Cisco-Linksys WEC600N Dual Band Wireless-N Ultra RangePlus Expresscard Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)My late 2008 unibody Macbook Pro recently lost the Airport card to a glass of water. Before forking over $1400 for a hefty tier 4 repair (AppleCare doesn't cover water damage), I decided to feel out my options for add on WiFi cards.
Initially my experience was horrible, after going through both the MX Nubbin and Dlink USB adapters which claimed to work with Mac OS X I decided to give up. Not that either of the aforementioned products are bad, they are just not quite ready for prime-time when it comes to Mac OS X support (especially Snow Leopard support). Both the Dlink and MX Nubbin used the same Ralink based chipset which has immature Snow Leopard support via software (ie, no WPA Enterprise support, which is a killer for me because I need to connect to corporate WiFi).
Before giving up and forking over the $$$ to Apple Repair, I decided to try to find something which could make use of my ExpressCard slot. To be candid, it's one of those slots on my MBP I didn't plan on ever using. Boy, was I wrong!
I bought this adapter, plugged it in, and instantly Airport lit up! Cautiously optimistic, I joined my WPA Enterprise network and had no issue. I was ecstatic. The card only sticks out about 1.2 inches. I then went home and tried to join my WPA2-PSK network, no problems there either. Full native Airport support, I'm not sure what else one could want...no need to deal with 3rd party driver software! Yay! Actually, double yay.
Wrt to the overheating, I've been rsync'ing a large directory for 49 minutes (sustained @ 40mbit/sec) and:
1) I have not experienced disconnects
2) The card is not warm at all. In fact, the "better battery life" GPU is warmer than anything around my ExpressCard slot.
Summary: I cannot speak to the experience of Windows users with this card but it's been near perfect in Snow Leopard for me.

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The Ultra RangePlus Dual-Band Wireless-N ExpressCard is the simple way to add or upgrade wireless connectivity in your notebook computer. Just slide it into your computer s ExpressCard slot and enjoy incredible high-speed wireless network access while retaining true mobility.

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Microsoft Broadband Networking Wireless USB Adapter Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a combined review of the MN-500 / MN-510 / MN-610 since they are combined (the MN-610 is a kit of a MN-500 base station and MN-510 USB adapter). The base station installed up to the very end. It said that the installation could not complete because of a firewall or similar problem. I checked, re-checked and re-booted many times. However, I could get through to the Internet, so I had no idea why it would not continue the installation. I ended up calling technical support and they were very helpful. Since I was connecting to the Internet, everything was configured. It just would not complete and make a floppy that could be used on the other systems. So, that part had to be done manually. I was glad support was quick and helpful.
Installing the first other station was very easy, but the second was more problematic. Still, compared to other network installations, it was pretty easy.
Throughput is pretty impressive. In fact, it is just as fast on the others as it was on my base station BEFORE the wireless network. My base station varies from the same performance to THREE TIMES what it was before. I am guessing that the router doing the firewall instead of the OS doing it may account for most of the improvement.
Overall, we are very happy with it.

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The Microsoft wireless USB adapter makes it easy to securely add any computer with a powered USB port to your 802.11b wireless network. Share a broadband connection by connecting to a base station, share files and printers with other computers on your network, or play games with multiple players on the Internet.
The wireless USB adapter comes with an easy-to-use setup wizard, designed to make connecting your computers together easier. It has strong security features, including 128-bit wireless WEP security, and support for 802.1x standards. The Microsoft broadband network utility makes it easy to monitor your network status.
Included with the wireless USB adapter are an adjustable antenna and attached cable and setup CD-ROM, as well as a startup guide and a user's guide.
System requirements include: a computer with an available USB 1.0 or later, full-speed compliant high-power port, and a Wireless Base Station (sold separately) or other 802.11b/Wi-Fi device or network, as well as a computer running Windows 98, 98 SE, Me, 2000 Professional, XP Home or Professional edition; Internet Explorer 5.0 or later (setup will install Internet Explorer 6.0 browser components, if necessary, but will not displace your primary browser); 28 MB of available hard disk space if you already have Internet Explorer 5.5 or 6.0 (132 MB of available hard disk space if you are installing Internet Explorer for the first time); a 4x or faster CD-ROM drive, and a VGA or higher-resolution monitor.

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Alfa AP51 802.11b/g Wireless-G Router - Multi-Function AP / Client / Router / WISP / Repeater Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)i havent been able to get this to work. it seems functional, but i cant configure it properly.
confusing manual. maybe i would change my rating, if i can get it to work! actually it seems like a good product, just not very clear instructions.

