections is what you're looking for, then NETGEAR has you covered with the WGT624 Super-G Wireless Router. With this handy device you'll have no more dropped connections, and you can kiss dead spots goodbye.
This compact, stylish router provides a simple and secure way to share your high-speed Internet connection. The WGT624 has a 4-port switch, and delivers twice the speed and four times the coverage of the standard Wireless-G protocol. And to achieve maximum performance, NETGEAR suggests using Super-G wireless adapters, such as the Super-G Wireless PC Card, Super-G Wireless PCI Adapter, or the Super-G Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter.
If security is a concern, you can rest easy knowing that your network is being powered by this router. Designed to be configurable for private networks or public hotspots, the WGT624 features double Firewall protection to defend your computer from external hacker attacks. And with Touchless Wi-Fi Security, this device makes securing your network a breeze.
The routing protocols for the WGT624 are both static and dynamic routing. This device works with most Internet gaming and instant messaging applications, and other applications that support Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) for automatic Internet access. Other functions include:
Automatic ISP detection
Exposed Host (DMZ)
MAC address authentication
Time-based usage controls
"Trusted User" controls
URL content filtering
Logs and e-mail alerts of Internet
Wireless Access Control
Wi-Fi Protected access (WPA)
Pre-shared Key remote management
Setup is made quick and easy with the Smart Wizard install software. System requirements include a broadband (cable or DSL) Internet Service and a modem with an Ethernet connection; 2.4 GHz wireless adapter or Ethernet adapter and cable for each computer; Microsoft Windows Vista, XP, 2000, NT, Me, 98, 95, or other operating systems running a TCP/IP network; and Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher, Netscape 4.7 or higher, or Firefox 1.0 or higher, and Safari for Mac. Microsoft Vista Beta drivers are available at www.netgear.com/vista.
What's in the Box NETGEAR WGT624 Super-G Wireless Router, setup CD, power adapter, Ethernet cable, vertical stand, setup guide, and warranty/support information card.

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NETGEAR WG602 54 Mbps 802.11g Wireless Access Point Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this item, because, on the back of the box, it shows the WG602 being used as a bridge to connect to a WGT624 access point. This is extremely misleading, and well, plain wrong, as a couple of other reviewers have pointed out. I was on the phone with extremely unhelpful tech support (that they outsourced to India, I believe), and it took several hours of run-around for the support guy to actually admit that the two products are not compatible (he had to ask someone else). Had he researched this properly in the beginning, hours would have been saved. I was eventually informed (after being told to upgrade firware, change numerous settings, etc.) that the WG602 would only bridge to another WG602. THE BACK OF THE BOX IS WRONG! Don't buy this if you're looking for a bridge that's compatible with any other AP.

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The NETGEAR WG602 54 Mbps 802.11g Wireless Access Point lets you easily set up a wireless network in your home so you can share a single internet connection with everyone in your household at speeds up to 54 Mbps. Note that to share an internet connection you will need a router into which you can plug the WG602 access point. If you do not have a router, consider NETGEAR's Wireless-G Router WGR614."
Easy Setup The WG602 makes it easy for even a novice to set up a wireless network: just plug the included Ethernet cable from your LAN into the device and insert the included CD into any computer on the network, which will provide step-by-step instructions. The WG602 offers a myriad of placement options by including a stand for vertical placement and slots on the bottom for mounting on a wall or ceiling. The default 2 dBi omnidirectional antenna can be removed and you can install an external antenna most suited for your needs onto the standard SMA connector.
The WG602 employs a web-based interface for configuration, allowing you to adjust settings such as the beacon interval, RTS threshold, and DTIM interval. The firmware is also upgradeable via the web interface so you can be sure your access point will always be up-to-date.
Fast and Secure Supporting the 802.11g standard, the NETGEAR WG602 offers data speeds of up to 54 Mbps, making it possible to share a broadband internet connection, stream music without hiccups, watch videos with less load time, and videoconference without problems. Downloading files is up to five times faster than it was with 802.11b. If you still have computers that use 802.11b, don't fret as the access point is backwards compatible with the older wireless standard and can be set so all your computers can connect to the network and the WG602 will automatically figure out the connection type and work accordingly.
The WG602 offers many security options to ensure your data is private. Both 40/64-bit and 128-bit WEP encryption is available, as well as Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA2-PSK). You can also use MAC address authentication to allow only authorized users onto the network.
Bridge and Repeater Mode In addition to functioning as an access point, the WG602 can also be used as a bridge and as a repeater. Used as a bridge, the device allows you to connect two LANS wirelessly; as a repeater, your wireless signal's range is extended so even the remote corners of your home or office can be covered.
The NETGEAR WG602 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point is backed by a 1-year warranty.
What's in the Box WG602 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point, vertical stand, power adapter, Ethernet cable, resource CD, user's guide, warranty/support information card.

