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.

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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.

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Cisco-Linksys WGA11B Wireless-B Game Adapter Review

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(More customer reviews)Okay, first of all I'm hot on linksys (see my other reviews). I used to do network stuff for a living - don't anymore, but I have always been impressed with Linksys (compared to Netgear, DLink and Microsoft) for the consumer market. Their stuff is by and large (prosumer) - it has some good pro features without having to be a rocket scientist to configure the thing. Now that Cisco owns them - it's even a better deal as Cisco has been putting some nice features into all of linksys's products. While the tech support guys at linksys all need an attitude adjustment (they are a surley bunch) - the products often don't require tech support... so I suppose it is a good-news, bad-news, kind of thing...
But this sucker was PLUG AND PLAY for all intensive purposes. There are a few things, however, I think people should know in order to set this up:
a) You probably want to turn off all WEP and MAC filters. You can turn them back on once you get the sucker id'ed on the network and talking... but for now, leave it off.
b) You probably want to turn ON your SSID (again, makes it easier for the thing to install out of the box.)
c) You probably want to know what your broadcast frequency is on your WAP. If you are using a linksys WAP it is found on the admin screen regarding security. You need to look for the broadcast ID channel (default is six). That is the channel you want to tune the WGA11B. However, what I really recommend that people do is avoid "ad hoc" mode entirely and set the WGA to In mode (looks kind of like 1n on the WGA display) - this is infrastructure mode. Infrastructure mode is what you want to use if you are using a broadcasting router/switch/bridge access point (like the linksys Wireless-B, G, WAP11, etc.)
d) Make sure you know what type of cable you are using to connect it. The cable that comes with the broadcast bridge unit (the WGA) is actually a CROSSOVER cable. This was a bit surprising to me (not that they are hard to make, just, you rarely ever get one from someone - you always wind up making them). You'll know you have the switch in the right position when the WAN light (the little symbol that looks like a circle with two lines in it) lights up GREEN.
e) If you are not already, I'd set up DHCP for the moment. The bridge is default configured to try and connect via DHCP. If you don't have DHCP configured, I don't know what it is going to try to do default IP static (probably 192.176.1.1 if it is like other linksys products). Save yourself the headache and do DHCP.
Okay - otherwise, this sucker is easy as pie to set up. Plug it in to your LAN adapter (I have PS2 so it is a little box on the back of the game thing - don't know about Xbox). Then plug the cord into the WGA. Turn the WGA on and set it to the channel of your WAP. It should start talking IMMEDIATELY. If not - you have done something wrong.
The CD for the PC is interesting. Like most linksys products - it looks nice and is full featured. You won't need the CD for configuring the WGA unless you plan on using WEP.
The infrastucture mode is really fast. I must say that I play online alot.... and this connection point on PS2 shows virtually no lag. I don't know what Sony did via their gaming networks - but this sucker runs QUICK. Like I said, virtually no lag.
The real bummer is that about 99% of the games out there are not multiplayer yet. The ones that are, however, are really fun to play. I play MOH:RS, Desert II, and a few others online. The games are quick paced. To really take advantage of it, however, you might want to go "full bore" and invest in a USB headphone/mic set so you can "talk to people". Also, the USB keyboard might be a nice feature too... although I don't have that...
I've seen quite a few game adapters out there (do a search on Amazon - you will see). This is the best one I've seen for the money.
One last thing - I'd forget "Wireless G" adapaters. Again, unless your connection is like a T3 line straight to the house (which 99% of most people do not have) - you're only as fast as your smallest connection - which is likely to be the ADSL/Cable router connection. Comcast is 3MB - which I NEVER get (even burst inside Comcast's net). So B is MORE than enough bandwidth. I heard some guy at Best Buy trying to talk up a Wireless-G adapter saying he would get "better performance" - and while that is true.. it's like putting brand new wheels on a car with an underpowered engine... yeah, it will look better... but it won't go faster.
See you out there...

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The LINKSYS WGA11B Wireless-B Game Adapter gives any wired Ethernet equipped game console wireless connection capability. If you have an existing home wireless network with a cable or DSL Internet connection, the Game Adapter lets your PlayStation, XBOX, or GameCube attach to the network so you can get into online games without running wires to the game room. Or, you can use a pair of Game Adapters to form a "cable-less cable" between two game consoles for head-to-head gaming -- in the same room, or all the way across the house!

