SMC2655W 802.11b 11Mbps Wireless Access Point Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have purchased Linksys products in the past and other than the fact that it took 3 tries before I finally received a working DSL/Cable Router, I have always been pleased with the performance but the technical support was a complete joke.
I decided after reading the reviews on Amazon.Com and other sites that I would spend the extra $10 and go SMC because of it's ease of installation and tech support.
I purchased the Linksys PCMCIA card as part of my wireless solution and it took less than 5 minutes from opening the box to surfing on the web to get it and the wireless acces point up and running. The speed performance is beyond expectations. I have the basic cable modem attached to a Linksys DSL/Cable router and plugged the SMC Wireless hub into one of my available Linksys ports and that was it.
I made the choice to go the SMC route after vowing never again to deal with the inept "Hope Desk" offered by Linksys. If you had any thoughts about buying Linksys, think again. SMC is THE way to go.

Click Here to see more reviews about: SMC2655W 802.11b 11Mbps Wireless Access Point

The SMC 11 Mbps wireless Access Point is designed for both business and home users, with a maximum operating range of 1,800 feet.It acts as a bridge between the wired network and the wireless clients.The Wireless Access Point enables the desktop wireless PCI card users and the laptop wireless PC card users to obtain seamless network connectivity.

Click here for more information about SMC2655W 802.11b 11Mbps Wireless Access Point

Read More...

Nexaira Business Class 3G Broadband Router Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Works as described. I needed a PCMCIA unit which is getting harder to find. They have 2 models, I picked this one only because I plan to sell it when I am done with it and I figured more features would be better. You may be able to use the next model down fo home use.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Nexaira Business Class 3G Broadband Router

Get 10% OFF

Click here for more information about Nexaira Business Class 3G Broadband Router

Read More...

Dell TrueMobile 2300 Wireless Broadband Router, Model WX-5565D Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought that router because the cable modem from Comcast is crap, so I need a router to share the internet connection with other computers at home.
I am so glad that router is cheap because it's not an newest model, but it works well. It's not 802.11n but it's enough for me at this moment.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Dell TrueMobile 2300 Wireless Broadband Router, Model WX-5565D

Click here for more information about Dell TrueMobile 2300 Wireless Broadband Router, Model WX-5565D

Read More...

Belkin Wireless Play Max Router (F7D4301) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)My experience with this router has been one major mistake after another. I didn't check the Amazon reviews before purchasing - my mistake. I bought it (not through Amazon) - my mistake. I threw away the packaging after setting it up and now I can't return - major mistake.
Although this thing was simple enough to set-up, it has been a major letdown for all of the reasons that other reviewers have mentioned. I've had it for 2 weeks now, and I count it a good day if I only have to reset the damn thing once. My devices all run more slowly than on my old router, and the stupid thing freezes up constantly. I've also run into multiple IP address conflict messages and have to reset it to prevent those messages as well.
I'm so frustrated that I'll likely trash the pile of junk and go buy another brand. Shame on me for buying this thing - and shame on me for not keeping the packaging until I knew how it worked (or didn't in this case).

Click Here to see more reviews about: Belkin Wireless Play Max Router (F7D4301)

Belkin F7D4301 Wireless Router - 300 Mbps F7D4301 Routers & Gateways - Wireless

Click here for more information about Belkin Wireless Play Max Router (F7D4301)

Read More...

Netgear DS106 6-Port 10/100 Dual Speed Hub with Uplink Button Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)An earlier review stated "this hub only appears to provide half-duplex support".This is part of the definition of a hub vs a switch, thus the product is not flawed. A switch will provide full duplex and is more appropriate for multiple high bandwidth devices. If you're attempting to decide HUB vs SWITCH, do a google search before you buy.
I have been a fan of Netgear products since they were originally under BayNetworks. They make high quality devices, attractive design, and they normally offer long warranties. This product is no different. I've had it serving up a couple of machines now for over a year without incident. It's remained on 24 hours / 365 days and performs nicely.
The only downside I've seen with Netgear is their on going support (Firmware upgrades, etc.). Obvisouly that won't be an issue with this device, but something to consider if your also looking at them to provide a router solution. Also, the power adaptors seem to go a little too often.
All and all, this is a great hub and wonderful price. I can think of no reason for some who needs a hub to not pick this up.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Netgear DS106 6-Port 10/100 Dual Speed Hub with Uplink Button

The Netgear DS100 series of 10/100 Mbps dual-speed hubs connects multiple PCs to share printers, files, Internet access, and e-mail communications. One can mix and match 10 and 100 Mbps PCs, servers, and peripherals with these hubs, all without any configuration required. The DS100 family combines many capabilities in little space, and the units are designed for price-conscious small-business owners. One can connect 10 or 100 Mbps network devices to the hub. Each port individually senses and adjusts to run at the proper speed.
Each unit has a built-in self-learning bridge that provides the communications link between the 10 and 100 Mbps network devices. The intelligent bridge automatically manages network traffic so that 10 Mbps traffic and 100 Mbps traffic do not crowd each other's segments.