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Linksys by Cisco WRTP54G Wireless-G Broadband Router for Vonage Internet Phone Service Review

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(More customer reviews)I don't write reviews on products very often. I'm more of a passive observer when it comes to on-line products. But my experience from this device has led me to (or should I say forced me to) write this review!!! I've been a network engineer for 5 years and I've also been a long time owner of the Linksys BEF11WS4 which proved to be a very worthwhile investment. I also setup Vonage service for my mom's home and for well over a year been totally satisfied. So when I saw this product, I thought to myself obviously why not get this as it combines the two very satisfying experience I've had. And so the nightmare begins.
I've had problems from wireless dropouts to the router freezing to the phone port not working. I have no idea who made this but it sure doesn't seem like it has the Linksys quality that I've been used to. Thats where I learned that if you want support for this hardware you have to call Vonage, not Linksys. I don't know how Linksys/Cisco got their name on this thing but it doesn't seem like it is from them. Neither is the quality on par with Linksys nor is the support provided by them. I've tried upgrading the firmware (this is sometimes done for you automatically by Vonage), I've upgraded the driver on my laptop's wireless card, tried dozens of different configurations through the web interface. NOTHING!!! Still get wireless dropouts, router freezes, and headaches to top it off.
If you are bent on buying this device please do some research on the web about it. You will find a plethora of information on it from a few websites and you will see my frustration in many others. I kept the router as it seems like Vonage is pushing it very hard from a marketing standpoint so maybe a real fix will be coming soon. But I decided to buy the WRT54G model which from the first few minutes of setting it up I can tell that this is a true quality product from Linksys. One thing I noticed right away is that the WRT54G operates a lot cooler than the WRTP54G. And ofcourse its been solid in its performance so far. If you decide to buy this, good luck, you'll need it.

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All-in-one Internet-sharing Router, 4-port Switch, and 54 Mbps Wireless-G Access Point.Features 2 phone jacks to enable feature-rich Internet telephone service and advanced security: WPA and a powerful SPI firewall.The Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router is really four devices in one box.First, there's the Wireless Access Point, which lets you connect both screaming fast Wireless-G (802.11g at 54Mbps) and Wireless-B (802.11b at 11Mbps) devices to the network.There's also a built-in 4-port full-duplex 10/100 Switch to connect your wired-Ethernet devices together. Connect four PCs directly, or attach more hubs and switches to create as big a network as you need.The Router function lets your whole network share a high-speed cable or DSL Internet connection. The fourth function is the phone adapter which enables high-quality feature-rich telephone service through your high-speed connection even while you're surfing the Internet.There are two standard telephone jacks, each operating independently -- like having two phone lines.With Vonage Service, you'll get low domestic and international phone rates, Caller ID, Call Waiting, Voicemail, Call Forwarding, Distinctive Ring, and lots of other available special phone features.

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D-Link DI-784 Wireless Cable/DSL Router, 802.11a/802.11g, 108Mbps Review

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(More customer reviews)
As several others here, and elsewhere, have reported - the unit worked fine (great actually) for several months, then started locking up. All LED's lit - reboot and all is ok. Does it once or twice a day, sometimes more often. If I leave for a few days, it will surely be locked up when I return. Have updated to the latest 2.40 firmware - no help.