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Linksys SM01 Wall Mount and Stacking Bracket (package of one Bracket) Review

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(More customer reviews)Had no problems for the most part with these brackets. Some reviewers were concerned about the brackets not fitting some linksys swithces and routers. This is true for the small ones like the EXXS88W 8-port switch. For those you have to use the little notches built into the bracket, which are not that deep and if your wall mounting the switch could fall off. For the larger Linksys routers like the WRT54G it works perfectly.

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Linksys SM01 Stacking/Wall Mount Bracket 10 Pack.

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Belkin 200 Mbps Powerline 3-Port Adapter (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)This worked better for me than my wireless but wasn't as good has hardwired. I did several test of transferring a 101MB file from one PC to another on my LAN. I had one PC upstairs on my 2nd level and one PC on my ground level. The two outlets I used for the Belkin 200 Mbps Powerline 3-Port Adapter were on a different circuit breaker (I never did do speed test on the same breaker to compare those speeds). When using the Belkin 200 Mbps Powerline 3-Port Adapter it averaged transferring this file across my LAN in around 30 seconds, so around 3.4 MB/s or (27.2 Mbps). The highest transfer speed I saw in my test was 5.0 MB/s (or 40 Mbps). As you can see nowhere near the claimed 200 Mbps. I also tested copying this same file over my wireless network using a linksys wrt54gs router and linksys wpc54gs wireless PCMCIA card. The wireless connection averaged transferring the 101MB file in about 1 minutes 15 seconds, so around 1.3 MB/s (or 10.4 Mbps). The highest transfer speed I saw in my test over wireless was 2.3 MB/s or 18.4 Mbps. When I transferred this 101MB file over a hardwired LAN cable it averaged at about 17 seconds, so around 6.0 MB/s (or 48 Mbps). I forgot to check the highest transfer rate I saw in this test. I also tested copying over a large file of 1.54GB on my LAN with the Belkin 200 Mbps Powerline 3-Port Adapter and did see a better average time with transferring this larger file. I averaged copying this file in 5 minutes and 54 seconds, so about 4.4 MB/s (or 35.2 Mbps). I bought this device to connect to my PS3, and it has worked well for me so far. I also have PS3 Media Server installed on one of my PC's upstairs and it is able to stream video to my PS3 downstairs rather well, something the wireless connection I was using previous to buying the Belkin Adapter struggled with sometimes. I can now stream HD content from my media center PC from upstairs to my PS3. Another big plus is that I didn't have to drill any holes in the walls to run a LAN cable downstairs.

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If you need multiple ultra-high-speed network connections in the farthest reaches of your home, the Belkin Powerline AV+ Starter Kit is just what you've been looking for. This kit includes everything you need to create three network connections that provide data speeds of up to 200 Mbps using your home's existing electrical wiring.
Create a Small Office in Your Attic With the Belkin Powerline AV+ Starter Kit, you can send high-bandwidth content from the Internet to computers and network devices all over your home through the electrical wiring in your house. This kit lets you convert any electrical outlet in your home into three network connections.

This kit is the perfect solution for setting up an office with multiple network devices. For instance, if you'd like to set up a work space in the attic or another room where a wireless signal is weak, the Powerline AV+ makes networking simple. You don't need to drill holes to extend Ethernet cable, and you won't have to worry about the slow data speeds and intermittent dropouts that weak wireless connections are plagued with. Additionally, unlike wireless connections, the Powerline network connection isn't affected by factors such as cordless telephones and other wireless interference.

There is no performance penalty that comes with the convenience of the Powerline AV; data speeds along at up to 200 Mbps, meaning it can handle even heavy Internet usage, such as downloading and streaming music and video files, playing online games, and making VoIP phone calls, all without any lag time or hiccups.

Enhanced Security Keeps Out Snoopers There is no need to worry about security either; with 128-bit DES link encryption, the Powerline AV ensures that your information is safe and secure from intruders. Since the information is all transferred with wires, hackers can't simply sniff your information out of the air, as they easily can with insecure wireless connections.