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The AP51 support multi-functions applications such as AP/Client/Router/WISP/Repeater, which could connect wireless communication devices together from the wireless ISP network, which operates in the 2.4GHz band compliant with IEEE 802.11b/g Standard. the AP51 supports a data transmission rate up to 54Mbps, with is best suited for Enterprises, or off-site location required LAN or Internet access without effort of networking wired cabling issue. For high level deployment, AP51 also supports Passive Power over Ethernet feature to create more wireless backbone networks without the environment limitation. AP51 also provides advance security enhancement with up to 128-bit WEP, WPA, WPA2, and MAC Filtering.Features* Complies with IEEE 802.11b/g standard for 2.4GHz Wireless LAN* 64-bit and 128-bit WEP, WPA, WPA2, encryption/decryption and WPA with Radius* Support 2 SSIDs* Support Wireless WAN for client mode to connect to the Base-Station and NAT for Ethernet to Computer or Switch* Support Signal wired WAN port Router* Support UPnP for automatic Internet access and Dynamic DNS serviceSpecificationStandard: IEEE 802.11g IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.1xInterface: 1* RJ45 PoE LAN PortSecurity: 64/128-bit WEP, WPA(TKIP with IEEE 802.1x), WPA2, AESMemory: Flash: 8MB - SDRAM: 32MBModulation Method: CCK (802.11b), OFDM (802.11g)Frequency Band: 2.4GHz - 2.497GHz ISM Band, DSSSReceiver Sensitivity:54Mbps OFDM, 10% PER, -68dBm; 11Mbps CCK, 8% PER, -86dBm; 1Mbps BPSK, 8%, - 92dBmPower: DC 12V

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Microsoft Broadband Networking Wireless Base Station Router MN-500 Review

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(More customer reviews)I love gadgets and technology, but I am NOT a computer expert and wireless networking terms such as MAC numbers and Port Forwarding and DMZ are pretty foreign to me. I just wanted a wireless way to share my broadband internet connection between our home office desktop, my PDA (iPAQ 5455) and our kitchen/family room based laptop. The Microsoft MN 500 Wireless Base Station is the ticket to easy wireless networking. All you really need to read is the 4 page quick start guide and the device will be up and running. I read the very informative 100 page manual as well and learned a thing or two, but I really didn't need that informtion. The base station connected flawlessly -though I did reset my cable modem after connecting. That is not in the instructions but my ISP told me it would be a good idea. The base station has worked perfectly since and the signal is very strong throughout my house, upstairs and down- and in fact even in my driveway outside (so I was certain to leave the built-in encryption feature on to prevent drive-by theft of my signal.) My base station is tucked into a cubby hole in my computer desk next to the cable modem and has no problem sending its signal throughout the house. Those who have had problems with the signal probably just need to move the device. There is a lengthy discussion about placement of the base station in the manual (away from metal computer cases, for example). The MN-500 also comes with a hardware firewall. There is much debate as to whether software or hardware firewalls are best. I'm testing. The first two weeks I had my base station I disabled the hardware firewall and continued to use my Norton software based protection. Now, I've disabled that and am using the MN 500 alone. The ease of installation and the firewall and encryption features make this a great product for people who want to share the internet at home but don't want to learn the inner workings of wireless.

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The Microsoft wireless router is the ideal central access point for your wireless network. Connect multiple computers to a single broadband connection. Roam your house or office with the freedom and mobility of a Wi-Fi equipped laptop computer, share files and printers with all the other computers on the network, or play games with multiple players on the Internet and within your own network.
Features include an easy-to-use setup wizard, designed to make connecting your computers together easier. The router comes with strong security features, including a built-in firewall, Network Address Translation (NAT), and access control lists. The 4-port router easily connects to your network with universal plug and play for functionality such as voice messaging, video messaging, and games. You can also monitor your network status easily with Microsoft broadband network utility.
Included in the box with this wireless router are a stand (detachable), power supply cable, Ethernet cable, startup guide, user's guide, setup CD-ROM, and a blank floppy disk.
System requirements include: a computer with a network adapter to configure the router, an external broadband (cable, DSL, or other) modem with Ethernet port (not compatible with dial-up modems), Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or Netscape Navigator 4.7 or later to view and use the management tools, and an available 120 V AC power outlet.
Additional requirements include: a computer running Windows 98, 98 SE, Me, 2000 Professional, XP Professional, or XP Home Edition, Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or later(setup will install Internet Explorer 6.0 browser components, if necessary, but will not displace your primary browser), 28 MB of available hard disk space if you already have Internet Explorer 5.5 or 6.0 (132 MB of available hard disk space if you are installing Internet Explorer for the first time), a 4x or faster CD-ROM drive, and a VGA or higher resolution monitor.
Note: Not all Internet service providers (ISPs) allow the sharing of a broadband connection. Please check with your ISP.