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D-Link DI-524 Wireless 54 Mbps High Speed Router (802.11g) Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm not sure if the other reviewers have problems reading instructions or if they just skipped steps. Had no problems at all getting this unit set up and establishing connections between my desktop and Inspiron 5150. Take it out of the box, connect an ethernet cable between the desktop and router and plug it in. Use your favourite browser to connect to 198.168.1.1 and run through the setup wizard. Then once you've got everything set up, read through the manual, go through the various setup options and tweak as desired. I opted to go with the WPA-PSK authentication protocol because its supposed to be more secure, but if you have other devices that don't support it, you'll probably have to stick with WEP.
It can be laid flat on the desk, or propped up on end vertically using the little rubber feet that are supplied. There are 4 ethernet ports that allow you to connect via 10/100 Ethernet and the WAN port to connect to cable, DSL or LAN. The antenna is on a swivel and can be rotated to just about any convenient orientation.
The only thing I don't like about the router is that it doesn't have an internal clock, so every time it is powered off the router's system time goes back to it's default start value. It can be configured to set the time from an NTP server, but only if it's connected to a WAN network (via DSL, cable or LAN). It's only a minor inconvenience though. The other thing is that the router's web interface only seems to work properly if you use IE. Using Netscape/Mozilla/Firefox sort of works for most things, but not everything.

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The advanced wireless technology built into the DI-524 now offers up to 54Mbps through its wireless channels, allowing streaming videos and other high bandwidth applications, such as online gaming events to operate without the hassle of Ethernet cables. The ability to transfer high bandwidth also makes streaming real time programs more enjoyable and more efficient. Network Security is a precautionary threat and with the built-in advanced firewall, these threats are minimized, making it more difficult for hackers to penetrate through the DI-524. Features like content filtering, MAC filtering, URL blocking, and Domain blocking are useful tools to prevent other unwanted intruders to connect to your network.

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Sabrent Wireless LAN 802.11n PCI Network 300 Mps Wi-Fi Card Adapter Review

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(More customer reviews)Put in a Fedora12 Linux computer and was detected after login to Desktop.
Uses Ralink Chipset and Linux driver Rt2860sta .
And had full strength signal from a Linksys WRT54G router.

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Cisco-Linksys WRT54GX Wireless-G Broadband Router with SRX Review

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(More customer reviews)I live in a two story house, with plenty of walls in between. This unit replaced 3 11a Access Points. I can now get 108mbps anywhere in my house with almost 100% signal strenght (my laptop is using the WPC54GX card).
The web interface is very straightforward and looks professional. I would buy it again.

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Now you can enjoy wireless home-network access in those hard-to-reach rooms and--simultaneously--get faster networking and Internet performance, too. The WRT54GX Wireless-G broadband router from Linksys uses the company's advanced SRX (Speed and Range eXpansion) technology to enhance the speed and the reach of a Wireless-G (802.11g) network. The WRT54GX can provide faster wireless network throughput, reduce dead spots, and increase wireless range over standard Wireless-G networks. The handy WRT54GX serves as an Internet-sharing router, a four-port 10/100 switch, and an SRX-enhanced Wireless-G access point all at once. Relative to standard 80 2.11g technology, a network using all SRX products can extend network reach up to three times as far and boost wireless network speed by up to eight times. (Actual throughput, speed, and range depend on a host of factors, from building materials to network traffic and distance from the router.) The device is Wi-Fi-certified and backward compatible with 802.11b (Wireless-B), 802.11g (Wireless-G) and, of course, other Linksys SRX products. Mixed wireless environments such as networks containing SRX, Wireless-B, and Wireless-G products can operate each client at its own maximum data rate. SRX products maintain their higher speed and range, providing the throughput and quality of service to deliver applications such as VoIP (Internet telephony) and video streaming. SRX is based on MIMO (multiple-in, multiple-out) technology, a key component in the upcoming Wireless-N (802.11n) standard. To improve range and speed, MIMO uses two radios and three antennas on a wireless router or client adapter. To enhance data protection and privacy, the router can encode all wireless trans missions with WPA (Wireless Protection Access). Its powerful Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) firewall enhances protection to all the wired and wireless PCs against intruders and most known Internet attacks while also supporting VPN passthrough. Configuration is easy using a Web-browser-based configuration utility. What's in the Box Wireless-G broadband router, a setup CD-ROM with Symantec Internet Security, a u ser's guide on CD-ROM, an AC power adapter, an Ethernet network cable, a quick-i nstallation guide, and a registration card.