Simple Plug-and-Play Setup Setup is as simple as plugging one adapter into a wall outlet and connecting it into your router, and then plugging the other adapter into an outlet where you need multiple network connections. This kit includes two adapters: one adapter has a single port to connect to your cable modem, and the second adapter has three ports so you can create multiple network connections. If you have need for another connection, just purchase an additional adapter.

The Belkin Powerline AV+ is HomePlug AV certified, can coexist with HomePlug 1.0, and is compliant with 802.3/802.3u standards. It is backed by a lifetime warranty.

What's in the Box Two Powerline Networking Adapters (one single-port, one three-port), two Ethernet cables, two power cords, two wall plug adapters, quick installation guide, and CD-ROM with installation software and user manual.



Belkin Powerline AV with Amazon Video on DemandWith Amazon Video on Demand, you can instantly watch thousands of movies and TV shows online. Now, instead of watching videos on your computer, you can stream it to your home theater for a premium viewing experience. To get the best streaming video quality, update your home theater and home network by adding Belkin Powerline AV to your Amazon Video on Demand. Belkin Powerline offers the best bandwidth and fastest speeds for the ultimate video experience in your home--even in HD. Belkin Powerline is simple to install and faster than any wireless connection--just plug it in and instantly connect to the Internet. Use Powerline to stream high quality video to cable boxes, TiVo, or gaming consoles and show Amazon Video on Demand programs in your home theater as well as any other TV or computer in your home.

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Cisco SD205 5-port 10/100 Switch Review

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(More customer reviews)This Linksys SD205 switch rules. First, its mesmerizing because its the same size as the Ipod. Second, it does what its advertised such as connecting other computers together and most importantly, it regenerates signal. I was seriously considering buying a repeater, but they cost a couple hundred dollars. Technically, a hub is supposed to do the same thing but who wants that passive crap. The signal in my network started to attenuate and needed regeneration. This badboy fixed it and its back to full strength. I highly recommend this product if you are needing a component to branch out your network.

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This newly-redesigned Linksys 5-Port 10/100 Switch can significantly increase your network traffics speed. A switch serves the same function as a hub in a network design -- tying your network equipment together. But unlike a simple-minded hub which divides the networks bandwidth among all the attached devices, a switch delivers full network speeds at each port. Installing this cost-effective 5-Port 10/100 Switch can potentially increase your network speed by five times. It is the perfect way of integrating 10Mbps Ethernet and 100Mbps Fast Ethernet devices, too. All five ports are auto speed negotiating, and have automatic MDI/MDI-X crossover detection, so you dont have to worry about the cable type. Each port independently negotiates for best speed and half- or full-duplex mode, for up to 200Mbps of bandwidth per port.

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

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(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.

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The Dell TrueMobile 2300 Wireless Broadband Router is an 802.11b/g wireless access point with a built-in Internet router. Connecting to an xDSL or cable modem, this Broadband Router can offer both wired and wireless computers simultaneous access to the Internet. The router supports IEEE 802.11b/g standards, providing fast data transfer at up to 54 Mbps. You can share printers, scanners and other devices among multiple computer systems in the home or small office. The TrueMobile 2300 can be configured as an Internet router, Wireless hub (access point), a 4-port Ethernet switch or as an Ethernet bridge. It supports up to 16 wireless users. Featuring 64/128 bit WEP and WPA encryption, the router ensures that your data is protected. Intuitive, easy-to-follow setup wizard makes installation of the router easy.

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Netgear WGU624 Double 108 Mbps Wireless A+G Router Review

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(More customer reviews)I am a very experienced information technology professional. I wanted to upgrade my old SMC 7004 since my 13 year old decided to step on it and break off one of the antenna stalks. I went for this beauty because of specs and looks.
I downloaded the latest firmware (.11) and flashed it before doing anything else.
I did not have any problem configuring it since the browser interface is pretty straight forward. I have PPPoE with Verizon DSL and use 64 bit WEP since I don't want to have to configure all my wireless bridges around the house. I had it up and running in less than 5 minutes and I had Internet connectivity as well as brand new DHCP leases on every laptop and over every wireless bridge except for one laptop still running an old SMC2635W PCMCIA 11b card. The throughput was pretty decent for the 11b/g side and phenomenal on the 11a side. It gave a very strong signal on my back porch, way better than the 7004.
This euphoria lasted about 20 minutes. Since then, it has decided to drop connection to the Internet, drop DHCP, drop connectivity and behave in a very erratic manner.
I have been resetting it at least once every few hours for the last three days. I am getting so frustrated that I want to open the window and chuck it out.
Needless to say It is going back today.
Shame on you Netgear.