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SURFboard SB5101 DOCSIS 2.0 Data Modem Review

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(More customer reviews)
I bought the Motorola Surfboard 5101 a couple of weeks ago on Amazon. Think they must have gotten a new vendor because the price was about $15 cheaper and there were hundreds of reviews for this cable modem.

I just wanted to point out some things that I picked up from the other reviews. I am a Comcast customer and I wanted to avoid paying the $3/month rental charge for their RCA modem. When I connected the 5101 even though I had all green lights I still had no internet connection. That is because you have to call Comcast and tell them your new MAC ID number that is shown on the modem. This is not pointed out anywhere in the instructions. The Comcast tech did not ask for my serial number. After a few minutes he made the change and said everything was OK.

I rebooted the modem and computer but I still could not connect to the net. I remembered from other reviews that it takes about ten or fifteen minutes for the change to take place. After 15 minutes I rebooted everything and I had my internet connection.

Also there is no mention that the 5101 works with Vista. Thought I might have to download some drivers but I didn't. It works just fine with Vista.

After two weeks the 5101 modem has been working with no problems. I do use that Standby button when I am not connected to the net just because all those green lights are a distraction.

Hope this helps.


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Motorola SURFboard SB5101 Cable Modem.DOCSIS 2.0 Certified.Integrated U/S Amp, USB 1.1, 16 SIDs

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NETGEAR WG111v2 Wireless-G USB 2.0 Adapter - Network adapter - Hi-Speed USB - 802.11b, 802.11g Review

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(More customer reviews)This adapter does not work with the Toshiba DVD blu-ray player. Toshiba, much like Apple, requires the purchase of their more expensive adapter. Netgear's adapter works fine with my HP desktop.

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The NETGEAR WG111 Wireless-G USB 2.0 Adapter is good for surfing the Internet, email and online chat. It provides wireless access to your desktop, notebook or public Wi-Fi hotspots. It is simple and secure way to share a broadband Internet connection.

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TRENDnet 300Mbps Wireless N ADSL2/2+ Modem Router TEW-635BRM (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I set one of these up for my father in law. The only issue I had was with his ATT DSL user account password. The device would not accept his password that he had used on his ATT 2Wire modem. It simply wouldn't allow it. It kept generating a "Passwords must be in ASCI characters" error message. We called ATT. They were both helpful and patient; they seem trained only to support the 2Wire modem, but they hung with me for over an hour while I got this worked out. They reset the password and generated a new one and within 15 minutes I was on the Internet. When I went to the ATT user account site to change to a new user generated password, the Trendnet modem would not accept the change. The same ASCI character error message. ATT reset the password and generated another new one for me. The modem accepted it and I was online again. Another attempt to setup a user defined password failed again. ATT gave me another new password and I was online quickly again. I gave up on trying to change it.
As far as speed, my father in law reports a noticeable improvement over the 2Wire we replaced.
As far as features, this device has more than I understand. It has all the latest technologies and is quite configurable. It has switches to toggle Power and WPS and Wireless funtions on the back.
The settings for ATT DSL are:
Connection to Configure: (VC 1)
Connection Method: (Manual)
VPI: (0)
VCI: (35)
Internet login: (PPPoE)
DSL Multiplexing: (LLC mode)
PPPoE login name: (your primary email address)
PPPoe Password: (your primary email password...this is where I had trouble)
I have set up Zoom and USRobotic modem routers with less frustration, but the improved speed warrants four stars for this device. I got it for under $100 at a local retailer.
Update: I am adding the following solution provided by another, more savvy, user. Thanks "OS".
"This modem has some faulty code that does not allow you to use your regular SBC/ATT dsl username/password. The fix is to download the latest firmware patch from Trendnet. Look up this model on the Trendnet website and go to their downloads link. You will see the firmware update that specifically addresses the "Passwords must be in ASCI characters" error everyone seems to be getting when trying to enter their DLS credentials into the router config screens. Download the firmware (which comes with instructions) and install it on the modem. After the firmware is installed, reboot the device and that particular input page will now work as intended. I've done a few Google searches and am amazed that no one has posted this. The patch has been out since May of 09."

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The 300Mbps Wireless N ADSL 2/2+ Modem Router delivers both Internet access and a high-performance wireless n network in a single solution.No need to buy a separate modem and router. Install this device easily and surf the Internet, download files, play games and talk online with 300Mbps wireless n technology. Connect computers, gaming consoles, media players and storage devices to the built in 4-port switch. The latest in wireless encryption and a double firewall protect your valuable data. Advanced antenna technology (MIMO) delivers broad coverage and minimizes dead spots. One-touch Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) synchronizes WPS peripheral devices at the touch of a button.

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