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Cisco-Linksys WUSB54G Wireless-G USB Adapter Review

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(More customer reviews)I have a SOHO that uses a wired 10/100 switched network. Already part of this network is a Linksys single port Cable / DSL Router. When it came time to make the jump to wireless, the WAP54G seemed the logical choice, as I would not have to reconfigure anything on my existing network. For my initial conversions, I was converting a desktop PC and an older laptop. For this review, I'll be discussing at the WUSB54G. Look for reviews on all these items posted separately.
I decided on the WUSB54G because I did not have any available internal slots. This computer may be replaced in a year or two, and unplugging the network card from a USB port seemed a lot more attractive than opening the case. Actually, the installation is almost a simple as plugging the adapter into an available USB port.
My initial installation was using Version 2.0 of the installation software. The significance of that will be explained later. Regardless of your version of Windows, I suggest installing the software first. This will eliminate any potential problems in the installation process. Make sure you know your network name and WEP Key. You will need to supply that information during installation or you will not be able to connect right away. If you don't have the key handy, it can be input later, but it is not as convenient.
The Wizard does a good job of walking you through each step. Once done, you will need to reboot. Don't disconnect from the wired network just yet. Wait until the next phase is completed. On boot, you computer should detect the new hardware and install the correct drivers for it. The next step could take a while, so be patient. Your new wireless network card will search for a signal, an access point, and you should be prompted when a network is found. If more than one network is detected, a distinct possibility with the proliferation of wireless networks, you will quickly realize the advantages of naming you network something other that the default and of applying a WEP Key to your network.
The initial connection took about two minutes, but seemed a lot longer! You will see an icon on the Bottom Right of the Task Bar indicating you are connected. I do one final check by opening a command prompt and using the command "ipconfig /all" to show all my adapters. If there's a difference in IP addressing ranges, reboot one more time. If both the wired and wireless connections show IP address in the same range, you're ready to unplug the wired connection. Now try opening your web browser. If you can surf, you're all done.
My experience with this installation was very positive. The wizard was friendly, the physical installation could not have been easier, I had all the information on hand I needed and I was wireless after the first reboot. I'm using this adapter with a G network and I'm getting the full throughput.
One final note: this installation went so smoothly I got another adapter from a local dealer that had a price too good to pass up. When I got home, however, I noticed a small sticker that said this was for Windows 2000 and Windows XP only. I then noticed the serial number and installation software said version 1.0. Hmmm... this was going on a Windows 98SE machine. The hardware specs looked identical, from what I could determine from the box, so I tried an experiment and used the version 2.0 software. It worked just fine. BEWARE: this is not an endorsement that this will work in every case nor should you conclude there is no difference between versions. I strongly suggest you try to get the latest version hardware and software for optimal performance.


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Linksys Wireless-G 802.11g 54Mbp USB 2.0 Network Adapter.

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NETGEAR WGR614 Wireless-G Router - Wireless router - 802.11b/g - desktop Review

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(More customer reviews)Router setup and config was simple, staight-forward and quick.
Multiple options for wireless security was a pleasant surprise. Ability to use a passphrase which generated the wireless access code is always a plus.
While signal strength seemed a bit low, the coverage is more than sufficient for our needs.
Overal, a great buy.