Click here for more information about Netgear DS106 6-Port 10/100 Dual Speed Hub with Uplink Button

Read More...

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

Average Reviews:

(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).

Click Here to see more reviews about: TRENDnet 300Mbps Wireless N Gigabit Router TEW-633GR (Piano Black)

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.

Click here for more information about TRENDnet 300Mbps Wireless N Gigabit Router TEW-633GR (Piano Black)

Read More...

Belkin N1 Wireless Router Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I had this router for a while now (longer than I could return it for a refund). Very often I cannot connect to web sites that I frequently use. Eventually I did some research and found that this router has a fatal defect - its DNS cache will get corrupted over time. The latest firmware from Belkin does not fix it.
When I initially had problem accessing web sites, I naturally assumed that the web sites could be down or my ISP could have problems. One day when I tried to VPN into my office the VPN could not be connected. I tried to ping my office VPN server and the IP address returned was different from the actual IP. My VPN server was on xx.xx.xx.84 but the PING request indicated xx.xx.xx.4. I then used NSLOOKUP to check various DNS servers, and pin-pionted the error to the Belkin router's DNS cache.
The DHCP server in the Belkin router automatically sets the DNS server address to be those provided by my ISP plus the Belkin's own IP address 192.168.2.1. There is no way to get rid of it. If there is a way to only use my ISP's DNS server the problem could be worked around. Belkin does not provide this option.
The DNS cache corruption problem will cause a lot of mysterious connection problems. If you are not familar with TCP/IP networking technology there is no way to find out what goes wrong. Shame on Belkin to release a product with such a critical defect.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Belkin N1 Wireless Router

Connecting the Belkin N1 Wireless Router to your cable or DSL modem lets you share your broadband Internet account with all your networked computers. Now you can exchange documents, share resources, and distribute large video and music files throughout your network within a greater range, at faster speeds. N1 offers the easiest setup ever, and our built-in Network Status Display lets you see your connections working.

Click here for more information about Belkin N1 Wireless Router

Read More...

NETGEAR WN121T RangeMax Next Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This USB adapter will cause your sound card to stutter in a horrible manner. Many users on the netgear forum are reporting this issue and NETGEAR is not fixing this problem.
This is not a problem with XP/Vista IRQ conflicts (I went through the process of verifying this myself, which requires me to re-install XP to get my hyper threading support back). This is 100% a NETGEAR issue.

Click Here to see more reviews about: NETGEAR WN121T RangeMax Next Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter

The NETGEAR WN121T RangeMax Next Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter makes it simple for you to provide the highest speed wireless internet access to your computer, whether it is a desktop or notebook, letting you surf the web, check email, stream music, make internet phone calls, and get a leg up on opponents when playing online games.
Easy to Carry, Easier to Setup Small and easy to pack in a bag, the WN121T is an elegantly designed thin white box with rounded corners that stands upright on your desk and has built-in storage for the USB cable. The adapter supports Windows Vista and is also compatible with Windows XP and 2000 SP4. The WN111 features a USB 2.0 connection for wide compatibility and high speeds, and setup is as simple as installing the included software and plugging the USB connector into an available port.
Fast, Backwards Compatible, and Secure The NETGEAR WN121T uses the Wireless-N protocol (based on 802.11n draft) for speeds up to 300 Mbps and a range ten times that of 802.11g adapters when paired with a NETGEAR Wireless-N Router. With this much speed and bandwidth, you can easily download large files, place Internet phone calls, download MP3s, stream video, and play online games -- all at the same time, without hiccups, and from farther away. You'll notice the difference immediately.
The WN121T is backwards compatible with 802.11g and 802.11b wireless networks so you'll be able to connect to any hotspot, and it improves network performance up to 50 percent when used with the older 802.11b/g networks.
You can feel secure about your information as the adapter supports Wi-Fi protected access (WPA2-PSK, WPA-PSK) and 64-bit and 128-bit WEP encryption for IEEE 082.11b and IEEE 802.11g. The included software makes managing different WEP passwords a breeze as you can set up different profiles for each location you frequent, saving yourself the trouble of having to type in encryption keys each time you connect to a hotspot you've already used.
The NETGEAR WN121T RangeMax Next Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter is backed by a 1-year warranty.
What's in the Box WN121T RangeMax Next Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter, installation guide, setup CD, warranty/support information card.

Click here for more information about NETGEAR WN121T RangeMax Next Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter

Read More...