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As networking technology continues to evolve, the needs for a wireless network continue to expand, be it in the home or office. A home user may find his existing Wi-Fi wireless network inadequate for transferring movies and home video files to his notebook PC, as there is too much interference from other networks, or the speed is just not sufficient. The NETGEAR WGU624 Double 108 Mbps Wireless Router operates in either of two 108 Mbps modes, similar to having 2 networks in one product. The first 108 Mbps mode is compliant with standard 802.11g, while the second is an 802.11a network free from interference by other wireless traffic such as microwave ovens and cordless phones, and thus ideal for applications such as video streaming.

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Cisco-Linksys WET200 Wireless-G Business Ethernet Bridge Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is an excellent wireless bridge. I have it communicating with a Linksys WAP54G running WPA2-PSK to connect an "island" of wired computers to my main network wirelessly. The WET200 includes 5 10/100 ports, so you can connect several computers, a printer, etc. to your network.
The WET200 passes NETBIOS traffic, so Windows file and print sharing work fine. The WET200 also passes DHCP traffic, so you don't have to assign static IP addresses to the devices you plug in. This is especially handy for me because I sometimes have guests who bring their laptops, but those laptops cannot get onto my wireless network (usually because they don't support WPA2). With the WET200, they can just plug in to an unused port and they are instantly on the network.
The bridge features are quite advanced -- more than I need. It is a real learning bridge, not a dumb repeater. It supports VLANs, QoS, Spanning Tree protocol, etc. The good news is you don't have to worry about any of this if you don't need the advanced features. The WET200 comes configured from the factory with sensible defaults.
Setup and installation was a breeze. I followed the quick set-up instructions and was up and running within a few minutes.
At this price point, the WET200 is a steal.

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The Linksys WET200 Wireless Bridge seamlessly bridges separate Ethernet networks together wirelessly and is ideal for small businesses with offices and resources that are in different office suites of a building or a closely adjacent building. The WET200 is a Power over Ethernet (PoE) end device so it can be installed anywhere an Ethernet cable can be run if there is not ready access to a power outlet. PoE enables delivery of both data and power to the WET200. An AC adapter is also included if the device installation site has a power outlet nearby.

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Cisco-Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router with SRX200 (WRT54GX2) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have had pretty good success with Linksys products in the past and I would consider myself an above average user. So when I read some negative feedback about this product I figured it was just some user configuration issues. Was I wrong!!!
It wireless fuction worked off and on for a couple of weeks before I exchanged the model at the store. The second model had the same problem. During my 2 months of dealing with this nightmare I must have spent 30 to 40 hours on the phone with tech support. The first time I was on hold for over 3 hours. I had to reexplain the issues to tech support each time (you would think they could just read the case notes!!). EVERY time they asked if I was using a Linksys adapter card or if I was running WPA security. Each time I politely explanined that I did not have a Linksys card and that I would like to run WPA because the box, literature and website all said the device was backwards compatible with any b/g device and that it supported WPA. I finally gave up and turned off all security features and I still had the same problem.

Do not buy this router!! The frustration that is involved if it does not work with an internal Intel wireless card is unbelievable. And the tech support is all done from India, which is fine, but there is a real language barrier sometimes.