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D-Link DGL-4300 Wireless 108G Gaming Router Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm a computer professional so technology is not much of a mystery to me, but I still want something that's solid, and easy to manage. The internal software to his unit is pretty good, and the performance is top notch. For one its easy to store, and save your configurations. This is important because there may be occasion where you have to reset the router, and your settings would be lost. The firmware was easy to update, and will need to be updated as soon as you connect the device. A word of caution here, if you are using a dial-up connection, (unless its always been very stable), I don't recommend upgrading the firmware with it. One thing you cannot do, because it will likely render the router useless, is lose your connection in the middle of a firmware upgrade.
This is a gamer modem, and the help files and web manual provide good information as to how to set it up. It even has the settings to port replicate many popular game already built in. In addition, it has a special gamer network traffic section to keep your games running on an even keel over your network. I works, but better with some games than others. While I can't speak for any screaming, bleeding edge speed boosters, it seemed fast. I connected my old Windows 98SE machine using a Hawking, USB, wireless receiver, and it just worked! I experienced none of the problems I'd read horror stories about with other wireless routers.
Connection is a snap. Disconnect your cable modem from the back of your comp, connects its ethernet cable to your new D-Link router, run the included cable from the D-link to your ethernet port on your comp. (If your computer was connected with USB, you might need a $10 ethernet PCI card if you don't have an ethernet connection.) Turn everything back on, and (at least in my case, it just worked). If your running it as a network, and not just a single firewall, I'd recommend the most modern computer for the wired connection. The rest can either go wired or wireless. I got excellent signal strength, and have yet to experience a dropout on my wireless machine. For those who don't know, a wireless router is normally wired to the first machine (wired connections are generally faster and more solid than wireless). The wireless part is generally for other computers and network devices (like printers and such) to be connected to the wireless part of the network. In the past all connections to a router were wired. If you have one computer you can use an access point, instead of a firewall, but with the exception of this one, (which is expensive) most access points cost near the same as a four port wireless router.
Ok, now the bad news. It is a complicated piece of tech, and to do some things, people might need help. My advice is to read the FAQ's, and go to the web boards. I needed to get it to host a BattleNet game. I had the correct ports replicated as an exception, but it didn't work. I called the tech serve, and a typical moron told me how to ping the system with Windows command line. I spent a half hour trying to tell him I was connected fine, and could even play the game I wanted (Warcraft III Frozen Throne), but could not host a game. He couldn't answer a few simple questions, and finally admitted he didn't know anything about networking, but was reading from a test script. He agreed to transfer me to level 2 technicians. When I spoke to them they couldn't answer my questions either, and gave some lame excuse that if they told me how to host on BNet it would make my network insecure, and they would be liable to a lawsuit. Give me a break, you create a gamer router, and even include the ports listed for that game, then won't tell your customers how to set it up. I just don't think they held up their end of the bargain (D-Link support that is).
After two days of testing it, I finally figured out, I had to create virtual servers for each port separately, then create a static IP address, and connect it up to the dynamically created one from Comcast. That would allow the virtual servers to be used by the gamers connecting to the host machine, to connect to a defined, unchanging address, which would connect to whatever other address came up dynamically by the service provider, using the DCHP server. It sounds complicated to a non-network guy, and it is. I'd have like to been told how to do that by tech serve, but they were too incompetent so it was just trial and error, plus a lot of reading.
Bottom line is if you've gone though the router trials before, this will probably be a good experience. If not, prepare to educate yourself on the wonderful world of networking. I do recommend routers to be used as firewalls to all computer users who access the web, gamers or not. Hackers are banging on your computers ports all day long on the web, and with a hardware router, they only see a router, not the computers hidden behind it. If your not a gamer, this one is pricey, but if you want the latest greatest, as of today, this is pretty much it.

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Push the limits of basic networking technology and experience the evolution in networking. Wirelessly share broadband Internet, boost network performance, and stay competitive in your online games with D-Link's new cutting-edge GamerLounge Wireless 108G Gaming Router, powered by GameFuel Priority Technology.
The D-Link DGL-4300 Wireless Gaming Router intelligently manages and automatically prioritizes network traffic to better execute bandwidth-sensitive applications including VoIP and multimedia applications. It also features enhanced wireless technology for optimal range and connectivity--up to 108Mbps bandwidth, pre-configured ports to accommodate up to 256 policies for games and applications, and customizable settings to add or modify new applications or game configurations.
Other features include multi-tasking between other applications without degradation in game connection, high-Performance CPU to support thousands of concurrent connections--ideal for P2P applications and multiplayer interactivity. Meanwhile, a firmware upgrade notification feature keeps your new D-Link Gaming Router up to date.
What's in the Box DGL-4300 Wireless 108G Gaming Router, detachable antenna, CAT5 ethernet cable, power adapter (5V, 2.5A), mounting kit, vertical stand, CD-ROM with manual, and installation guide.