Linksys by Cisco Wireless-G Router For Mobile Broadband For Use With Verizon Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)About EVDO card compatibility:
Other reviews and several Internet forums discuss compatibility problems with Verizon's EVDO cards (e.g., wireless broadband cards).
According to Linksys, the newest version of the WRT54G3G-VN's firmware only supports three Verizon Wireless EVDO PC cards: Audiovox PC5750, Novatel V720 and Sierra Wireless AirCard 595. (As of this writing, Amazon sells the PC5750 and the AirCard 595.) Other sources suggest five cards work with this router; that was once the case, but only for previous firmware versions, which are no longer available from Linksys. (My router, purchased in April 2009, came with firmware version 2.01.6, dated May 6, 2008 and likely the last firmware release Linksys will offer.)
If you insert a PC card other than those into the WRT54G3G-VN, the card will receive power but the router will not recognize the card or connect to Verizon. I had to visit my local Verizon Wireless store to change cards (I went with the PC5750); they called it an "upgrade" and gave me the card for free in exchange for extending my service contract by two years.
About technical support:
Linksys places a large orange sign in the WRT54G3G-VN's documentation, suggesting customers call Verizon Wireless for support. Verizon will not support this product, don't bother calling.
Linksys will provide tech support for this device, but only over the phone (i.e., no live chat via the Web site). Expect several transfers and to be on hold for a while. It took three support people and about an hour to get from Linksys tech support the compatible cards for this unit.
About the unit:
The WRT54G3G-VN's best selling point is that it's a standard Linksys WRT54G wireless-G router that happens to have a PCMCIA slot on the top, into which you stick an EVDO card.
That means the familiar Linksys administration panel and approach to home routers is in full presence. If you want simple routing, the guided setup CD-ROM will have you up and running in five minutes. If you want advanced routing -- port forwarding, VPN tunneling, MAC address restrictions, DMZ, etc. -- they all can be set in the admin panel as they would on any other Linksys router.
The back of the WRT54G3G-VN has four standard Ethernet switch ports and an Ethernet uplink port to connect to a DSL or cable modem. Therefore, you could use this router for network failover; simply connect it to a cable / DSL modem via Ethernet, add an EVDO card and configure the router to connect to Verizon only when the cable / DSL modem doesn't work.
This unit only provides 802.11g wireless LAN access. Most laptops made in the last five years or so use wireless-G; older computers that use 802.11b and newer ones that only support 802.11n will not be able to connect to this router wirelessly.
Overall assessment:
Linksys has the lion's share of the home networking market for good reason: they build reliable, affordable equipment, and the WRT54G3G-VN is no exception. It's simple to administer, has more configuration options than most people need and runs rock-solid.
I purchased this unit to replace a Kyocera KR-1 EVDO router purchased five years ago, when it was the only game in town. There's no comparison: the KR-1 (manufactured by D-Link), while adequate for the simplest home networking application, may have settings for port forwarding and VPN tunneling, but the router simply will not support either feature. The Linksys WRT54G3G-VN is hands-down a superior unit, one made by a familiar manufacturer with a proven track record.
In short, there may well be other wireless broadband routers that are as good, but there sure aren't any that are better, so why risk using something that isn't familiar?
Final notes:
-- As others have noted, you need to activate your EVDO card in a laptop PC before it will work with the WRT54G3G-VN. The only way to activate the card is in a PC Card-equipped computer with a fresh install of the VZ Access software. Verizon Wireless will not activate the card for you.
-- It's becoming increasingly difficult to find PC EVDO cards. You'll want to ensure you can purchase a compatible EVDO card first, and keep in mind that in two or three years, you may not be able to easily purchase a replacement PC EVDO card if your card suffers a malfunction.
-- The unit comes with a wide, sturdy stand; it can also be wall-mounted by screws, which are not provided.
-- There's a 3-foot-long, yellow Ethernet cable included in the box. In spite of the odd jacket color, it's a standard, T-568B straight-through patch cord.
-- The power supply cord is about four feet long. The cord has an inverter built into the plug; while it's not heavy or hefty, it may take up two outlets on a power strip.
-- The WRT54G3G-VN is basically the same as the WRT54G3G-ST (Sprint) and WRT54G3G-AT (AT&T Wireless). The only difference is the firmware, which controls what EVDO cards work with the router. It is possible, therefore, that you could use a WRT54G3G-ST with a Verizon Wireless PC EVDO card, or a WRT54G3G-VN with a Sprint card, provided the router's firmware supports the EVDO card you use.
It is also possible to download, for example, the Verizon Wireless firmware from the Linksys Web site, then "flash" a WRT54G3G-ST router with the Verizon firmware, basically turning it into a WRT54G3G-VN. I don't advocate doing that, especially if you are not skilled in computer hardware and networking, but it is possible.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Linksys by Cisco Wireless-G Router For Mobile Broadband For Use With Verizon

Click here for more information about Linksys by Cisco Wireless-G Router For Mobile Broadband For Use With Verizon

Read More...