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WLS G SRX200 RTR MIMO W/ 4 PT SWCH

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D-Link DWL-1000AP 11Mb Wireless LAN Access Point 802.11b Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Products Tested: D-Link DWL-1000AP 11Mb Wireless LAN Access Point 802.11b D-Link DWL-650 11Mb Wireless PCMCIA LAN Network Card 802.11b vs. Linksys WAP11 - Instant Wireless Network Access Point Linksys WPC11 - Instant Wireless Network PC Card
Computer Hardware: Laptop: Dell Inspiron 600mhz, W2k Network: NT 4.0 Server, W2K Server Switches: 3Com and Linksys
Quality: After working with dlink first, linksys blew away dlink on the feel of quality and workmanship. As we all know, these components are so miniaturized that they could put them into any light-weight enclosure. dlink chose the light packaging approach....feels "cheap." linksys chose the mid-weight package...you feel as if it has higher quality...and you got something for your $250-300! linksys chose the dual antenna design over the single on the dlink. Technically, I am not sure if it is better but the actual reception really is... These are subjective and personal factors but for most, it makes a difference.
Ease of Use: From the documentation, to the support, to the software, it is really apparent dlink cut costs everywhere and with things they shouldn't. The setup is extremely confusing, the software is buggy...really, and the docs are horrible. In my manual, every other page did not have printing on it...quality control missed this! Linksys...even though I had to use the USB setup at first (dlink does not have a USB port on their access unit), the configuration was simple. The docs actually explained the parameters on the configuration screens. Once I set the IP address to one recognized on my network (I am not using DHCP), I used the linksys SNMP configuration tool to set and adjust the other parameters. I have a laptop. When using the wireless network card on the dlink, if you eject the card, the next time you re-insert the card, it does not remember your setting. You have to go back and set the parameters in order to get the card to function again. I called dlink tech support on this...on hold forever, hung up, and no call back...even when they asked and I left my mobile number, just in case... On the linksys, when I re-inserted the wireless card, it remembered the setting.
Service and Usability: Both products have a signal and quality meter in their utilities. One important note...the distance specs on both of these products (I think the 802.11b category overall) are NOT accurate. Inside of your home and through walls, etc., expect much less. How much less...you need to try it out to be sure. If you have line of sight to the access unit, these distances will go up. I mounted the access unit in my living room, on top of the entertainment center. I chose this location b/c it had the best reception. With the dlink, in the master bedroom (through one wall!), I was *barely* able to use the network...0-40 on the signal meter. On one occasion, once the dlink card lost the network, I could not get back on?? The total distance to the access unit was 30ish feet. With linksys, my signal was consistent at 40-60...once or twice is dipped to 20-30 but came right back up. I also tried a configuration with the dlink access unit and linksys card. They did work together but I could not improve the signal quality. I concluded that the dlink access unit was one of the problems. When I used the dlink wireless card, several times my computer shut down automatically??
Overall: Save tons of time and money...just buy the linksys system...access point and cards. Linksys is priced well and makes a quality offering. It is very clear to me that dlink is just focused on price and cutting their cost.

Click Here to see more reviews about: D-Link DWL-1000AP 11Mb Wireless LAN Access Point 802.11b

The D-Link DWL-1000AP is an IEEE 8.02.11b-compliant, 11 Mbps wirelessEthernet access point designed for use in office and home environments. Itoperates in 2.4 GHz direct-sequence spread spectrum (DSSS), which providestransparent bridging and roaming capabilities to wireless nodes at ranges up to100 meters indoors and 300 meters outdoors. The DWL-1000AP supports Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), MAC address control, anduser authentication to ensure a secure network connection. When connected to anEthernet LAN, the DWL-1000AP automatically identifies the IP of the host PC aswell as the subnet. In addition, the IP address of the DWL-1000AP can bemanually assigned. The bandwidth data transmission rate can be set automaticallyusing the dynamic auto-sensing configuration or set manually to 11, 5.5, 2, or 1Mbps. You can manage the DWL-1000AP remotely with its access point manager software,which can be installed on Microsoft Windows 95 OSR2, 98, 98SE, NT 4.0, Me, and2000.