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NETGEAR WPN824NA Wireless Mimo Router Review

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(More customer reviews)I have sitting in my garage, a pile of recently purchased routers which have all become dust catchers after hooking up this WPN824 and the accompanying wireless cards. I read the reviews here at Amazon and noticed the negative ratings did not mention whether they were using RangeMax cards on their wireless devices so I thought I would take a chance.
I have both RangeMax and other older "g" cards and the RangeMax cards make a huge difference though the other "g" cards still work better than our previous Linksys and Netgear systems did. Our router is in a back room with the wireless systems through two walls in the front room in the house, and for the first time in years we get a good solid connection to our wireless devices. I should also note that we placed the router on a non-metallic box away from other electronic devices and that seemed to help quite a bit. I am going to purchase a WGXB102 Netgear extender kit to see if it helps the other cards, though I see it is limited to 54Mbs, so I am not sure if it will help the RangeMax system or not, but figured it is worth a try considering the great reviews the kit is receiving. Anyway, I highly recommend this RangeMax system.
PROS: Great range and speed. Nice design.
CONS: The blinking lights cannot be turned off at night and light up the whole room like a disco ball.4-12-06 Update:
There is a problem and Netgear doesn't seem to want to fix it. They do not address it on their forum nor will they respond in an email. Many users (myself included) are getting random network disconnects which are requiring a reboot of the router. It is not fun. The firmware has not been updated for a very long time. Also, in the version 2 model (identified by a v2 on the model number - there is now even a v3), you can now turn the disco light off.

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The NETGEAR WPN824 RangeMax Wireless Router lets you easily set up a wireless network in your home so you can share a single internet connection with everyone in your household or office at speeds up to 108 Mbps. Using MIMO technology, the access point offers superior range and eliminates "dead spots" in your home or office.
Beautiful Design and Easy Setup The WPN824 is a very attractive unit with a white exterior and rounded edges. An included plastic stand lets you stand the router on its edge to take up less space. Since the antennas are built in, there are no protrusions extending out of the case, maintaining a clean, elegant form factor. A vertical stand is included for more placement options.
The WPN824 makes it easy for even a novice to set up a wireless network: just plug the included Ethernet cable from your DSL modem, cable modem, or other network connection into the router. An installation wizard guides you through the setup process step-by-step.
The WPN824 employs a web-based interface for configuration, and the router will automatically do the initial setup by getting your DNS settings and determining your IP address. The firmware is also upgradeable via the web interface so you can be sure your router will always be up-to-date.
Fast and Secure The WPN824 supports the 802.11g standard but extends it with Smart MIMO technology that incorporates intelligent internal antennas, allowing it to detect interference from home devices such as microwaves, and adjusting itself accordingly. The upshot is speeds up to 108 Mbps with a longer range and a lack of "dead zones" in your home. When used with NETGEAR's adapters, it can provide up to 500,00 square feet of uninterrupted coverage. You will see the difference when you download music, stream video, or make internet telephone calls. If you still have computers that use 802.11b, don't fret as the router is backwards compatible with the older wireless standard and can be set so all your computers can connect to the network and the WGR614 will automatically figure out the connection type and work accordingly.
In addition to wireless access, there are four 10/100 Mbps RJ-45 Ethernet ports in the back for connecting computers to the network via a fast wired connection.
The WPN824 offers many security options to ensure your data is private. Double firewall protection keeps your network shielded from outside attacks and Network Address Translation (NAT) hides your PCs and files from outside snoopers. To ensure the security of your wireless data, both 40/64-bit and 128-bit WEP encryption is available, as well as WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access). You can also use MAC address authentication to allow only authorized users onto the network and Wireless Access Control (SSID) to identify authorized wireless network devices.
Keep Tabs on Kids This router is an especially good choice for parents as it allows settings to log all sites that are visited, lets you block specific sites based on whether it contains specific keywords, and lets you set time schedules for certain computers to work.
The NETGEAR WPN824 RangeMax Wireless Router is backed by a 1-year warranty.
What's in the Box WPN824 RangeMax Wireless Router, power adapter, Ethernet cable, setup guide, setup CD, vertical stand, warranty/support information card.