NEW BELKIN F5D8235-4 WIRELESS ROUTER N+ (COMPUTER CABLES/ADAPTERS) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I ama pc geek from hell. I ahve built my own pc's for over 10 years and been through a lot of them. I have used 20 types of monitors, mouses, keyboards and routers. I have used the msot expensive routers on the planet and I can tell you, not one single one compares to this one. tech support was awesome when I needed it years ago and now it is so easy to set up you do not need help. but if you do they are they 24/7.
I have several pcs on one network and this router is the bad boys of them all. The price is what makes this the ultimate cream puff on top of that.... It should be the most expensive compared to the others I have returned and I have tried them all.
Thank you Belkin!
Keep them coming!


Click Here to see more reviews about: NEW BELKIN F5D8235-4 WIRELESS ROUTER N+ (COMPUTER CABLES/ADAPTERS)

Get 49% OFF

Click here for more information about NEW BELKIN F5D8235-4 WIRELESS ROUTER N+ (COMPUTER CABLES/ADAPTERS)

Read More...

D-Link DI-714P+ Wireless Cable/DSL Router, 4-Port Switch, Prnt Server, 802.11b, 22Mbps Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Setup: fairly straightforward. There is a "wizard" setup for those who don't like to go through every single option screen. The screen navigation is laid out in a simple, but not intuitive manner - it takes a few moments to realize the buttons on the left change with tab options at the top, but the buttons on the left don't change if there are multiple screens on the right (like "next page" or a button to press). There is no "go back a page" - they expect you to hit the button to the right that is still visible. All my complaining about that aside - it's as easy, if not easier, to navigate and find settings than both netgear and linksys.
Print server: no setup available on the router - it either is or is not plugged in. Software setup for PC works fine. Did not try it with linux yet.
Wireless: finally, something that works with 64/128 bit WEP. Netgear never worked. Linksys was so-so. This works. NOTE: For those who want to limit ACCESS to the WIRELESS by MAC ADDRESS - this unit cannot do it. It can limit by MAC to the INTERNET, but that will also limit who can attach to the unit, both with wireless and with a physical connection. Most other units only use this filter to limit access to the wireless portion. If used, you have to put in all the machines connecting to it - both wireless and physical....
Firewall: Syslog, email logs available. Nice. SPI works. DMZ support. Passthrough ports available. Works great with my nortel VPN client (this is always a good test of PPTP and so on).
FIRMWARE NOTE: I had the hardest time getting this thing to work with windows terminal services. No matter what setting I used, it would lock up then drop the connection until I rebooted the router (software reboot). Some settings would go longer, but I could get it to lock up within 2 minutes. Nothing seemed to fix it - a few people have reported this on the internet, but since most people aren't using the terminal services part of windows on a regular basis - they would never know it.
The fix was to load the 1.22 firmware, not the 1.23 that came with it. This REMOVES the 802.1X authentication tab (some type of shared radius key BS - if you want radius support, get a REAL wireless device) and it removes the 4X mode for the B+ series of wireless adapters (which I do not have anyway).
TO LOAD FIRMWARE: you would need to run either executable (one for MAC or the other for PC) OR use the web browser to upload the file (requires either java or activeX - not sure) because it opens up the "open file" dialog box - meaning - experimental browsers, like those in my beloved linux box - don't work well with this. ALSO - it states in no unclear terms DO NOT UPGRADE USING A WIRELESS LINK. Use a hard wired computer. I went from 1.23 to 1.22 and back and forth and so on testing this remote desktop issue.
FINAL FIX: load 1.23, hit the button to reset the router to the defaults, load 1.22, reboot, hit the button to reset the router to the defaults, then type all your configuration back in.
Why the crazy steps? If you loaded 1.23, typed ANYTHING in the boxes that aren't available in 1.22 - it remembers and will cause problems, even though that option isn't availble in 1.22 (I tried this - several times for fun). 1.23 -> load setup defaults -> load 1.22 -> load setup defaults -> configure.
Live without their crippled version of RADIUS (if you don't know what this is you don't need it) and who cares about the crappy 4X mode for the B+ stuff? Another marketing ploy anyway.
Bottom line - with some experimentation, I figured out the firmware thing. IT has worked BETTER than the linksys ever did (can we say firmware of the week?) and improved over the netgears I have used (you can print and not be disconnected from the internet - thanks a lot netgear).
4 stars because firmware is supposed to fix stuff, and their two listed updates should not have affected the RDP stuff in 2000/XP. But it did.