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Cisco-Linksys WUSB54G Wireless-G USB Adapter Review

Average Reviews:

(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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Western Digital WD Livewire Powerline AV Network Kit Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)WD's Livewire Powerline little boxes allow for high-speed data flow over your residence's electrical wiring with ZERO setup - something that would have been viewed as a miracle or an impossibility only a few years ago. Anyone (such as myself) who currently relies on 'wireless' to connect various devices could use Livewire Powerline for those networked appliances that either can't connect wirelessly (many Bluray players and TV sets) or a high bandwidth channel is needed to stream HD content.
Before making a 'buy' decision, it is important to understand that Livewire will NOT significantly improve 'Internet' performance unless your ISP provides you with a very large bandwidth. If your Wi-Fi router supports 802.11g, you will get an average throughput of 22 Mbit/s which is more than most ISP can provide for Internet bandwidth. In other words, your Wi-Fi router should usually handle whatever the Internet may throw at you with some room to spare and whether you get your ISP's 10 Mbit/s data stream over at 22 Mbit/s from Wi-Fi or at 200 Mbit/s from Livewire Powerline it's still... 10 Mbit/s or close. On the other hand, streaming form your media server at will make all the difference in the world when compared with your Wi-Fi throughput.WHO NEEDS IT?
To summarize, you will BENEFIT from Liverwire Powerline when:
- You stream from YOUR media server
- Have some Internet-ready device that does not support Wi-Fi and your home is not 'wired' for Ethernet
- You have a big house or for whatever reason Wi-Fi can't reach some specific device or the reception is poor
- You have a VERY HIGH bandwidth Internet connection
You will NOT BENEFIT from Liverwire Powerline to connect to the Internet via a 'normal' broadband link and, of course, if your house is already wired for Ethernet.MY EXPERIENCE
To evaluate WD's Livewire Powerline I decided that I will first try it without reading the manual (a .pdf) or installing whatever software came on CD. To my surprise, I was able to set it all up and get it running in a few minutes. Still haven't looked at the CD.
In the box you find the 2 little (literally) identical Liverwire Powerline boxes, 2 power cords and 2 short (too short) Ethernet wires. And... yes a CD that should have some software that you COULD install and use if you had trouble setting things up. The boxes have 4 RJ-45 (not phone jacks) ports, an On/Off switch set to On by default (no need to ever set it to off) and some little lights that blink whenever there is data traffic.My setup and installation proceeded as follows:
- I connected the power cords to the boxes
- On each of the 2 boxes I connected one end of the Ethernet wires to one port on the box
- I placed one of the boxes near my router in the basement and connected the other end of the Ethernet wire to one of the router's ports
- I plugged the power cord into a wall outlet - must NOT plug it into a power strip or surge protector, it MUST go directly into the wall outlet
- I attached the Ethernet wire of the other box to my PS3 upstairs
- I plugged this box's power cord into the wall outlet
Once the above was done, I turned on my PS3 and set it to use the 'wired' connection. It recognized it within seconds and I was pleased to see the Internet test indicating an 8.2 Mbit/s, better than the 5.6 Mbit/s I had over the Wi-Fi. But that was not all. The big improvement was when I played a video off the media server located in the basement: flawlessly playing our 720p home videos over the new connection vs. choppy before over Wi-Fi.
As expected, the PS3 benefited but only to a small degree when it came to the Internet stream - it did benefit because the Wi-Fi signal strength was only 63% - and it benefited tremendously when media streaming was between in-house devices.
With 4 RJ-45 ports available, I am considering now getting a dedicated Blu-ray player and will not have to specifically seek one that had Wi-Fi built-in.MY EVALUATION
As far as I am concerned (see my experience notes above) Livewire Powerline is in many ways the perfect gadget. It does its magic, it does it well and 'the rest of us' don't need to bother with manuals or spend hours on hold with tech support - WD does provide a tech support phone number and a Web site if you get yourself into trouble.
I do not expect not think about this device again until I get my Blu-ray player. Like my Linksys router, I expect it to sit there, largely forgotten and gathering dust behind the entertainment center and do its job without me worrying about it at all. Which makes it perfect. And the price is not that bad either.
_________________________________
NOTE: WD claims that this will allow you to stream HD on your home network. This is true but be aware that not all HDs are equal. You will NOT be able to stream Blu-ray quality 1080p with 7.1 uncompressed sound - you will need 'Gigabit Ethernet' for that. You should have no problem streaming 720p with 2 channel stereo sound, which is what you are likely to produce as a 'home' video.
NOTE 2: I only tested with 2 boxes but I know of at least one person (my boss actually) who has 4 such boxes (an older model) in his house and happens to be very happy with the setup.
NOTE 3: See a discussion on my statement that "you will NOT be able to stream Blu-ray quality 1080p with 7.1 uncompressed sound" in the 'comments' sections of this review.