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Belkin Surf N300 Wireless N Router Review

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(More customer reviews)A lot of people have complained about the Belkin Surf F7D230 - the older version of this router sold in a blue/white box. I got the revised version F7D6301, which seems to work just fine for me.
I am replacing my good-ole Linksys WRT54G v1.0 with the Belkin Surf N300 F7D6301. Here are my comments:
* I bought it for $29 at Walmart on Black Friday, otherwise it sells for about $45.
* I did not use the Setup CD that would install a 95MB setup/monitoring program.
* If you have Windows 7, the setup is easy enough, just connect the power cable, hook up the router to the modem and you are set. The only other thing you need to do is to enter the preset password located on a small card on the side of the router. You can later access the router settings by entering http://192.168.2.1/ in your browser and set up a more convenient WPA/WPA2 under "Security" located in the left hand side navigation area.
* If you are not tech savvy, run the setup CD, it pretty much does it all for you.
I then ran a network test on speedtest.net and Belkin Surf outperformed my old router in download speeds Linksys 12 Mbps vs. Belkin Surf 20 Mbps. Upload speeds were exactly the same 1.85 Mbps. Please note that speeds will vary due to your provider and what type of plan you have.
Then I tested the range performance. I walked outside with my laptop, about 150 feet and after connecting to one and the other, I noticed that the signal strength was "fair" for my old router and "good" for the Belkin. Also, the speeds have dropped significantly for both routers, but the Belkin still outperformed the old Linksys; 2-4 Mbps for the Linksys vs. 6-8 Mbps for the Belkin.
Pros:
+ Over all, the router is a great choice for the $price$.
+ No dropped connection issues, signal strength is good all over the house.
+ I can surf the web even 150 ft. away from the router.
+ The internet speed is improved.
Cons:
- Not that it matters, but the router feels like it is made out of cheap plastic. For those who like good looking/feeling things, this is definitely not the best choice. However, if you don't care about visual appeal, tuck this thing away from the view and let it do it's job.
The rest is up to you...


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Belkin Surf N300 Wireless N Router

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Belkin F5D6230-3 Wireless Cable/DSL Router Review

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(More customer reviews)$129.99 is a "hot buy"????
I bought this on clearance from the Belkin website 2 months ago for $30.
I wouldn't even recommend it at that price.
The firewall will not close off everything it leaves "port 0" open no matter what. And the only way to stealth port 80 is by redirecting it to a fake ip address.
It also slows down such that browsing the web becomes an excruciatingly slow experience. The only way to fix it is to unplug the power and plug it back in whenever it goes slow. I have read reports that turning off the router's DHCP server might prevent that from happening... but DHCP is not something you should have to do without.
This is an out of date product. Badly put together. Definitely not worth what Amazon is asking for it.
Try to find a good deal on a Linksys or something... do not walk, RUN away from Belkin products.

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The Belkin Wireless Cable/DSL Gateway Router is the perfect solution for Mac or PC users to share files and a broadband Internet connection among all your computers-without using cables. It's never been easier to access files and networked peripherals such as hard drives, printers, CD-ROMs, and DVDs. An integrated, 3-port 10/100Base-Tx Ethernet switch also allows you to connect wired computers to the network.The Router uses the 802.11b wireless Ethernet standard to let you share broadband Internet connection and is interoperable with any 802.11b - compliant wireless device. It also offers NAT firewall to protect your network from outside intrusions by hackers, and an IP Sec pass-through for remote access through Virtual Private Networking (VPN). DMZ hosting lets you play accelerated games over the Internet. * Simple installation that enables networking in buildings with solid or finished walls, or in open areas where wiring would be difficult or problematic * Auto-sensing for future scalability of 10Base-T networks into 100Base-T Networks * Dedicated bandwidth for each port to let you enjoy an efficient and error-free network * Compliance with Ethernet IEEE 802.3 and 802.3u standards * LED indicators for monitoring network traffic * Plug-and-Play compatibility * Compatible with Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows Me, Windows XP and Mac OS up to Mac OS X and AppleTalk.* Works with popular game consoles including Playstation 2 Online and Xbox Live!

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