Click Here to see more reviews about: D-Link DI-714P+ Wireless Cable/DSL Router, 4-Port Switch, Prnt Server, 802.11b, 22Mbps

D-LINK DI-714P+ - The AirPlus Enhanced 2.4GHz Wireless Router combines next generation 802.11b Digital Signal Processing ( DSP ) technology from Texas Instruments with D-Link's own robust firewall security features, for simple installation and comprehensive management settings.Fully compatible with the IEEE 802.11b standard, and interoperable with all existing 802.11b compliant devicesSupports 64/128/256-bit WEP encryptionBuilt-In Print Server -Includes Parallel port to connect a printer, along with Windows based print server software applicationDimensions -1.3H x 6.5W x 9.25L; weighs about 2 poundsThree year limited warranty

Get 50% OFF

Click here for more information about D-Link DI-714P+ Wireless Cable/DSL Router, 4-Port Switch, Prnt Server, 802.11b, 22Mbps

Read More...

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

Average Reviews:

(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.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sabrent Wireless LAN 802.11n PCI Network 300 Mps Wi-Fi Card Adapter

Click here for more information about Sabrent Wireless LAN 802.11n PCI Network 300 Mps Wi-Fi Card Adapter

Read More...

Apple MA073LL/A AirPort Extreme Base Station Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have been using many wireless routers (Linksys, D-Link, SMC, Netgear, Siemens...) over the years, since the early days of 802.11b, but this is my first experience with an Apple router.
There is no need to comment on the manufacturing quality, design and packaging: in typical Apple fashion, they're miles ahead of the competition. For instance, unlike all the other routers I ever used that came with a 110v only power supply, the Airport Extreme Base Station (AEBS for short) comes with a universal worldwide power supply equipped with a standard power cord.
Performancewise, it is exceptional. I have been putting it through its paces over the past few days and it's barely breaking a sweat in situations where my previous routers (Linksys WRT54G and Netgear WGN824) would progressively get slower, or just plain crash and require a reboot. Coverage is excellent, better than my WGN824's which was already quite impressive.
Apple has traditionally be doing things differently, and it shows here again: unlike most routers, which are managed by accessing a built-in web server, this router can only be configured using the "Airport Utility" configuration program. The bundled CD contains a Mac OS X and a Windows version of the utility (I can already hear groans from the Linux geeks). The utility is extremely simple to use, although I haven't tried to use the more advanced features such as setting up another router like the Airport Express as a range extender.
One problem you might run into is the lack of support for "legacy" devices: although the AEBS offers a compatibility mode with WEP devices called "WEP (Transitional)" which lets WEP and WPA coexist, this mode imposes restrictions on the keys that may not work for you (for instance you won't be able to reuse an existing 40-bit WEP key). The problem is that WEP-40 and WEP-128 are not compatible with the 802.11n standard, so you have to choose between speed or full backwards compatibility. Also, you should know that WEP-40 and WEP-128 are not very secure: there are utilities out there that can crack these keys easily.
Note that 802.11n gives a significant speed boost to the AppleTV and laptops equipped with compatible cards (such as Apple's Core 2 Duo laptops with the 802.11n enabler installed -- you can find the enabler on the AEBS CD). Unless you own one of these machines, there is no harm in switching to a non-802.11n radio mode. How? Just hold the command key (or control on Windows) while clicking on the "Radio Mode" popup in the Wireless tab of the AEBS configuration utility. Extra, non-n modes appear in the list, and once one is selected the WEP-40 and WEP-128 modes become available under Security. If you select WEP-40 or WEP-128 security, you can enter a hex key by prefixing it with a dollar sign.
The AEBS also comes with a versatile USB port, which can be used to attach hard disks and/or a printer (USB hubs are supported). Unlike other base stations or NAS boxes, the AEBS does not require that you reformat the disk; all you have to do is plug it in and voilà! Instant NAS, all your files show up on the network. Some very basic access control features are provided. I plugged in the external USB drive I use to backup my MacBook, and now I can do automated backups without having to worry about remembering to plug in the drive: it just works wirelessly. The AEBS also lets you share a USB printer.
In conclusion, this router is a fantastic performer. Although it's one of the most expensive 802.11n routers out there, its feature set, build quality, performance and top-notch customer support more than make up for the price difference. I recommend it highly.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Apple MA073LL/A AirPort Extreme Base Station

Apple has updated its highly rated wireless router with faster speed, twice the range, a lower price, and wrapped it all up in a whole new design. The new AirPort Extreme Base Station now has extra Ethernet ports for making wired computer connections and/or sharing network printers. It even has a USBslot, for connecting a USB printer, external hard drive, or other USB device. Also, it works with both Mac and Windows machines.
About 802.11n AirPort Extreme Base Station is compatible with the 802.11n draft specification, the new, all-but-finalized (as of February, 2007) standard for wireless networking, or Wi-Fi. Apple says their 802.11n is up to five times faster than the currently ubiquitous 802.11g. It uses three discreet antennas that not only double its range over previous AirPort base stations, but allows up to 50 simultaneous connections. Unless you're an office manager, school principal or a cafe owner, you probably don't care about that much capacity. Still, it's nice to know you can, say, telecommute over the Internet while someone else in your household is streaming video without slowing each other down. Thankfully, AirPort Extreme is backward compatible with 802.11a/b/g devices. Apple does caution, however, that "speed and range will be less if an 802.11a/b/g product joins the network."