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Wd livewire powerline av network kit extends the internet to any room using your home's electrical outlets. stream the highest quality hd video, play games, and transfer files within the home or over the internet using secure and reliable high-speed connections. get the performance of a wired network without running wires.

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T-Mobile Linksys RJ-11 Router - Wireless router - 4-port switch - 802.11b/g - VoIP phone adapter - desktop - T-Mobile Review

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(More customer reviews)T-Mobile sent this unit to me for use with their "AtHome" service. Setup is pretty straightforward, plug in your SIM card, notify T-Mobile so they can activate it (arrange for 911 location service), plug in your RJ-11 phone and you're in business.
You get a nice landline phone with a dial-tone, clear connection, rj-11 plug for any standard kind of phone, 911 service, etc. However, there are two BIG problems.
The first is that the RJ-11 interface is a very low power one. In other words, it will only power one phone at the most -and even that phone must use very little landline power or it will cause problems where you suddenly find yourself without service. Originally I tried connecting two phones to the unit with a splitter. The ring voltage on the Linksys is not enough to power two ringing phones. As a result, if a call comes in the phones will not ring properly and cause a power loss that messes up the router, dropping it's connection to the internet and disabling your phone service until you give it a restart. Even if you have only one phone, it better not have a loud ringer or a lighted keypad or you'll have similar problems. I ended up having to shell out an extra $300 for a ring & line voltage booster (from Viking). I now have 4 phones connected without issue.
The other problem is Wifi range. My original router was a Netgear which I was very happy with. In order to use the AtHome service I have to replace my old router & Wifi with this Linksys. The Netgear used to give me 4 full bars all over my house where with the Linksys, I can only get two bars if I'm anything over 20 feet away from it. I tried connecting a better antenna which only slightly helped. Wifi output power is simply too low (and unlike other Wifi devices, the Linksys doesn't offer configuration settings to increase or decrease transmit power).
Cisco/Linksys would have saved a lot of people a lot of aggravation if they only designed the thing with a little more power from the get go.
T-Mobile's At Home service is a decent value until you add in all the time, effort and additional equipment needed to make it work properly. They require a two year commitment and I have to say at this point I'm sorry I ever signed up for it.


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Use existing wired or cordless phone number / T-mobile voice mail / 3-way conference / Caller ID / Call waiting / Call forward / Call return Increased Clarity/Enhanced Security Handset Speakerphone LCD Display Backlit Keypad 50 Station Name/Number Caller ID Memory 50 Station Phone Directory/Dialer Conferencing Wireless Network Friendly Selectable Ringtones Adjustable Handset Volume Control Handset to Handset Intercom Handset to Handset Call Transfer Handset Locator/Paging Last Number Redial Mute 2.5mm Headset Jack Trilingual Menu Support (English / Spanish / French) Voicemail Key

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Cisco-Linksys Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router WRT54GC Review

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(More customer reviews)I was thinking of purchasing an Airport Express module, but purchased this instead. It has a lower price, similar size, and a built-in 4-port switch which won me over. It was easy to configure using Safari and it's built-in setup wizard (no software needs to be installed). I got a strong signal on my Powerbook (4 bars on the Airport signal).
It offers WEP, WPA, and WPA2 security. Plus you can define specific times of day the WiFi is active as well as specific computers which can access your network (handy when you are at work and want to make sure no one is piggybacking your WiFi signal). I also connected my PS2 and Vonage VoIP module and everything works flawlessly. I'm a typical Mac user who is used to easy setup and good looking equipment and I'm pleasantly surprised at this Linysys product!