And while setting up a Wi-Fi network in your home can often be a confusing, frustrating experience, consumers have learned that Apple is adept at painlessly guiding even novice users quickly through a set-up process. Apple promises that their wizard will have you up, running, and secure in the time it takes to brew a cup of coffee. It offers WPA/WPA2 and 128-bit WEP encryption, as well as a built-in firewall, which helps protect you from Internet intruders.


Sharing Features One of the most interesting features of the new AirPort Extreme Base Station is its ability to turn almost any external USB hard drive into a network attached storage (NAS) device. Just plug the disk directly into the AirPort Extreme Base Station's USB port, and it will be accessible through the built-in file sharing capabilities of both Windows and OS X. The AirPort Disk Utility software helps you set up permissions and passwords, keeping the disk (or parts of it) inaccessible from others on your network. You can similarly turn a standard USB printer into a network printer. The AirPort Extreme Base Station only has one USB port, but you will be able to plug both of those devices and more in by using a separately sold USB hub. Like most wireless routers, AirPort Extreme Base Station lets you create a list of devices allowed to access your network. A new parental control feature in this router, though, lets you lock out specific devices, like a kid's computer, from connecting during certain hours of the day, such as after bed-time.

What's in the Box Apple MA073LL/A AirPort Extreme Base Station, AirPort Utility for Mac and Windows, AirPort Disk Utility for Mac and Windows, 802.11n Enabler for Mac, Bonjour for Windows, power cord, printed and electronic documentation.

Click here for more information about Apple MA073LL/A AirPort Extreme Base Station

Read More...

Apple Time Capsule MB765LL/A 1TB Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've owned the Apple Time Capsule 1TB model for several months now.
Pros:
1. Very large 1TB hard drive
2. Very fast WiFi connections
3. Easily sets up with your network (what Mac product doesn't?)
4. Much faster on my DSL network than the DSL wireless router I had previously connected
Cons:
1. Extremely SLOW data transfer. I'm not exaggerating when I say it took 15hrs to backup a wired connection with about 250gb of data to transfer...... wireless backup of that amount of data wasn't even reasonable, it was going to be several days.
2. I had wanted to use it for my iTunes library. To share my library on several devices when my Macbook was not available. Turns out the transfer speed is too slow for this purpose and I had to scratch that idea.
3. At times, it's been too slow to even use for Time Machine. The problem lies with the hard drive it seems since the wireless connection is extremely fast. Maybe there is some issue with the way the Time Capsule communicates with it's hard drive? I don't know, I only know it's painfully slow.
lf this can only be used as a wireless network hub and painfully slow backups, then there are better options out there. If Apple can somehow get this thing to work as advertised, then it might be worth a look. The way it is now... NOT RECOMMENDED!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Apple Time Capsule MB765LL/A 1TB

Time Capsule - 1TB

Click here for more information about Apple Time Capsule MB765LL/A 1TB

Read More...

NETGEAR WNR834B-100NAS Wireless N Router Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I doubt I have ever had as much indecision in arriving at what I consider to be the most appropriate star rating for any item I've reviewed. I do not claim to be a networking savant however I do have enough of a background that I felt confident that I could create a security-enabled network with only a moderate degree of frustration. And, if I thought through the process, I could have, but that blurb on the box about easy setup lured me in. Step one to achieving that objective would have been to dispense with any attempt to find documentation and then setting aside the resource CD. Even if you are acquainted with networking, just call technical support from the outset, endure the requisite hold time and allow the support personnel to walk you through the installation. Yes, telephone support is outsourced to India however my impression is in this instance they are quite helpful, probably from plenty of practice.
The 834B employs 802.11n draft standards and is backwards compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g as well as Ethernet connectivity. My installation utilizes "g" and Ethernet. Marketing documents claims include transmission speeds of up to 270Mbps and accommodation of security protocols WEP, WPA-PSK and WPA2-PSK. For some devices, security may be constrained to the base standard of WEP due to connectivity and wish I had known that before I started. In any event, with the protocol I finally ended up with, a passphrase of between 8-63 characters is required and clear definition of with security key to be used must be designated at Netgear's router configuration site. Obviously, one also has to select a network name, define a channel and hope for the best. And then do it all over again when that channel fails to be recognized and you are locked into local connectivity only. It's likely that you will have to go through search and seek scenario three times before success in realized, assuming the chosen security option is valid, the passphrase is correctly constructed and all of your devices are supported. The "Smart Wizard" interface from the CD will get you the site but from there you're pretty much on your own and the site itself is not very intuitive. So, as mentioned above, unless you are familiar with all of the nuances, sublimate the ego and just make the call. For me, the time I would have saved outweighs the satisfaction of completing the installation without assistance.

My ambiguity on the rating is predicated my experience in getting the network up and running. Thus far (3 months), I couldn't be more pleased with the hardware. I rate it 5 stars. I do not encounter any significant episodes of signal loss, line drops or disconnects. I have two PCs communicating via 3rd party wireless adapters and another linked by Ethernet to a Netgear access point/Bridge. For the same reason, I can't accurately estimate the broadcast range of the router exclusively, but for those who might be interested, the NETGEAR HD/Gaming 5 GHz Wireless-N Networking Kit (WNHDEB111) is impressive AND, easy to install on an existing network. The documentation and support material resident on the CD is near to worthless, I rate it "1" star because "0" is not an option. Customer Technical support rates "3" stars as the technicians seem to know their stuff but you will spend more than a few minutes on hold. So, I end up with an overall rating of "4" since in my view, the reliability of the hardware is the primary concern.


Click Here to see more reviews about: NETGEAR WNR834B-100NAS Wireless N Router

The NETGEAR WNR834B RangeMax Next Wireless-N 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 at speeds up to 270 Mbps. You can stream music and video, make internet phone calls, videoconference, and surf the web, all at the same time.
Easy Setup The WNR834B 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 WNR834B includes a stand for vertical placement.
The WNR834B employs a web-based interface for configuration for compatibility with any computer with a web browser. The firmware is also upgradeable via the web interface so you can be sure your router will always be up-to-date.
New Technology Means Blazing Speeds and Backwards Compatibility The WNR834B complies with the latest 802.11n draft specification which allows for speeds up to 270 Mbps. By utilizing MIMO (multiple-input, multiple-output) technology, the WNR834B has speed and range far surpassing the older 802.11g standard. The preset internal antennas ensure that the device is always tuned for optimal performance, and NETGEAR's Wi-Fi Multimedia technology optimizes audio, video, and voice applications.
If you still have computers that use 802.11g or 802.11b, don't fret as the router is backwards compatible with the older wireless standards and can be set so all your computers can connect to the network. The WNR834B will automatically figure out the connection type and work accordingly.
The router also has four RJ-45 Ethernet ports in the back for connecting computers to the network via a wired connection.
Security Made Easy The WNR834B offers many security options to ensure your data is private. Double firewall protection keeps your network shielded from outside attacks. It also prevents Denial of Service (DoS) attacks.
NETGEAR's Touchless WiFi Security makes it quick and easy to set up network security on a WiFi network by asking for a passphrase from the user. The WNR834B supports WiFi Protected Access (WPA2-PSK, WPA-PSK), and 64-bit and 128-bit WEP encryption for 802.11b/g networks. Additionally, you can set security through MAC address authentication, allowing only authorized users onto the network.
Repeater Mode The router can be set in repeater mode which allows you to use it to extend the range of an existing wireless network.
The NETGEAR WNR834B RangeMax Next Wireless-N Router is backed by a 1-year warranty.
What's in the Box WNR834B RangeMax Next Wireless-N Router, power adapter, Ethernet cable, stand, setup CD, warranty/support information card.

Click here for more information about NETGEAR WNR834B-100NAS Wireless N Router

Read More...