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Compact all-in-one Internet-sharing Router, 4-port Switch, and 54Mbps Wireless-G Access Point. Almost 5 times faster than 802.11b, but can also interoperate with any 802.11b device (at 11Mbps).The Linksys Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router is really three devices in one small box.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.Finally, the Router function ties it all together and lets your whole network share a high-speed cable or DSL Internet connection.Once your computers are connected to the Router and the Internet, they can communicate with each other too, sharing a printer, digital music, picture and document files, and multi-player or on-line games.To protect your data and privacy, the Wireless-G Broadband Router can encode all wireless transmissions with WEP or industrial-strength WPA Personal encryption.The Router can serve as a DHCP Server, has a powerful SPI firewall to protect your PCs against intruders and most known Internet attacks, and supports VPN pass-through.Configuration is a snap with the web browser-based configuration utility.And the tiny form factor fits any home or desktop.With the Linksys Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router at the center of your home or office network, you can share a high-speed Internet connection, files, printers, and multi-player games with the flexibility, speed, and security you need!

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U.S. Robotics USR8022 Wireless Cable/DSL Router (22 Mbps) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have been using this router over a month now and it has not given me one single problem in terms of network connection. The wireless range is far much better than the SMC Barricade 7004AWBR. I initially bought the SMC 7004AWBR because it has been out on the market much longer and most people have given thumbs up to it. But it literally keeps locking up on me when I tried to transfer a 120MB file from one computer to another over the wired connection. The U.S. Robotics, however, never gave me one single problem. The setup was fast and painless (like 10 minutes or so) and everything just work.
The only slight issue I have with this router is that the printer server does not behave as I expected. If I turn the printer off, the admin screen will show "Device Printer" error and sometimes I have to reset the router. Also, the router only comes with only 2 wired LAN connection, whereas most other ones come with either 3 or 4.

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U.S. Robotics makes wireless networking easy. Its 22Mbps Wireless Cable/DSL Router is easy to set up and use - it installs in three simple steps. Wireless convenience and ease of use means you can share your high-speed Internet connection across multiple computers - get everyone online at the same time. The U.S. Robotics family of 22Mbps wireless networking products provides double the transmission speed, greater range, and better area coverage than existing 11Mbps products.

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Cisco-Linksys Power Over Ethernet Adapter Kit Review

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(More customer reviews)
Linksys makes a version of this unit ( WAPPOE12 ) - that is designed for 12 volt systems.

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The Linksys Power Over Ethernet Adapter Kit lets you put your access points almost anywhere, by removing the requirement of nearby power outlets. By using the existing Category 5 Ethernet cabling to deliver power to any standard 5 volt access point or other network device, you save the time, hassle, and expense of running AC power to the access points installation location. The best position for a wireless access point is usually on the ceiling, in the center of the area to be covered. Second best would be high on a nearby wall. Unfortunately, theres usually no easily accessible AC power plugs available in these locations. With the Power Over Ethernet Adapter Kit, installing the access point in these preferred spots becomes far less trouble.

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ZyXEL PLA470 200 Mbps Powerline HomePlug AV Desktop Adapter with Built-In 4-Port 10/100 Fast Ethernet Switch Review

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(More customer reviews)It's true that HomePlug AV nodes cannot intercommunicate with HomePlug 1.0 nodes. ZyXEL and most, if not all, other HomePlug AV hardware manufacturers are derelict in not pointing out that fact. As an engineer who works with HomePlug almost full-time, I know that AV kicks 1.0's tail in terms of bitrate versus SNR. That doesn't excuse ZyXEL's dereliction, but it gives you cause to ponder retiring your HomePlug 1.0 hardware and replacing it with HomePlug AV hardware. Even if you think you won't benefit sufficiently from HomePlug AV's nominal 14x bitrate improvement, you might need AV's ability to reach more electrical outlets in your building with a bitrate that is usable for your application.
There's another compatibility matter to be aware of. When I examined a new PLA-470 the other day, I was disappointed, but not surprised, to find that the version of firmware installed in the HomePlug AV chipset is an old, pre-standard version, 1.4.5, that is not truly HomePlug-AV compliant and, more importantly, that cannot intercommunicate with subsequent firmware versions. I have not checked to see whether ZyXEL provides the means to upgrade the firmware of the HomePlug-AV chipset. The newest version is 3.0.5. For more detail on the topic of HomePlug-AV-chipset firmware, see my review of the Linksys PLE200.

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