Apple MB763LL/A AirPort Extreme Dual-band Base Station Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Hi All,
True to my gadget envy, I acquired one of these dual band extreme base stations to see if they held up to the hype. Sure enough, Apple has improved an old mediocre product with a new more powerful hardware engine and improved software abilities.
Features:
802.11 A/B/G/N DUAL Band radios at 2.4ghz and 5ghz simultaneously.
Gigabit Ethernet ports 1x Wan and 3x Lan.
Guest wireless network.
Disk sharing via USB connected drive.
Access to shared disk via MobileMe (apple mobile me subscribers on os x).
The box comes with the router, the power cord, software cd, and documentation....limited documentation.
Time to test.
Setup: Setup of an apple base station is unlike any other in that you cannot access the setup portal via your web browser. You must install the Apple Airport utility (both mac and windows) in order to set the router up. The software is built very well and provides the typical ease of use known to MAC users. You simply walk through a setup wizard and define simple options for your internet connection, your wireless network, etc, etc. NOTE: When setting up your wireless networks you are able to hit the options button so that you can define a 5ghz network as well (example, main wireless network called wifi, the 5ghz is called wifi (5ghz)). Very easy to setup and get going. You are also able to easily define a SECURED (wpa/wpa2) guest wireless network....which simply means that if you have a visitor they can use wi-fi but not get to any of the computers on your home network. Very Secure....and a great feature to boot.
I was using the old Apple Base Station and kept switching between it and a d-link wireless n router.... I got one of these primarily due to dual band and guest access.
Yes, there are other routers out there that can do this for a bit of a lower cost...but the elegance of the Apple Airport Utility make this a router that can be setup without too much hassle. The software will also identify problems in the setup and have you correct them before it uploads them to the router. These abilities alone make this a router for the non-geeks to be able to setup a robust networking environment at home.
Wireless: As I mentioned before, I am comparing this to an older model apple base station that was single band and worked in the N range. Also compared this against a D-Link DIR-655 which is a 2.4ghz Wireless N router. The section on speed below will detail my wireless experience.
Speed: I have Comcast cable modem service which gives me about 15-25mbps down and 2mbps up....I live in an area where there are probably 5-10 subscribers...so my speed is generally GREAT and never experiences a slow down. The first thing I do when I play with a new router is do a speed test....the new base station is comparable to the others and gets the same exact download/upload speeds over ethernet. There is one exception....using the wireless on this unit yielded BETTER results then the older model and the d-link. Normally when doing a speed test over wireless I get about 12-15mbps and 2mbps up....with this router I was able to successfully hit the 20mbps mark and 2mbps UP. WIN WIN!!!! So I figured that this may be an anomaly and thus proceeded to test a download from Microsoft - a 3.4gb file - which normally downloads anywhere between 900kpbs and 1.2mbps. Surprise.....with the new base station I stayed at 1.3mbps and it did not hiccup even once. The same was true when downloading via a wireless connection, albeit the speed was 1.0mbps....faster then I have ever gotten before. WIN WIN again!
Disk Sharing - Not much to be said here...I attached a Western Digital USB hard drive 320gb and shared it. You simply go into the Airport Utility software and setup sharing of the hard drive and define which password should be used. You can either use the password for the router or setup a separate password to use with Disk Sharing. Speed is dependent upon wired or wireless. I tested while transferring 3 files...one was 2mb one was 100mb and one was a 2.5gb file. The two mb file of course went over before I could blink...the 100mb transferred over in about 3-4 minutes...the 2.5gb took about 15 minutes. The first transfer test was with ETHERNET connectivity. I did the same tests over wireless and found that the times doubled...naturally since wireless is a bit slower I expected that and had no issue with the times.
Mobile-Me - I have not tested the mobile me features just yet but will be testing them in the days ahead and post my results here.
So far I feel this router has hit perfection and will now find a permanent spot in my home...at least until something better hits.
Please do leave me comments with suggestions on the review and or any questions you may have.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Apple MB763LL/A AirPort Extreme Dual-band Base Station

The sleek, easy-to-use AirPort Extreme Base Station with simultaneous dual-band support is the perfect wireless access point for home, school, or small business. It offers fast, 802.11n Wi-Fi access for Mac computers, PCs, and Wi-Fi devices such as iPhone, iPod touch, and Apple TV.

Click here for more information about Apple MB763LL/A AirPort Extreme Dual-band Base Station

Read More...

NETGEAR WMB521NA 802.11b Wireless Kit for Notebooks Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have to say, I was a little concerned about this product after reading about some of the difficulties other buyers have experienced. I was also a bit nervous about installing it myself, since I am not what you would call a computer expert.
From Day One after installing it, though, I have been impressed. It gets fantastic range throughout my entire house, even through walls and heavy, metal objects. Signal strength on my computers is almost always between 90-100%, and has NEVER dipped below 73%.
As for the network installation itself, it was easy and took a total of about an hour (and that includes installation and configuration of wireless cards on 2 computers).
And you can't beat the price on this thing. I highly recommend this and other Netgear wireless network products.

Click Here to see more reviews about: NETGEAR WMB521NA 802.11b Wireless Kit for Notebooks

NETGEAR's Wireless Router and PC Card Kit offers the speeds of 802.11b and the convenience of a getting a NETGEAR Wireless Router (MR814) and Wireless PC Card (MA521) at the same time. Our standards-based 802.11b wireless products allow you to be connected to your network through your notebook PC from just about anywhere in your home or office. These easy-to-install, 11 Mbps, 2.4 GHz wireless products give you an always on, always connected wireless network.NETGEAR's MR814 Wireless Router, winner of Cnet's Editor's Choice award, is an easy-to-use device that comes with four wired ports for connecting any combination of four computers or printers. You can also connect up to sixteen users wirelessly using 802.11b or 802.11g clients. With the MR814, you can share one broadband connection for high-speed Web surfing and file sharing. And Setup is quick and easy with NETGEAR's Smart Wizard you'll be up and running in fewer than five clicks. With its best-in-class security features the MR814 monitors user activity with logging and e-mail alerts, and provides URL filtering controls.

Get 67% OFF

Click here for more information about NETGEAR WMB521NA 802.11b Wireless Kit for Notebooks

Read More...